Manager Suitability Review

Horace Mann•Springfield, NJ

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Horace Mann is seeking an experienced and knowledgeable Manager, Suitability Review to lead our suitability review function and help ensure the firm maintains the highest standards of regulatory compliance, supervisory oversight, and customer protection. This leadership role is responsible for managing the suitability review process for financial service products, overseeing a team of analysts, supporting registered representatives, and ensuring compliance with FINRA regulations and broker-dealer requirements. The ideal candidate combines deep securities industry knowledge with strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
5+ years of suitability review experience.
5+ years of securities industry experience, including direct interaction with registered representatives.
Strong understanding of FINRA regulations, suitability standards, supervisory requirements, and broker-dealer operations.
Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.
FINRA Series 6 (or Series 7) required.
FINRA Series 26 (or Series 24) required.
FINRA Series 51 and 53 are required within three months of hire.
Strong leadership and coaching abilities
Excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Strong decision-making and risk assessment capabilities
Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements
Proven ability to influence and collaborate across business functions
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

Nice To Haves

Experience managing suitability review teams.
Experience developing surveillance reporting and exception monitoring programs.
Experience designing and delivering compliance training programs.

Responsibilities

Review financial service product applications and enrollment forms for suitability in accordance with broker-dealer procedures and FINRA regulations.
Complete required follow-up with registered personnel, document broker-dealer files, and approve or reject applications as a Registered Principal on behalf of the firm.
Review financial product replacements, asset allocation recommendations, and suitability determinations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and firm policies.
Act as a subject matter expert on suitability matters for field agents, registered representatives, and home office personnel.
Lead, coach, and develop a team of Suitability Analysts.
Establish performance expectations and ensure timely, accurate review of suitability submissions.
Foster a culture of compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Support employee development through coaching, training, and performance management.
Design and maintain surveillance reports to support supervision of account transactions and registered personnel activities.
Develop and utilize exception reporting tools to identify potential compliance concerns and trends.
Review, develop, and enhance suitability standards, policies, procedures, and controls.
Recommend process improvements that strengthen compliance oversight and operational efficiency.
Develop and deliver suitability-related training programs for registered representatives and internal business partners.
Assist in the development and testing of forms and tools designed to improve field productivity and data collection.
Provide guidance to registered representatives regarding product suitability, replacement transactions, and asset allocation considerations.
Partner with Compliance, Operations, Product, and Distribution teams on regulatory initiatives and business projects.
Oversee the maintenance and development of regulatory forms and documentation.
Ensure broker-dealer records are maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Support audits, examinations, and regulatory inquiries as needed.