Head of Advisor Tech Strategy and Ecosystem

iR has partnered with a client of ours in Austin, TX who is looking for a seasoned leader to serve as the Head of Advisor Technology Strategy & Ecosystem.

This person will be tasked with shaping, developing, and implementing a forward-thinking advisor technology strategy. This position will drive the transformation and enhancement of advisor-facing technology platforms, strengthening our competitive edge and delivering exceptional experiences for advisors across all subsidiaries of our client.

This leadership role is pivotal to the Digital & Technology organization, requiring a deep technical foundation, extensive knowledge of wealth technology, and proven expertise in digital strategy. The ideal candidate will continuously enhance the advisor experience while driving operational excellence and scalable solutions.

What you get to go do in this role!

• Managing the entire advisor technology ecosystem, encompassing third-party solutions and integrations.
• Serving as a critical partner in acquisition strategies, leading technology evaluations during M&A activities, assessing risks, and ensuring smooth transitions into the ecosystem.
• Partnering with the Digital & Technology leadership team to align the advisor technology strategy with broader platform goals, focusing on scalability, efficiency, and seamless integration.
• Creating a robust framework to assess and onboard technologies/vendors that address advisor needs while staying ahead of industry developments and innovations.
• Design and execute the Advisor Technology Strategy, ensuring alignment with our client’s overall business objectives and advisor support initiatives.
• Lead the development and management of the advisor technology ecosystem, integrating third-party tools to optimize efficiency and performance.
• Establish a structured process for evaluating and selecting technologies, ensuring compatibility with existing platforms and alignment with strategic goals.
• Drive scalability and integration efforts by ensuring new technologies complement our client’s core systems.
• Act as a key leader in acquisition strategies, overseeing all technology-related due diligence for new RIA or IBD acquisitions.
• Identify risks and integration challenges, providing clear documentation and actionable recommendations for post-acquisition plans.
• Collaborate with leadership to create and implement seamless technology onboarding strategies for acquired entities.
• Partner closely with the Digital & Technology leadership team to ensure the advisor ecosystem complements enterprise-wide platforms and objectives.
• Engage with business leaders and other stakeholders to understand advisor priorities, ensuring technology investments align with strategic initiatives.
• Use advisor and internal feedback to identify and resolve pain points in the advisor experience, driving continuous innovation.
• Oversee enterprise-wide vendor relationships, including negotiating contracts to maximize value across all subsidiaries of our client.
• Evaluate and onboard new technology solutions while implementing best practices in vendor management to ensure cost efficiency and innovation.
• Foster relationships with industry-leading providers to continually enhance our client’s advisor technology ecosystem.
• Build and lead a team of skilled technologists and digital product specialists, promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
• Champion efforts to attract, retain, and develop top talent to support the organization’s technology goals.
• Maintain open and transparent communication with the executive team, sharing updates on opportunities, challenges, and progress in the advisor technology space.

What you need to be successful in this role:

• Demonstrated success in designing and managing advisor-focused technology ecosystems in the financial or wealth management sectors.
• Proven ability to develop tools and digital platforms that enhance efficiency and advisor satisfaction.
• Extensive experience in managing vendor partnerships, negotiating enterprise agreements, and implementing evaluation frameworks for emerging technologies.
• Hands-on experience conducting due diligence and managing the technology aspects of mergers and acquisitions within financial services or related industries.
• Adept at leading cross-functional teams and driving alignment across departments to achieve organizational goals.
• In-depth knowledge of innovative technologies and industry shifts, with a demonstrated ability to leverage these insights for strategic advantage.

Preferred Skills and Attributes:

• Comprehensive understanding of wealth management solutions, such as CRM systems, portfolio management tools, and financial technology platforms.
• Familiarity with AI-driven technologies and advanced data analytics.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Strong business acumen, ensuring technology investments deliver measurable outcomes aligned with the organization’s objectives.

If this sounds interesting and you meet the above criteria, please apply and lets tall today!