Regional Director - Central & Southeast Region

Cetera•Chicago, IL

5h•$450,000

About The Position

The Regional Director leads the performance, development, and strategic growth of an assigned multi-state region within Cetera Investors’ supported-independence wealth management model. Reporting to the Head of Cetera Investors, the role is accountable for regional business performance, advisor recruiting and retention, organic growth, Branch Manager effectiveness, and operational execution. The Regional Director translates broader business objectives into actionable regional strategies and priorities, balancing strategic direction with disciplined execution and fostering an advisor-first culture focused on consistent, measurable, and sustainable growth. The role is based in the Central/Southeast regions of the United States, ideally in Chicago, Atlanta, or Charlotte. It requires at least 50% regional travel and regular in-person attendance at a local branch office when not traveling.

Requirements

Minimum 12 years of progressive leadership experience within wealth management or financial services.
Minimum 5 years of experience leading managers, multi-office organizations, or significant financial advisor populations.
Experience overseeing regional business performance.
Demonstrated experience leading advisor recruiting, retention, and practice-growth strategies.
Strong commercial and financial acumen, including an understanding of independent wealth management economics.
Demonstrated success driving revenue growth, advisor recruiting, retention, and organic business development.
Proven ability to develop leaders, manage performance, and execute strategic business plans.
Strong executive presence, judgment, communication, analytical, and relationship-management skills.
Ability to influence outcomes and work effectively across a complex, cross-functional organization.
FINRA Series 7, 24, and 66, or Series 63 and 65.
Ability to travel extensively throughout the assigned region, with at least 50% regional travel and regular in-person attendance at a local branch office when not traveling.
Ability to maintain the licenses and registrations applicable to the position.

Nice To Haves

Experience within an independent broker-dealer, supported-independence, RIA, hybrid, or branch-based wealth management model.
Bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Lead regional growth and business performance through Branch Managers and branch teams by providing strategic direction, aligning resources, and reinforcing accountability for results.
Coach and develop Branch Managers to strengthen leadership effectiveness, establish clear expectations, and drive accountability for branch performance.
Establish and maintain a consistent regional operating cadence, including business reviews, recruiting assessments, performance discussions, and strategic planning.
Build leadership capabilities and bench strength through ongoing talent development, succession planning, and performance management.
Provide leadership and direction for regional recruiting in partnership with Branch Managers, Recruiting, and other key partners.
Develop and guide regional recruiting strategies focused on attracting established advisors and high-producing teams and identifying succession opportunities.
Build and maintain relationships with key advisors to strengthen engagement and retention and proactively address potential attrition risks.
Guide Branch Managers in supporting advisor growth through business planning, asset consolidation, practice management, and available enterprise resources.
Drive advisor productivity and organic growth through Branch Managers and branch teams by identifying opportunities to strengthen practices and deepen client relationships.
Collaborate across Recruiting, Operations, Compliance, Human Resources, Facilities, Marketing, Finance, and Technology to align resources and advance regional priorities.
Identify broader challenges and opportunities affecting advisor experience, branch performance, and regional growth, and partner with appropriate teams to develop and implement solutions.
Provide appropriate supervisory oversight while reinforcing operational discipline, risk management, and regulatory compliance across the region.
Oversee and manage the regional budget, maintaining financial accountability and partnering with Branch Managers to align resources and investments with business priorities.
Maintain a strong presence across the assigned region, engaging with Branch Managers, advisors, and business partners to understand business needs, assess performance, strengthen relationships, and support regional priorities.