RIA Business Consultant - External Wholesaler

Zacks Investment Management; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based incentive compensation

Supportive team environment

Opportunity for uncapped bonuses

Job summary

A financial services firm in Cleveland is seeking an experienced external wholesaler to enhance its RIA Channel. The role involves building partnerships with independent RIAs, conducting meetings to showcase investment solutions, and developing a strategic business plan to grow assets under management. Candidates must have 5+ years in financial sales, the required licenses, and excellent communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary with performance incentives and the chance to work with a respected, research-focused team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as an external wholesaler in financial services.
• Series 7 and Series 66 (or 63 & 65) licenses required.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive business plan.
• Build and maintain long-term partnerships with independent RIAs.
• Conduct in-person and virtual meetings to showcase offerings.
• Identify new business opportunities and deepen existing relationships.

Skills

Financial services sales experience

Strong communication skills

Relationship-building

Consultative selling

Proficiency with CRM systems

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Office

Job description

Zacks Investment Management is seeking an experienced external wholesaler to join our dynamic sales and distribution team. As a key member of our RIA Channel, you will serve as a dedicated wholesaler, promoting and distributing our research driven investment management solutions, including Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs), custom SMAs, model portfolios, and other personalized strategies to independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and financial professionals.

The company leverages decades of proprietary research and a disciplined, data-driven investment process to deliver customized, risk-controlled portfolios that help RIAs meet their clients' unique goals. Our solutions emphasize transparency, tax efficiency, personalization, and alpha generation through proven models.

Position Overview

Job Title: RIA Business Consultant (External Wholesaler – RIA Channel)

Location: Remote / Field-based (assigned regional territory)

Reports to: Director of RIA Solutions

Travel: 50-70% (client meetings, conferences, advisor visits within territory)

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive business plan to grow assets under management (AUM) and advisor relationships in your assigned territory.
• Build and maintain strong, long‑term partnerships with independent RIAs, wealth managers, and financial advisors by serving as their trusted consultant on investment solutions.
• Conduct in‑person and virtual meetings, presentations, and educational sessions to showcase our SMA offerings, model blends, custom strategies, and unique solutions.
• Identify new business opportunities, prospect for new RIA partners, and deepen penetration with existing relationships through consultative selling.
• Provide ongoing support, including product training, portfolio construction guidance, performance reporting, and market insights to help advisors integrate our solutions into their practices.
• Collaborate with internal teams (portfolio management, research, compliance, and operations) to address advisor needs and facilitate seamless onboarding and implementation.
• Track and report on sales activity key metrics to achieve or exceed quarterly/annual goals.
• Stay current on industry trends, regulatory changes, competitive landscape, and evolving product suite to position solutions effectively.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree
• 5+ years of experience in financial services sales, preferably as an external wholesaler.
• Proven track record of success in wholesaling ETF’s, SMAs, unified managed accounts (UMAs), model portfolios, or similar investment solutions to independent RIAs.
• Series 7 and Series 66 (or 63 & 65) licenses required.
• Strong understanding of the RIA business, portfolio construction, tax management, and separately managed accounts.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage at the C‑suite and advisor level.
• Self‑motivated, results‑oriented, and comfortable working independently in a field‑based role.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), Microsoft Office, and virtual meeting tools.
• Willingness to travel extensively within territory and comply with all regulatory requirements.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary + performance‑based incentive compensation (including uncapped bonus potential tied to AUM growth and sales targets).
• Opportunity to work with a respected, research‑focused firm backed by years of excellence.
• Supportive team environment with resources to succeed in growing the RIA channel.

If you are a motivated sales professional passionate about helping independent RIAs deliver exceptional, customized investment outcomes to their clients, we invite you to apply.