Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

October, 2024

JOB PURPOSE:
This position has daily oversight of the firm. Through proactive and reactive efforts, the goal of this position is to drive new sales and revenue as well as deliver world class service and support to the firm’s clients. This position will also identify and pursue a strategy of recruiting and retaining high quality advisor and associate team members. This individual also has oversight of the firm’s product platform, client events, marketing, technology, training, human resources and developing of external partnerships and relationships to support firm business growth through ideas, strategies and support dollars.

Position Location – Greensboro, NC
Titles of those reporting directly to this position: All staff associates and advisors

Essential Functions:

• Manage the planning process to increase revenues across all suitable products and services
• Manage client support using internal and external resources
• Manage firm compliance and HIPPA regulations and review company risk policies.
• Coordinate and continually improve the firm’s wealth management (Life, DI, Annuity, RP, BD, Investment Advisory Services) product and service platform; ensure best-in-class offerings for all after proper due diligence.
• Stay abreast of the products and services that the industry offers to constantly enhance the firm’s platform
• Manage recruiting initiative of bringing high quality advisors to the practice
• Finalize and consistently enhance firm benefit package for advisors and staff
• Manage training to educate advisors and staff on all planning products, services, and strategies
• Seek innovative technology and quality solutions to improve service to advisors and clients
• Coordinate client and prospecting events. Solicit and obtain financial support from strategic sponsors
• Manage relationship with key outside partners (Ameritas, AIC, other strategic product vendors) to assure proper business facilitation and service standards.
• Supervise and develop staff members.
• Assist firm and its advisors in managing their business as a business. Provide guidance with business planning, reaching profitability, risk management, human resource items and coaching services.
• Assist firm advisors in setting up technology. This would include the organizational structure, technology systems and back-office procedures to improve office efficiency.
• Manage firm marketing efforts, including brand-name awareness, annual marketing plan creation and strategic marketing techniques.

This position will work with the firm partners to fulfill growth strategy. A major focus will be in incorporating all available and suitable product lines at the client level resulting in overall revenue growth. Some industry travel will be required in order to maintain and enhance best practices for the firm. This position will potentially need to effectively communicate with and train staff located in other locations. Due to the wide variety of product, service, technology, marketing and other practice management levels of knowledge this position will require a high level of experience and sophistication.

Working as part of a team is integral to the position. Teamwork is required, both within the firm, and with other external companies in order to ensure that the firm provides a high level of products and support. Critical companies to work with include: Ameritas, (Sales, Operations, and Compliance), BD (Operations and Compliance), Other key external product and service providers.

Marginal Functions:

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• College BS/BA degree
• 15 years experience with a financial services organization
• In-depth knowledge of products (mutual funds, annuities, variable universal life, unit investment trusts, general securities, alternative investments, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans).
• Excellent relationship management skills in order to build credibility with industry associates and to manage relationships with strategic partners and staff
• Strong aptitude for leadership, coaching and strategic thinking
• Demonstrated supervisory experience
• Ability to communicate with the highest level of industry professionals and clientele
• Excellent writing and oral presentation skills
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize competing demands
• Series 7 and 65/66 licenses
• Life and Annuity license

Mission Critical Competencies

Factor I: Strategic Skills

• Functional/Technical Skills
• Decision Quality
• Intellectual Horsepower
• Problem Solving
• Creativity
• Perspective
• Strategic Agility

Factor II: Operating Skills

• Timely Decision Making
• Priority Setting
• Organizing
• Time Management
• Managing and Measuring Work
• Process Management
• Total Work Systems

Factor III: Courage

• Command Skills
• Conflict Management
• Standing Alone

Factor IV: Energy and Drive

• Action Oriented
• Perseverance
• Drive for Results

Factor V: Organizational Positioning Skills

• Presentation Skills
• Comfort Around Higher Level of Sophisticated Professionals and Clientele

Factor VI: Personal and Interpersonal Skills

• Customer Focus
• Motivating Others
• Integrity and Trust
• Self-Development

Working Conditions:
Normal Office Conditions – Some Travel Required