VP, Brokerage & Advisory Operations

Job Description:

Operational Leadership & Execution

• Own and accountable for all broker-dealer and RIA back-office operations: account onboarding, maintenance, new account review, trading support, cashiering, disbursements, ACATs/transfers, suitability, and field advisor support
• Establish and enforce operational standards, SLAs, KPIs, and an operating cadence including capacity planning, escalation paths, and issue management
• Build a professional, metrics-driven environment where performance expectations are clear and consistently managed — filling a gap that currently exists
• Oversee supervisory functions for new account review in partnership with the Compliance team, ensuring FINRA, SEC, and MSRB obligations are met
• Provide regulatory and control oversight, ensuring compliance with FINRA, SEC, and MSRB; maintain strong procedures and readiness; lead exams and remediation efforts.
• Collaborate with vendors (e.g., Pershing, DTCC, etc.) to improve platforms, integrations, data quality, and operational resiliency.

People & Talent

• Conduct a rapid, comprehensive talent assessment of the inherited organization — evaluate who is in the right role and identify gaps
• Develop, coach, and hold accountable a team of approximately 40 FTE and multiple direct-report people leaders
• Build succession depth; foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and client-first execution
• Partner with HR to address performance issues and build for the future

Process & Controls

• Identify and close significant procedural and control gaps that currently exist in the organization
• Design and implement scalable, repeatable processes appropriate for a regulated broker-dealer environment — not just an RIA or mutual company back office
• Establish a quality framework and drive consistency across all operational functions
• Lead regulatory exam readiness and remediation in coordination with Compliance and Risk

Technology & Transformation

• Lead the implementation of Docupace as the new account workflow, records (books and records), and straight-through processing tool — this is a committed, in-flight initiative
• Own a multi-year transformation roadmap focused on automation, workflow digitization, and operational risk reduction
• Collaborate with Technology and vendor partners (e.g., Pershing, DTCC, investment platforms) to improve integrations, data quality, and system performance
• Leverage data and analytics to drive decision-making and surface operational risk proactively

Executive Partnership

• Serve as a key member of the Operations Leadership Team; engage directly with the Head of Operations, CHRO, Compliance, Risk, and Technology
• Translate complex operational issues into clear executive-level insights and recommendations
• Build effective partnerships with advisors and field leadership to improve the advisor and client experience
• Partner with shared service functions (training, quality, metrics, fraud prevention) to drive continuous improvement across the candle

Candidate Profile

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate brings 12–15+ years of experience in financial services, with a strong foundation in broker-dealer operations leadership and a demonstrated ability to drive impact at the enterprise level. Building on that foundation, they will have operated at a senior leadership capacity where strategic decisions shaped organizational outcomes across business lines. A proven track record managing regulatory exams and reporting with bodies such as FINRA and SEC is essential, reflecting both a command of compliance obligations and the credibility to navigate complex regulatory relationships. Complementing this regulatory fluency, the candidate will possess deep expertise in clearing house integrations and broker-dealer software solutions, enabling seamless operational execution. Ultimately, they will have a demonstrated history of scaling operations, elevating service quality, improving risk outcomes, and steering cross-functional change initiatives within a regulated wealth management environment.

Key requirements include:

• Deep expertise in broker-dealer operations and regulatory frameworks (FINRA, SEC, MSRB).
• Proven success leading operational transformation and technology modernization.
• Strong executive presence with ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Strategic, data-driven decision maker with strong risk awareness.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to translate complex issues into clear insights.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams.

EDUCATION

Degree: A bachelor’s degree is required. An MBA is highly desirable but not required.

FINA registrations: Series 65 and 24 required; Series 27 preferred.

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.