Client Operations Supervisor, Separately Managed Accounts
Job Summary
Client Operations Supervisor, Separately Managed Accounts (SMA) leads a focused, client-dedicated team responsible for the end-to-end management of the SMA account lifecycle. Accountable for service delivery, operational performance, and continuous improvement, this role ensures advisors and clients receive a seamless experience from onboarding through ongoing servicing and account closure. Through strong leadership, effective workflow management, and cross-functional partnership, the manager drives operational excellence while supporting the growth and scalability of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Account Lifecycle Leadership
- Lead a focused, client-dedicated team responsible for delivering end-to-end operational support and account lifecycle management - including onboarding, implementation, account maintenance, servicing, and termination activities - for a strategic Direct Indexing, Separately Manager Accounts (SMA) relationship
- Ensure client and operational requests are completed accurately, efficiently, and within established service level commitments while delivering a high-quality client experience.
- Serve as the primary escalation point for complex account and operational issues, providing guidance and driving timely resolution.
- Monitor volumes, service levels, capacity, and staffing needs to ensure operational demands and client expectations are met.
- Build strong partnerships with Portfolio Management, Technology, Risk, and other stakeholders to resolve issues, improve processes, and enhance client outcomes.
- Oversee operational exceptions, service issues, and account inquiries while ensuring proactive communication and effective resolution.
- Establish and maintain controls, procedures, and service practices that support quality, risk management, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
- Leverage operational and service metrics to identify trends, improve performance, support resource planning, and drive continuous improvement.
- Strategic Growth & Operational Excellence
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- Partner with business and technology leaders to implement scalable operating model improvements and support new products, platform enhancements, and strategic initiatives.
- Identify and implement process simplification, standardization, automation, and service enhancements that improve efficiency, scalability, and the advisor experience.
- Develop and maintain operating procedures, training materials, and knowledge resources to promote consistency, effectiveness, and sustainable growth.
- Hire, coach, develop, and lead a team of operational professionals supporting the SMA account lifecycle.
- Establish performance expectations, provide ongoing feedback, conduct performance reviews, and support career development.
- Foster a culture of accountability, client focus, collaboration, continuous improvement, and risk awareness.
- Manage team capacity, workload allocation
Qualifications
- Required
- Bachelor's degree
- 5+ years of experience in SMA operations, or direct indexing.
- Prior supervisory, team lead, or people management experience.
- Strong understanding of account lifecycle processing, operational controls, and exception management.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities within a high-volume operational environment.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Preferred
- Knowledge of custodial systems and managed account operating models.
- Experience leading process improvement or automation initiatives.
- Familiarity with operational risk and control frameworks.
Special Factors
Sponsorship
Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.
About Vanguard
At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission-we're on a mission.
To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.
How We Work
Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- FSA
- HSA
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Fitness Subsidies
- On-Site Gym
- HSA With Employer Contribution
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- Mental Health Benefits
- Virtual Fitness Classes
- Pet Insurance
Parental Benefits
- Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
- Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
- Fertility Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
- Adoption Leave
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Company Outings
- Commuter Benefits Program
- Casual Dress
- Happy Hours
- Snacks
- Some Meals Provided
- On-Site Cafeteria
Vacation and Time Off
- Personal/Sick Days
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation
- Volunteer Time Off
- Leave of Absence
Financial and Retirement
- Relocation Assistance
- Performance Bonus
- 401(K) With Company Matching
- 401(K)
- Financial Counseling
- Profit Sharing
Professional Development
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Shadowing Opportunities
- Access to Online Courses
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Internship Program
- Lunch and Learns
- Leadership Training Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
- Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
Company Videos
Hear directly from employees about what it is like to work at Vanguard.