Head of Operations

At Piper Sandler, we connect capital with opportunity to build a better future.

We believe diverse teams with unique backgrounds, skills, and experiences yield more innovative solutions. Our mission is to recruit, develop, retain, and engage a diverse, high-performing team. Our business enables bright, committed people working in partnership within an environment that allows each person to achieve at a high level. We commit to encouraging and valuing inclusivity because every partner brings unique perspectives that help us better serve our clients.

We are currently looking for a Head of Operations to lead the team from our Minneapolis headquarters.

The Head of Operations is responsible for leading the Operations functions and will report directly to the Chief Information & Operations Officer (CIOO), as well as be a critical member of the CIOO’s operating committee. The position is accountable for the promotion of exceptional experiences for both internal and external customers and the development, implementation, and execution of strategic operational priorities that align with the Piper Sandler brand. A key expectation of this leader is the ability to effectively collaborate with senior leaders, business partners, strategic vendor relationships and continually develop a high-performing and engaged team of operations professionals.

Responsibilities:

• Develop strategic direction and long-term plans while collaborating with other key stakeholders to improve processes, drive operational efficiency and achieve organizational objectives.
• Establish and measure key operating and service commitment metrics to assess and drive the performance of Operations.
• Monitor and address the internal and external environment for any legal or regulatory impact on functions within the outlined areas of accountability.
• Manage the Operations team of 25+ across several geographic locations, encouraging and facilitating opportunities for professional growth and development for staff members.
• Provide clear direction to team members and inspire and motivate the team towards common goals.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and projections to achieve targets and maximize effectiveness.
• Manage internal and external audits; provide support for internal operating committee, maintain supervisory procedures and conduct SOX reviews.
• Handle system reviews escalations and exceptions to resolve issues promptly and minimize disruptions.
• Maintain and negotiate client agreements to align with strategic objectives and leverage industry best practices.
• Manage key relationships with outside vendors including contract negotiations, compliance, performance evaluation, and escalations.
• Handle records management across the business while identifying opportunities for improvement of related policies and procedures and staying up to date with new industry regulatory requirements.
• Direct the integration of new systems and products to ensure successful integration and effectiveness.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in self-clearing brokerage operations, including demonstrated management and leadership experience.
• Bachelor’s or other higher degree in related field preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of securities industry rules and regulations including but not limited to FINRA and the SEC.
• Demonstrate the sound judgement required to effectively and appropriately manage risk.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to articulate complex concepts and ideas to a diverse audience.
• Ability to build a strategy around a vision and execute directing resources from across multiple teams.
• Seasoned background in clearing operations systems and managing risk and business controls.
• Understanding of general accounting principles and business law.
• FINRA Series 7 and 24 required; Must hold the FINRA Series 27 FINOP License or be willing to obtain within 120 days.

Piper Sandler values a strong culture dedicated to the emotional and physical well-being of our employees.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, marital status, status as a protected veteran or status with regard to public assistance.