Cassaday & Company

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be a senior member of the executive leadership team, responsible for overseeing and optimizing the operational infrastructure of a dynamic and growing independent wealth management firm with $6.5 billion in assets under management. The COO will drive operational excellence, scale processes, and ensure the firm delivers superior client service while maintaining regulatory compliance and firmwide efficiency. This role is ideal for a dynamic operational leader with deep experience in the wealth management or financial services space who thrives in a mission-driven, client-first culture.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Operations: Collaborate with the CEO and Firm owners to develop and execute business strategy, optimizing operational performance and resource planning to support sustainable growth.
• Lead cross-departmental initiatives and drive accountability for key performance indicators (KPIs) and business outcomes.
• Firm Governance: Liaise with the strategic partner (Focus Financial/CD&R) and communicate operational, compliance, legal, and financial updates to senior partners and key stakeholders.
• Executive Leadership of COO Team: Lead the COO Executive Team in overseeing firm-wide strategic initiatives and driving continuous improvement through innovation and data-driven decision-making.
• Performance Management: Direct and mentor a team of high-level leaders. Drive leadership alignment, execution discipline, and goal attainment across all business functions.
• Operational Excellence: Lead and manage day-to-day operations, technology strategy, compliance, and employee productivity with a relentless focus on process efficiency, scalability, and client satisfaction.
• Financial Oversight: Serve on the Financial Committee, ensuring fiscal discipline and proactive financial planning across the organization.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and margin optimization.

• Monitor financial performance and implement cost-effective operational strategies.
• Cultural Stewardship: Build and sustain a high-performance, inclusive culture that supports retention, career planning and development, and engagement.
• Regulatory and Risk Compliance: Ensure enterprise-wide adherence to operational policies, procedures, and regulatory standards (national and local).
• Industry Engagement: Represent the Firm in industry and partner events, elevating brand visibility and forging strategic relationships.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience:
• Minimum of 5+ years in a senior operations leadership role (COO, Managing Director of Operations, or equivalent), preferably in wealth management, asset management, financial planning, or related financial services.
• Demonstrated success leading complex organizations through growth and transformation while maintaining operational integrity and client service excellence.
• Industry Knowledge:
• Strong familiarity with financial services compliance, regulatory frameworks, client experience standards, and operational best practices.
• Leadership & Communication:
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and drive cross-functional collaboration at all levels.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills with a track record of working with C-suite and board-level executives.
• Analytical & Strategic Thinking:
• Sharp analytical capabilities with a data-informed approach to operational decisions and strategic planning.
• Able to translate strategic goals into actionable plans with measurable outcomes.
• Technology Acumen:
• Adept at leveraging technology platforms to drive process automation, efficiency, and client engagement.
• Familiarity with wealth tech, CRM systems, portfolio management tools, and business intelligence platforms.
• Location:
• Based in or willing to relocate to the Metro DC area.
• Able to work on-site and engage directly with team members and key stakeholders.
• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Operations Management, or related field required.
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.