Senior Client Operations Associate

Willis Johnson Wealth; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with employer contributions

Health/Dental/Vision insurance

Paid holidays and PTO

Life and Long-Term Disability insurance

Job summary

A financial services firm in Houston is seeking a Senior Client Operations Associate to lead key client service workflows and support operational execution. This role requires a Bachelor's degree and at least three years of experience in the financial services industry. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills, adapt to changing needs, and ensure high service standards. Competitive salary ranges from $75,000 to $105,000, with significant performance bonuses and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in financial services industry.
• Client service, administrative or operations experience at an RIA preferred.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and tasks simultaneously while maintaining quality work.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an escalation point for complex client operations issues.
• Direct daily client operations activities.
• Support the design, implementation, and refinement of operational workflows.
• Provide training and support to Client Operations Specialists and Associates.

Skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Project management

Detail-oriented

Technology skills (MS Office)

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CRM technology

MS Excel

Job description

Reporting to the Client Operations Manager, the Senior Client Operations Associate serves as a senior team lead within the Client Operations group. This individual is responsible for owning key client service workflows, supporting operational execution, and providing day-to-day guidance to junior team members and interns.

This role is designed for a high-performing operations professional who demonstrates strong initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to drive consistent follow-through across client service processes. While this position is not currently a formal people manager role, it is expected to contribute to team leadership and may grow into expanded management responsibilities over time.

Essential Responsibilities

Client Service

• Serve as an escalation point for complex client operations issues, ensuring timely resolution and high service standards
• Direct daily client operations activities including service requests, account maintenance, transfers, and onboarding workflows
• Ensure all paperwork is accurate, complete, and in good order prior to custodian submission
• Perform status checks throughout service and transfer processes, communicating proactively with advisors and internal teams
• Serve as liaison between custodians, advisors, trading, and the investment team
• Record all service tasks and workflow steps in the CRM to ensure accountability and timely follow-through
• Maintain compliance awareness within service workflows and documentation standards

Workflow & Process Improvement

• Support the design, implementation, and refinement of operational workflows related to onboarding, service paperwork, and client experience
• Establish consistent structures, checks-and-balances, and follow-up systems to reduce errors and improve execution
• Participate in regular review and continuous improvement of team processes and service standards

Team Support & Development (Team Lead Focus)

• Provide training, coaching, and day-to-day support to Client Operations Specialists and Associates
• Assist with onboarding and support of interns, ensuring consistent execution of core client service processes
• Serve as a resource to the team by reinforcing best practices and operational consistency
• Contribute to a culture of accountability, professionalism, and strong client service execution

Hiring & Recruiting Support

• Assist with initial resume review and first-round candidate screening for Client Operations and Residency-related hiring needs
• Support recruiting coordination efforts as needed, including internship pipeline and outreach support

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Three or more years of experience in financial services industry required.
• Client service, administrative or operations experience at an RIA is preferred.
• Demonstrates excellent organizational, problem solving and communication skills in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong prioritization and project management skills to drive progress of firm projects; ability to handle multiple projects and tasks simultaneously while maintaining quality work.
• Strong technology skills, including MS Office (Excel), CRM and internal portal technology.
• Highly adaptive and responsive to changing needs and deadlines.
• Ability to establish structures, checks-and-balances, and maintain follow-up systems.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $75,000 - $105,000, plus discretionary performance bonuses paid out bi-annually.
• Total Compensation Range with Bonus = $86,000 - $132,000.
• 401(k) plan with opportunity to earn up to 7% the first year and 10% with tenure.
• Best and brightest leaders will have opportunities to buy into and become owners in the firm over time.
• 11 paid holidays and 15 PTO days to use at your discretion.
• Employer paid Health/Dental/Vision insurance premiums for individuals and families.
• Employer HSA contributions.
• Employer paid Life and Long-Term Disability.