Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Manager – Client Advice

🎯 Role Definition

As the Manager of Client Advice, you are the cornerstone of our client relationship and advisory team. This is not just a management position; it's a leadership role that blends strategic oversight with hands-on mentorship and high-level client partnership. You will be responsible for inspiring a team of talented advisors to deliver unparalleled service and insightful guidance to our valued clients. Your mission is to cultivate an environment of excellence, drive business growth through client retention and expansion, and act as a key stakeholder in the strategic direction of the firm’s advisory services. You are the senior expert, the team champion, and the trusted strategic partner our most important clients turn to.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Client Advisor / Senior Wealth Advisor
Associate Director, Client Services
Experienced Relationship Manager with leadership responsibilities

Advancement To:

Director, Client Advisory
Regional Head of Private Wealth
Vice President, Client Strategy

Lateral Moves:

Director, Business Development
Senior Product & Strategy Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Lead, mentor, and cultivate a high-performing team of client advisors, fostering a culture of excellence, proactive client service, and continuous professional development.
Act as the ultimate steward for a portfolio of the firm's most complex and high-value client relationships, ensuring their strategic needs are met with sophisticated, bespoke advice.
Architect and execute comprehensive client service strategies designed to deepen engagement, enhance satisfaction, and drive exceptional client retention rates.
Oversee the entire client lifecycle for your team's portfolio, from sophisticated onboarding and needs analysis to regular strategic reviews and long-term succession planning.
Serve as the primary escalation point for complex client issues, leveraging deep industry knowledge and negotiation skills to find effective and timely resolutions.
Drive the financial performance and key metrics of your advisory team, including revenue growth, net asset flow, and client profitability, by setting clear goals and managing performance.
Develop and deliver compelling, high-impact presentations and proposals to prospective and existing clients, clearly articulating our value proposition and strategic recommendations.
Champion the firm’s investment philosophy and market outlook, ensuring your team communicates a consistent, clear, and confident message to clients.
Proactively identify and pursue business development opportunities within the existing client base, such as asset consolidation and the introduction of new services.
Ensure all advisory activities and client recommendations strictly adhere to industry regulations, internal policies, and the highest ethical standards.
Conduct regular, in-depth performance reviews with your team members, creating tailored development plans to nurture their skills and advance their careers.
Collaborate closely with portfolio managers, financial planners, and other internal specialists to construct and deliver integrated wealth management solutions for clients.
Represent the firm at industry conferences, seminars, and client-facing events, enhancing our brand presence and building a strong professional network.
Maintain an expert-level understanding of evolving market trends, economic conditions, and regulatory changes to provide timely and relevant strategic counsel.
Lead the charge on client feedback initiatives, translating insights into actionable improvements in our service delivery, products, and overall client experience.

Secondary Functions

Partner with the marketing department to develop targeted communication campaigns, thought leadership content, and client appreciation events.
Contribute to the strategic planning process for the broader Private Wealth division, providing frontline insights to shape future goals and initiatives.
Evaluate and recommend new technologies and digital tools, such as CRM enhancements or client portal features, to improve advisor efficiency and the client experience.
Participate in the recruitment and selection process to attract and hire top-tier advisory talent that aligns with the firm's culture and values.
Develop and maintain comprehensive reporting on team performance, client portfolio metrics, and business pipeline for senior leadership review.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Financial Planning: Deep, demonstrable expertise in sophisticated wealth management topics, including estate planning, tax optimization strategies, insurance, and retirement solutions.
Portfolio Management Principles: Strong understanding of asset allocation, investment strategy, risk management, and the ability to articulate complex market concepts to clients.
Regulatory & Compliance Acumen: In-depth knowledge of relevant financial regulations (e.g., FINRA, SEC) and fiduciary responsibilities.
CRM Proficiency: Advanced user of client relationship management software (e.g., Salesforce, Tamarac) for pipeline management, client data analysis, and team oversight.
Financial Modeling & Analytics: Ability to analyze client financial data and model various scenarios to support strategic recommendations.
Business & Revenue Management: Skill in managing a P&L, setting and tracking KPIs, and understanding the financial drivers of an advisory business.

Soft Skills

Inspirational Leadership: A proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of professionals, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented culture.
Exceptional Relationship Management: The ability to build and maintain deep, trust-based relationships with high-net-worth individuals and sophisticated clients.
Executive Presence & Communication: Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the polish and confidence to interact effectively with senior executives and affluent clients.
Strategic & Critical Thinking: The capacity to see the bigger picture, anticipate future client needs, and develop long-term strategic plans for both clients and the team.
Problem-Solving & Negotiation: An expert at navigating complex situations, resolving conflicts, and negotiating successful outcomes for both the client and the firm.
High Emotional Intelligence: Strong sense of empathy, self-awareness, and interpersonal savvy to effectively manage client emotions and team dynamics.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master's degree in Finance or a related field.
Professional certifications such as CFP® (Certified Financial Planner™) or CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst) are highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Finance
Business Administration
Economics
Accounting

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 7-10 years of progressive experience in wealth management, financial advisory, or a related client-facing role within the financial services industry.

Preferred: A minimum of 3-5 years of direct people management experience, with a proven track record of leading a team of advisors and managing a significant client portfolio.