D.A. Davidson Companies is an independent, employee‑owned firm that offers wealth management, asset management, trust, and capital markets services across the United States. It is dedicated to client success and fostering a culture of integrity and teamwork.
Summary
The Operations Manager is responsible for the administration of day‑to‑day operational functions of an SEC‑registered investment adviser in a collaborative leadership structure, ensuring operational excellence, scalability, and regulatory readiness. Key areas of focus include process improvements and support for our growing firm’s key initiatives. This role will partner closely with an existing Operations Manager to oversee a team responsible for core operational processes and serve as a partner to senior leadership in maintaining efficient workflows, strong internal controls, and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Qualifications / Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree or relevant certifications a plus.
- Minimum of 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in operations within an investment adviser, asset manager, or financial services firm.
- Demonstrated experience managing and developing a team.
- Familiarity with portfolio accounting, trading, and custody platforms.
- Proven ability to design, implement, and maintain effective operational processes and controls.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with senior leadership.
- Collaborative mindset with a commitment to contributing to team success.
Duties
Operational Oversight
- Oversee daily operational activities including account administration, trading support, reconciliation, data integrity, and system workflows.
- Ensure operational processes are well documented, consistently followed, and scalable as the firm grows.
- Identify, implement, and monitor operational controls to mitigate risk and ensure accuracy and timeliness across functions.
- Serve as a subject‑matter expert for operational systems and third‑party service providers.
Team Leadership & Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop an operations team, including goal‑setting, performance management, and professional development.
- Foster a collaborative, high‑performing team environment with clear accountability and ownership of responsibilities.
- Participate in hiring, onboarding, and training of operations staff.
- Model behaviors in alignment with the firm’s Team Agreement, which is a commitment to the following:
- Curiosity (avoid becoming defensive and remaining open to learning)
- Accountability (taking 100% responsibility for results; no blaming)
- Candor (engaging in courageous truth‑telling to increase decision speed)
- Awareness (tapping every emotional and intuitional resource for decisions)
- Passion (discovering and allowing people to do what they do best)
- Appreciation (expressing gratitude and fostering a sincere cooperation culture)
Process Improvement & Strategic Initiatives
- Evaluate existing workflows and identify opportunities for efficiency, automation, and improved controls.
- Lead or support firm‑wide operational initiatives, including system enhancements, vendor transitions, and business continuity planning.
- Prepare operational reporting and metrics for senior management to support informed decision‑making.
What we offer
Competitive salary plus excellent benefits and perks including, but not limited to:
- Medical, Dental and Vision
- Company 401(k) and ESOP contribution
- Generous sick, vacation, and maternity/parental leave
- Paid holidays
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Tuition Reimbursement ($15,000 lifetime cap)
- Discounted personal insurance including home, auto and recreational vehicles
- Charitable gift‑matching program
- Davidson Day of Giving – Our tradition of positively impacting communities in which we live and work.
At D.A. Davidson, we are committed to fostering a diverse environment that supports the development and inclusivity of all employees.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.