Operations Manager - San Juan Capistrano, CA

Advisor Talent Solutions•San Juan Capistrano, CA

1d•$115,000 - $137,000•Onsite

About The Position

CD Financial is seeking a hands-on Operations Manager to support the firm's growth by driving efficiency, accountability, and a positive team culture. The role oversees day-to-day office operations, coordinates team activities, and reports operational status and issues to the principal. It also provides backup for trading, IRA processing, and fixed index annuity processing, and supports the Marketing Manager with social media and client engagement efforts. The Operations Manager leads the team and manages KPIs, oversees custodian operations such as account opening and asset transfers, supports portfolio deployment and maintenance, and processes distributions, RMDs, and annuity paperwork. The role also maintains CRM workflows and task lists, supports financial and tax planning software through data entry and report preparation (without providing advice), develops procedures and checklists, and helps maintain books-and-records and compliance documentation. The position is based in San Juan Capistrano, California, with a Monday–Friday schedule from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Compensation is $115,000–$137,000 per year, based on experience. The employer offers a health and wellness reimbursement available immediately, PTO, and a 401(k) with a 4% match.

Requirements

At least 3 years of operations experience at an RIA, wealth management, or financial planning firm.
At least 2 years of leadership and people-management experience.
Demonstrated ability to build a positive, results-oriented culture that promotes accountability, engagement, professional growth, and collaboration.
Working knowledge of account types, ACATs, rollovers, model portfolios, distributions, and RMD rules.
Experience with Schwab Advisor Center or a comparable custodian platform, such as Fidelity, Pershing, or Altruist.
Experience processing fixed or fixed index annuity applications, transfers, and withdrawals.
Ability to set and manage KPIs and hold a team accountable with a steady, respectful style.
Strong software skills, including proven AI or Agentic AI experience with tools such as Claude or GPT, CRM experience, Microsoft 365, e-signature, and workflow tools.
Excellent attention to detail, organization, and written and verbal communication.

Nice To Haves

California Life & Health insurance license, or willingness to obtain one within 90 days.
SIE, Series 65, or progress toward either.
Exposure to financial planning software such as MoneyGuide, eMoney, or RightCapital and tax planning software such as Retirement Analyzer or Holistiplan.
Familiarity with social media platforms and scheduling tools.
Experience serving federal employees or retirees.

Responsibilities

Set, track, and report team KPIs, including turnaround times, NIGO rates, new accounts opened, assets transferred, and applications submitted and issued.
Hold regular check-ins and weekly team meetings; coach team members, follow up, and enforce standards consistently and fairly.
Build a positive team culture with clear roles, handoffs, and expectations.
Coordinate work across advisory-firm functions, including advisors, paraplanners, client service, trading and operations, insurance processing, and marketing.
Report operational status and issues to the principal.
Open individual, joint, trust, IRA, Roth, and inherited IRA accounts, and manage paperwork through completion.
Track ACATs, rollovers, transfers, and contributions from initiation until funds are received.
Deploy and maintain model portfolios and confirm accounts are invested and aligned after funding.
Process distributions, RMDs, and standing instructions; monitor RMD deadlines across the client book.
Serve as backup for trading and IRA application processing.
Prepare and submit fixed index annuity applications and 1035/transfer paperwork.
Track pending annuity business with carriers through issue and delivery.
Process annuity withdrawals, free-withdrawal requests, and RMDs from qualified annuities.
Serve as backup for fixed index annuity application processing.
Keep the CRM, workflows, and task lists accurate and up to date.
Support financial planning and tax planning software through data entry and report preparation, without providing advice.
Write and refine standard operating procedures and checklists.
Help maintain books-and-records and compliance documentation.
Support the Marketing Manager with social media scheduling, posting, and content coordination.
Assist with event logistics and client communications as needed.