Strategic Projects Leader

Company Overview:

Apella Capital (Apella) is an established and fast-growing wealth management firm (RIA) that is expanding to new markets and looking for a Strategic Projects Leader for their growing staff.

Apella is headquartered in CT with offices across the country including MA, RI, NY, TN, TX, GA, CA, PA, OR, VA and WA. As Apella continues to grow it offers clients, employees and advisors a unique experience by taking a team approach to offering the highest quality of service. We get to know our clients very well and use that knowledge to create customized financial, investment and tax plans, and manage their investments.

Position Summary:

The Strategic Projects Leader will lead and manage a variety of strategic initiatives and operational projects across the firm. This role is responsible for driving process improvements, implementing new technologies, assisting with M&A transitions, coordinating operational changes, and ensuring smooth onboarding processes for new employees. The Strategic Projects Leader will also act as a key liaison between leadership, compliance, IT, HR and other internal departments, ensuring all projects adhere to regulatory requirements and align with the firm’s strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning and Execution:

• Define the scope, objectives, deliverables, and timelines of key projects.
• Assign tasks to team members, monitor progress, and adjust strategies as necessary to ensure successful project delivery.
• Implement new technology upgrades, process improvements, and operational changes to increase efficiency and maintain compliance.

Stakeholder Management:

• Act as a primary point of contact for key internal and external stakeholders, including advisors, senior management, compliance officers, and clients.
• Communicate project progress, risks, and updates effectively to all relevant parties.

lSupport M&A Transitions:

• Assist with HR related items that pertain to M&A including but not limited to benefits, new employee onboarding, offer letters to employees, etc.

Employee Onboarding and IT Set-Up:

• Facilitate the onboarding process for new employees, ensuring a smooth introduction into the organization.
• Oversee IT set-up for new hires and ensure they have the necessary access and tools to perform their roles effectively.
• Coordinate training schedules
• Provide guidance and coordination in partnership with IT leadership.

Executive Leadership Coordination:

• Coordinate and schedule travel and meetings for executive leadership, ensuring their schedules are optimized and logistics are managed seamlessly.

Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives:

• Manage ad hoc and strategic projects as assigned by senior leadership.
• Lead cross-functional teams to ensure the timely and successful implementation of new firm-wide initiatives.

Skills & Qualifications:

Required Skills:

• Financial Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with investment strategies, portfolio management concepts, and the regulatory framework of registered investment advisors.
• Project Management Expertise: Proven experience planning, implementing, and managing complex projects to completion.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with investment management software, CRM tools, portfolio reporting platforms, and data analysis tools.
• Leadership & Team Development: Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, fostering collaboration and driving results.
• Risk Mitigation & Compliance Acumen: Familiarity with industry regulations and a proven ability to ensure operational activities align with compliance standards.

Communication Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, leadership, and compliance officers.

Preferred Experience:

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in a strategic, operational, or project management role within the financial services industry, with proven experience managing change initiatives or technology upgrades.
• Advanced understanding of investment advisory firms' operational structures and workflows.
• Experience with M&A integration processes, risk analysis, and strategic planning.

Education & Credentials:

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
• Relevant professional certifications (PMP, CFA, or similar) are strongly preferred.