Operations Manager

Penn Mutual; Bridgeport (CT); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn Mutual in Woodstock, GA seeks an Operations Manager to drive the firm's operational outcomes, partnering with the Managing Principal to lead recruiting, advisory growth, culture and communications. This leader will guide the annual business plan to hit revenue and advisor growth goals, manage the budget, and oversee daily office operations.

We’ve embraced a flexible, hybrid approach to work; an in-office presence with some flex capability is preferred to balance life and professional goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 5–10 years in financial services with leadership experience.
• Experience managing budgets, commissions, and training programs.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements (insurance, FINRA, SEC).

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to drive growth and culture, including communications and events.
• Oversee CL&R, onboarding, training, and new business operations.
• Manage office budget, expenses, and vendor relationships.
• Develop staff, conduct performance reviews, and provide coaching.
• Champion AI adoption and oversee its impact on team performance.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal policies.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Staff development

Training & coaching

Change management

Strategic planning

Communication skills

AI adoption

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree Required

Master's Degree Preferred

Tools

QuickBooks

MS Office

CRM

Document Imaging/Scanning

Job description

Job Description

The Penn Mutual Operations Manager is accountable for the operational outcomes of the Firm and will partner with the Managing Principal in leading and implementing changes on behalf of the Firm related to Recruiting, Advisor Engagement & Growth, Practice Growth, Advice, Culture and Leadership. This leader will build culture within the Firm and own the development and execution of the Firm's communications strategy, using their expertise to guide messaging to be valuable and relevant to financial professionals. This leader will support the Managing Principal in the execution of the annual business plan to drive the Firm's achievement of it's revenue and advisor growth goals. This leader will manage the budget for the Firm, ensuring it is financially profitable. This leader will develop an effective and efficient staff of employees and oversee daily office operations.

Job Description

The Penn Mutual Operations Manager is accountable for the operational outcomes of the Firm and will partner with the Managing Principal in leading and implementing changes on behalf of the Firm related to Recruiting, Advisor Engagement & Growth, Practice Growth, Advice, Culture and Leadership. This leader will build culture within the Firm and own the development and execution of the Firm's communications strategy, using their expertise to guide messaging to be valuable and relevant to financial professionals. This leader will support the Managing Principal in the execution of the annual business plan to drive the Firm's achievement of it's revenue and advisor growth goals. This leader will manage the budget for the Firm, ensuring it is financially profitable. This leader will develop an effective and efficient staff of employees and oversee daily office operations. We’ve embraced a flexible, hybrid approach to work. Based on your role and personal preference, we empower you to choose where you work best. This model allows you to balance your life and bring your whole self to work.

Location: Woodstock, GA - We prefer an in-office presence with some flex capability

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of initiatives that drive growth and culture for the Firm, to include firm communications, firm events, assisting with annual business planning and other key initiatives for the Firm.


• Responsible for overseeing Contract/Licensing and Registration (CL&R) process, to include coordinating fingerprinting, processing of CL&R documents for all financial professionals (FPs) and assisting the FPs with their E&O and continuing education requirements.


• Responsible for overseeing the onboarding and training process of new financial professionals and office staff to the firm, to include explaining benefits, policies and procedures, and coordinating training on provided technology systems, Penn Mutual products and applicable processes and procedures.


• Responsible for overseeing Life and Securities new business processing, servicing and related operations for the firm.


• Responsible for overseeing Practice Development and training for the firm. Coordinates firm training events and FP training and development opportunities.


• Responsible for managing employees for CL&R, Onboarding & Training, New Business and Practice Development & Training. Trains employees in all aspects of their duties in conjunction with the company's policies and procedures. Writes and delivers employee performance reviews and provides ongoing coaching and development.


• Assists in the recruiting of financial professionals by providing information and support as required.


• In conjunction with the Managing Principal, prepare, develops and monitors office budget. Manages expenses and authorizes payment of bills.


• Maintains financial information for the office in QuickBooks according to company guidelines. Submits reconciliation reports to Home Office timely.


• Keeps current with resident and non-resident state insurance securities regulations and requirements for licensing and application. Shares relevant information with office employees to ensure they understand regulations and can apply knowledge to their jobs.


• Partners with Human Resources (HR) for employee relations, performance management issues, benefits, staffing requirements, interviewing and hiring. Maintains employees and financial professionals’ files and promptly notifies Home Office (HO) of all changes related to staff, salary and status.


• Lead with an enterprise mindset, always incorporating best practices and utilizing enterprise resources to maintain alignment with expectations across the organization.


• Proactively anticipates and resolves challenges/problems. Builds consensus across Firm, removes obstacles and leads others to support overall goals and objectives


• Trains employees in all aspects of their duties in conjunction with the company’s policies and procedures.


• Writes and delivers employees performance reviews and provides ongoing coaching and development.


• Responsible for overseeing new business processing and related operations.


• Champions the use of AI technologies within the team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement


• Develops and implements team-level AI learning plans to build capability and confidence


• Monitors the impact of AI tools on team performance and adjusts strategies to maximize value


• Identifies and addresses barriers to AI adoption, ensuring equitable access and support for all team members


• Processes Contract/Licensing and Registration documents for all financial professionals and assists the financial professionals with their E&O and continuing education requirements.


• Adheres to all industry compliance regulations (e.g., insurance, FINRA, SEC) and performs compliance related functions as needed as appropriate to the position. Complies with all company and field office policies and procedures.

Skills And Abilities

• Models leadership competencies of courage, collaboration and commitment


• Collaborative style with a proven ability to lead initiatives that require influence without authority


• Ability to build relationships, influence and have courageous conversations with leaders and key stakeholders across all levels of the organization


• Exceptional organization skills with a focus on results and consistent systems and processes


• Demonstrated experience coaching and developing staff


• Strong business acumen with ability to identify critical business priorities and drive meaningful impact


• Demonstrated experience in understanding and managing budgets and other key data related to the overall performance and outcomes of the firm


• Strong verbal and written communication skills


• Ability to work virtually


• Ability to travel as needed, up to 10%


• Customer Service Orientation – works with field partners to understand their needs and provide services that reflect the values of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company


• Multi-tasking – ability to handle multiple priorities in the same timeframe


• Strong Attention to Detail


• Strong technology skills – ability to adapt to changing technology and capable of working with electronic systems which include MS Office, Order Entry, CRM, Document Imaging/Scanning, Email and Websites.


• Experience leading teams through technology adoption or digital transformation initiatives


• Skilled in developing and delivering training or upskilling programs focused on AI and emerging technologies


• Demonstrated ability to measure and report on the impact of AI tools on team outcomes


• Strong change management skills, with a track record of overcoming resistance to new technology

Education

• Bachelor's Degree Required


• Master's Degree Preferred

Experience

5- 10 years strong financial services industry acumen and proven ability to lead people Required

Licenses

LOMA Certification Preferred

Base Salary Range - $100,000 - $125,000

For over 175 years, Penn Mutual has empowered individuals, families and businesses on the journey to achieve their financial goals. Through our partnership with Financial Professionals across the U.S., we help instill the confidence and reliability that comes from a stronger financial future. Penn Mutual and its affiliates offer a comprehensive suite of competitive products and services to meet the unique needs of Financial Professionals and their clients, including life insurance, annuities, wealth management and institutional asset management. To learn more, including current financial strength ratings, visit www.pennmutual.com.

Penn Mutual is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We provide employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and associates, according to applicable laws. This is reflected in our practices for hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment, compensation, selection or training, and all other terms and conditions of employment. All employment-related decisions and practices are free from unlawful discrimination. This includes: race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship age, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, domestic partnership or civil union status, marital status, genetic information, disability, religious observance or practice, liability, veteran status or any other classification protected under applicable law.