Lead Financial Planner

About the Firm

Sparks Financial is a holistic wealth management firm providing a top-notch experience to valued clients. Our mission is to help people define, build, and enjoy prosperous lives. As a member of the Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group, we manage over $2 billion for clients nationally and are recognized by Barron’s, Forbes, and Denver Business Journal as one of the top wealth management firms in the country.

About the Role

The Lead Financial Planner leads the relationship and management of clients’ household planning. This role applies knowledge of risk, investments, and financial planning to analyze current situations and develop tailored solutions aligned with clients' needs and goals. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills are required to support task execution and new business opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Assist Private Wealth Advisor in client relationship management, including scheduling, research, analysis, account servicing, and ensuring data accuracy and consistency.
• Collaborate with a Client Service Associate or Operations Team Member to delegate implementation and servicing tasks.
• Attend client meetings to memorialize notes and action items.
• Complete follow-up and action items from client interactions, including servicing and new business opportunities.
• Conduct periodic internal reviews of managed households to identify opportunities and data inconsistencies.
• Understand Sparks Financial’s planning philosophy and introduce prospects/clients to trusted partners (CPA, Estate Attorney, Sophisticated Planning).
• Develop deep knowledge of Northwestern Mutual product selection, industry standards, and holistic financial planning to create recommendations independently or collaboratively.
• Work across business units with excellent communication to achieve client goals.
• Participate in weekly, monthly, and quarterly meetings to share and develop skills.
• Engage in Home Office or local office ad-hoc committees and projects as needed.

Requirements

• 5+ years in Financial Services, with a background in financial planning.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent secondary education (relevant experience may substitute).
• Colorado Life and Health Insurance and Long-Term Care Licenses required.
• FINRA SIE, Series 7, and Series 63 Licenses required.
• CFP® designation or equivalent industry standard (or ability to obtain).
• Proven ability to collaborate across business units and organize deliverables concisely.
• High attention to detail and strong communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and time-sensitive information.

Benefits

• Starting salary of $85,000 - $100,000 (contingent on experience) + quarterly bonuses.
• Hybrid work environment (remote Tuesdays and Fridays after introductory period).
• Company-paid industry licensing, including study time and exam materials.
• Paid Time Off, 11 observed holidays, and a birthday day off.
• Paid parental leave and paid sabbatical.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits.
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 4% match.
• Employer-paid Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Long-Term Care reimbursement.
• Cell phone stipend, paid parking, health and wellness stipend, and additional perks.