DIA - Operations Manager

D.A. Davidson; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision

Company 401(k) and ESOP contribution

Generous sick, vacation, and parental leave

Paid holidays

Professional Development Opportunities

Tuition Reimbursement ($15,000 lifetime cap)

Charitable gift-matching program

Charitable gift-matching

Davidson Day of Giving

Job summary

A financial services firm in Richmond, Virginia is seeking an experienced Operations Manager responsible for overseeing daily operational functions of an SEC-registered investment adviser. This role focuses on operational excellence, scalability, and team leadership. The ideal candidate has 7-10 years of experience in investment management operations, strong analytical and communication skills, and a commitment to process improvement. A competitive salary and excellent benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 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 senior leadership.
• Collaborative mindset with a commitment to team success.

Responsibilities

• 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 providers.
• Lead, mentor, and develop an operations team with clear goals and performance management.
• Foster a high-performing team environment with accountability and ownership of responsibilities.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and training of operations staff.
• Model Behaviors aligned with the firm’s Team Agreement (Curiosity, Accountability, Candor, Awareness, Passion, Appreciation).
• Evaluate workflows and lead initiatives for efficiency, automation, and better controls.
• Lead firm-wide operational initiatives, including system enhancements and business continuity planning.
• Prepare operational reporting and metrics for senior management.

Skills

Team management

Operational processes

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree or relevant certifications

Tools

Portfolio accounting platforms

Trading platforms

Custody platforms

Job description

D.A. Davidson Companies is an independent, employee-owned company with a rich history spanning 90 years. We are dedicated to conducting our business in accordance with the highest standards of integrity and ethics, and delivering outstanding service to our clients and each other. We support a friendly, open and supportive culture, and encourage candid communication and productive engagement that make our companies and each of us better. Just as we work to improve our clients’ financial well-being, we also work to strengthen local communities—and giving back is one of our core values. You can learn more about our company culture and impact in our latest annual report.

Overview

Davidson Investment Advisors, founded in 1975, manages $7 billion in assets and is a wholly owned subsidiary of D.A. Davidson Companies. Headquartered in Great Falls, MT, D.A. Davidson Companies is an employee-owned financial services firm providing wealth management, asset management, trust, and capital markets services across the United States. The company offers strong benefits and prioritizes client success. Those interested in learning more or applying should email the hiring manager.

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. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in investment management operations, demonstrated leadership of operational teams, and a strong understanding of the regulatory environment applicable to registered investment advisers.

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 power and speed in decisions)
  • 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 culture of sincere cooperation)

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.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Please answer all questions carefully. By submitting this application for employment, I certify that all of the above information is true and complete and I understand that any falsification or omission of information made by me may disqualify me from further consideration for employment or, if hired, may result in my termination of my employment at any time during the period of my employment, regardless of the amount of time that has passed. California applicants, please see D.A. Davidson’s California Resident Privacy Policy.