Investment Operations Associate

Northwestern Mutual; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

401(k) with employer match

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

Northwestern Mutual in San Diego area is seeking an Investment Operations Associate to collaborate with financial representatives in delivering comprehensive planning and investment support. The role focuses on enhancing productivity through training, proposal prep, and thorough account servicing.

The candidate should bring 2–5 years in financial services, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with planning processes, Envestnet, and Morningstar tools. Licensing within 3–6 months is expected.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical, problem solving, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and reliability in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• 2–5 years of financial services experience preferred.
• Experience with planning processes or methodologies preferred.
• Experience with brokerage and advisory platforms preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Life, Accident & Health licenses to be obtained within 3–6 months.
• Series 63 and Series 6 or 7 to be obtained within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Promotes Northwestern Mutual planning culture, process, and tools.
• Train and transfer knowledge on investment concepts, suitability, and resources.
• Monitor adherence to network office guidelines and assist reps.
• Meet with representatives to discuss proposals, methods, and assumptions.
• Identify opportunities and constraints to inform strategies and client solutions.
• Craft financial security solutions in clients' best interests.
• Share recommendations with reps and coach for client presentations.
• Inform reps of tax consequences, costs, and breakpoint information.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Detail oriented

Microsoft Office

Financial services experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/finance

Tools

Envestnet

Morningstar

Microsoft Office

Job description

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Investment Operations Associate works with financial representatives (FRs) to deliver financial security to their clients through a comprehensive planning process that integrates risk and investment products. Associates help financial representatives increase productivity by providing planning and investment support.

Specific duties include but are not limited to:

Representative Training and Development

• Promotes, utilizes, and reinforces Northwestern Mutual planning culture, process, and tools.
• Provide training and knowledge transfer on Investment concepts, suitability, and product resources tools and procedures.
• Monitors and reinforces representative adherence with network office’s business guidelines.
• Meet with representative to discuss proposal, analysis, method, opinion and discuss all assumptions.
• Identify potential opportunities and constraints and assess information to formulate strategies.
• Craft financial security solution(s) accurately and in the best interest of clients.
• Share recommendations with representatives and coach to the delivery of a successful client presentation.
• Identify and inform representatives of tax consequences, costs, and applicable breakpoint information (e.g. sales charges, surrender charges, account transfer fees).

Proposal and Case Preparation

• Prepare Personal Planning Analysis.
• Prepare Envestnet proposal for Advisory clients.
• Prepare Morningstar Analysis.
• Recommend fund portfolio options.
• Gather information for registered representative’s meeting with client/prospect (e.g. prospectuses, annual reports, and Morningstar reports).

Account Services and Support

• Prepare all materials for all quarterly and annual reviews: investment summary, consolidated investment reports.
• Organize, manage, and coordinate back-office investment account services and support.
• Thoroughly document case notes, thought process, and analysis, and assumptions.
• General account servicing as directed by representative.
• Provide NMIS Operations backup support, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong analytical, problem solving, and written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work well with others.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and reliability with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient knowledge in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) with ability to learn various software programs quickly.
• 2-5 years of financial services experience preferred.
• Experience in utilizing a planning process or methodology preferred.
• Experience with both brokerage and advisory platforms preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree in business, finance and/or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Life, Accident & Health insurance licenses to be obtained within the first 3-6 months of employment.
• Series 63 and either Series 6 or Series 7 to be obtained within the first 6 months of employment.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive Compensation: Base salary of $65-75k with comprehensive benefits package that includes PTO, 401(k) with employer match, subsidized health insurance premiums, and life and disability insurance coverage.
• Career Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and growth with access to professional development resources and clear career pathways.
• Supportive Team Environment: Join a collaborative and motivated team committed to your success and career satisfaction.
• Networking Opportunities: Build connections within the financial services industry and local community through various events and initiatives.
• Impactful Work: Play a pivotal role in shaping the careers of students and future financial professionals.
• Recognition & Rewards: Celebrate achievements and milestones with a range of recognition programs and incentives.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Northwestern Mutual believes that every individual makes a significant contribution to our success and recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of Northwestern Mutual that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veteran status, genetic information or disability in any activities, or employment.