DIA - Operations Manager

D.A. Davidson • Richmond, VA

5d

About The Position

The Operations Manager is responsible for the administration of day‑to‑day operational functions of an SEC‑registered investment adviser in a collaborative leadership structure, ensuring operational excellence, scalability, and regulatory readiness. Key areas of focus include process improvements and support for our growing firm’s key initiatives. This role will partner closely with an existing Operations Manager to oversee a team responsible for core operational processes and serve as a partner to senior leadership in maintaining efficient workflows, strong internal controls, and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in investment management operations, demonstrated leadership of operational teams, and a strong understanding of the regulatory environment applicable to registered investment advisers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree or relevant certifications a plus.
• Minimum of 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in operations within an investment adviser, asset manager, or financial services firm.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing a team.
• Familiarity with portfolio accounting, trading, and custody platforms.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and maintain effective operational processes and controls.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with senior leadership.
• Collaborative mindset with a commitment to contributing to team success.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operational activities including account administration, trading support, reconciliation, data integrity, and system workflows.
• Ensure operational processes are well‑documented, consistently followed, and scalable as the firm grows.
• Identify, implement, and monitor operational controls to mitigate risk and ensure accuracy and timeliness across functions.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for operational systems and third‑party service providers.
• Lead, mentor, and develop an operations team, including goal‑setting, performance management, and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative, high‑performing team environment with clear accountability and ownership of responsibilities.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and training of operations staff.
• Model behaviors in alignment with the firm’s Team Agreement, which is a commitment to the following: o Curiosity (avoid becoming defensive and remaining open to learning) o Accountability (taking 100% responsibility (no more; no less) for results; no blaming) o Candor (engaging in courageous truth-telling to increase power and speed in decisions) o Awareness (tapping every emotional and intuitional resource for decisions) o Passion (discovering and allowing people to do what they do best) o Appreciation (expressing gratitude and fostering a culture of sincere cooperation)
• Evaluate existing workflows and identify opportunities for efficiency, automation, and improved controls.
• Lead or support firm‑wide operational initiatives, including system enhancements, vendor transitions, and business continuity planning.
• Prepare operational reporting and metrics for senior management to support informed decision‑making.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Company 401(k)and ESOP contribution
• Generous sick, vacation, and maternity/parental leave
• Paid holidays
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement ($15,000 lifetime cap)
• Discounted personal insurance including home, auto and recreational vehicles
• Charitable gift-matching program
• Davidson Day of Giving – Our tradition of positively impacting communities in which we live and work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees