Senior Director of Practice Acquisitions

Edward Jones

About The Position

The Senior Director of Practice Acquisitions creates, builds, and leads Edward Jones’ national External Practice Acquisition capability. The role leads acquisition managers, analysts, and cross-functional partners in evaluating, negotiating, and executing a portfolio of acquisitions of independent financial practices to accelerate the firm’s growth strategy. The Senior Director develops the acquisition strategy, operating model, governance frameworks, and execution capabilities needed to acquire and transition advisory practices at scale. The role partners with Market Management, Recruiting, Practice Onboarding/Integration, Legal, Finance, and senior business leaders to deliver acquisition outcomes while improving the advisor and client experience throughout the acquisition lifecycle. This position has enterprise-wide strategic influence and is responsible for building organizational capacity, talent strategy, effectiveness, and succession planning within the acquisition function. Key outcomes include completing 20–50 practice acquisitions and delivering $1.5B–$3.0B in acquired AUM annually, improving acquisition experiences and operational measures, supporting advisor and client asset retention after acquisition, and developing capacity for future growth.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Accounting, or a related discipline.
Demonstrated ability to lead enterprise-scale acquisition, corporate development, M&A, wealth management growth, or strategic transaction programs.
Demonstrated success negotiating and executing complex transactions involving founder-owned businesses.
10 or more years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate development, investment banking, wealth management, business development, or a related field.
10 or more years of leadership experience directly managing teams and developing leaders.
Demonstrated ability to build new operating capabilities and scale organizations.
Strong financial analysis, valuation, transaction structuring, and negotiation skills.
Excellent executive-level communication, stakeholder management, and influence skills.
Experience leading transformational initiatives in large organizations.

Nice To Haves

Wealth management or registered investment advisor acquisition experience.
Experience leading national acquisition programs.
Experience developing acquisition operating models and governance frameworks.
Familiarity with advisor succession and practice transition models.

Responsibilities

Lead and directly manage the success and performance of acquisition managers and analysts responsible for transaction execution.
Establish and evolve the firm’s national practice acquisition strategy and operating model.
Lead acquisition evaluation, valuation, diligence, negotiation, and transaction execution.
Develop scalable acquisition programs, governance structures, policies, and performance measurement frameworks.
Align acquisition priorities and execution strategies with the firm’s growth strategy and long-term objectives.
Translate acquisition strategy into measurable goals, objectives, and organizational priorities.
Communicate acquisition strategy, performance, and recommendations to senior leaders and key stakeholders.
Partner with Recruiting and Practice Onboarding/Integration leaders to improve sourcing effectiveness and post-close outcomes.
Build organizational capacity to support increasing acquisition volume and complexity.
Attract, develop, and retain a diverse workforce capable of supporting enterprise growth objectives.
Champion continuous improvement and innovation across acquisition processes and the advisor experience.
Determine prioritization of acquisition opportunities, organizational resources, and capability investments.
Provide recommendations on acquisition opportunities, risks, valuations, and expected business outcomes.
Build and maintain relationships with practice owners, investment bankers, attorneys, consultants, and industry intermediaries.
Support advisor retention and client asset retention following acquisitions.

Benefits

Medical and prescription drug coverage.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Voluntary benefits, including accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness coverage.
Short- and long-term disability coverage at no cost to associates.
Basic life and basic AD&D coverage at no cost to associates.
401(k) retirement plan.
Health savings account and flexible spending account.
Ten paid holidays.
15 days of vacation for new associates beginning on January 1 of each year.
Sick time and personal days.
Paid day for volunteerism.
Associates may be eligible for bonuses and profit sharing.
Employee Assistance Program.