Operations Manager, Sr

Hilltop Holdings • Dallas, TX

18d

About The Position

The Senior Operations Manager provides strategic and operational leadership across assigned Clearing Firm Operations functions and reports directly to the Head of Operations. The role oversees daily execution, maintains a strong risk and control environment, develops managers and team members, and ensures operational services are delivered accurately, on time, and in compliance with requirements.

The Senior Operations Manager leads large, complex, cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives, partnering with business teams, Compliance, Risk, Technology, Finance, and external service providers. The role drives process improvement, automation, scalability, and organizational readiness, translating business objectives into practical operating models and measurable results. HilltopSecurities Operations provides back-office support across areas including clearance, settlement, unit investment trusts, government and mortgage-backed securities, money market instruments, OTC derivatives, and transactions involving mutual funds and insurance carriers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience.
• Eight or more years of progressive experience in broker-dealer or clearing firm operations, including significant experience leading operational teams, functions, or complex programs.
• Broad knowledge of securities processing, clearing, custody, and the operational control environment supporting a regional or national financial services organization.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic and operational plans, translate business objectives into practical operating models, and deliver measurable results.
• Experience leading large, complex, cross-functional projects or initiatives and managing scope, resources, timelines, risks, dependencies, and competing priorities.
• Leadership and people-management skills, including experience developing managers and team members, building accountable teams, and leading through organizational or operational change.
• Understanding of broker-dealer regulatory requirements, risk management, internal controls, business continuity, and operational procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, executive presentation, negotiation, stakeholder-management, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with operations-processing platforms, Microsoft Office applications, reporting tools, and technology used to support workflow, controls, and process improvement.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing priorities, and manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines.
• FINRA Series 7 and Series 24 or 27, or ability to obtain required registrations within established company timeframes.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Tax and Cost Basis Operations, Retirement Operations, Margin Operations, Cash Management Operations, or related clearing functions.
• FINRA Series 63 license.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across assigned Clearing Firm Operations functions, setting priorities, performance expectations, and service standards aligned with the Head of Operations’ objectives.
• Lead large, complex, cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives from planning through implementation, managing scope, resources, risks, dependencies, and delivery.
• Oversee daily operational activities and maintain controls that support accurate, timely, and compliant securities processing.
• Identify and implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and scalable practices to improve efficiency, capacity, quality, and client experience.
• Partner with business lines, Compliance, Risk, Technology, Finance, and other stakeholders to evaluate products, regulatory changes, and business initiatives and define operational support models, controls, procedures, and implementation requirements.
• Develop, coach, and mentor managers and team members; promote accountability and support succession and talent development.
• Establish and monitor performance, service, risk, and control metrics; analyze trends, address exceptions, and report recommendations to senior leadership.
• Resolve complex operational issues and escalations through sound judgment, independent decision-making, and coordination across departments or external service providers.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, business continuity plans, and training materials that support consistent execution, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness.
• Manage staffing, resource allocation, vendor relationships, and applicable budgets for Operations services and initiatives.
• Promote collaboration, continuous improvement, strong controls, and high-quality service for internal and external clients.

Benefits

• The company encourages Operations employees to obtain FINRA licenses and supports them in doing so.
• Additional professional development resources to help team members advance their careers.
• Opportunities to grow careers within a nationwide organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior