Operations Optimization Manager (Financial Services)

Hilltop Securities is looking for an Operations Manager, Optimization in Dallas, Texas to oversee implementation of automated workflows, AI tools, system integration and maintain regulatory control within a brokerage firm. Manage a division to bridge gap between IT, daily brokerage operations, compliance / regulatory in gathering business processes to maximize efficiency and achieve measurable results. Identifying manual tasks and creating digital application models to support business operations. Will assist and communicate with managers and supervisors in decision-making, process management, and initiative implementation.

Responsibilities

• Candidates will have an appropriate strategic and operational background with a broad and balanced set of total business skills, including the development, communication and execution of strategic plans.   
• Mentors’ subordinates in performing difficult assignments that are broad in nature requiring originality and ingenuity with appreciable latitude for independent actions or decisions. 
• Collaborates with managers and supervisors to provide comprehensive solutions to complex problems and process improvements to ensure standards are maintained.
• Manage / train team on platform automation and implementation to be self-reliant within Operations. 
• Ability to track data, analyze key performance indicators with implementation of building dashboards utilizing Power BI or Tableau.
• Risk & Compliance: Ensuring automated processes adhere to Hilltop Securities (HTS) and Hilltop Holdings (HTH) financial regulatory or industry regulations and technology governance while reducing human error. 
• Comply with firm OCC Supervisory Guidance’s and AI Continuous Monitoring Model Risk Management.
• Large-Scale Project Support: Support enterprise initiatives including system conversions and large client onboarding projects, ensuring alignment across Operations, Technology, and Business stakeholders. 
• Systems Conversions: Support key conversion activities including gap analysis, data mapping, testing coordination, and execution of conversion activities to ensure smooth platform migrations and minimal business disruption. 
• Client Conversions: Support large client conversion efforts, including detailed data mapping and preparation for tape-to-tape account conversions, ensuring data integrity and operational readiness.
• Optimization: Identifying current operational flows and identifying bottlenecks where manual tasks—such as client onboarding / conversions, data input, document comparison reliance can be automated.
• System Integration: Connecting AI tools like Microsoft GitHub Copilot, PowerBi and project lifecycle.
• Partnering with business leaders, technology divisions, management and compliance when reviewing, drafting requirements and implementing new solutions.
• Test, maintain and recommend improvements to ensure strong functionality and optimization.
• Apply critical thinking to solve customer or operational requirements.
• Perform tasks and apply knowledge of principles and methods necessary to meet operational requirements.
• Interpret and explain products and/or processes.
• Review and analyze data (user requirements, conversion requirements and design documents)

Qualifications

• B.S./B.A. or M.B.A./M.S. in Finance, Computer Science, Information Systems, and/or equivalent formal training or work experience 
• Information Systems, PMO lifecycle, Platform assessment and/or equivalent formal training or work experience 
• Two (2) – four (4) years related experience (business / data analysis, project lifecycle management, testing, etc.)
• Experience with reporting tools such as PowerBI, CoPilot, JAVA
• Strong SQL skills, (ability to compile, draft and extract)
• Financial Industry experience required, strong preference on Operations experience.
• Minimum of 5-10 years' management experience, and will possess sophisticated financial operations skills and an in-depth knowledge of securities processing services with regional and/or national presence. 
• Excellent leadership qualities and proven people management, operations, client relationship, and business management skills are essential. 
• Series 7 & 24 preferred or ability to pass within 6 months.
• Computer hardware, operating system (Windows) and software/application (MS Office, Outlook etc.) skills
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Self-development skills to keep up to date with fast-changing trends.
• Ability to adapt to changing organizational priorities.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in, or assigned to, the above position and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required, and may be changed at the discretion of the Company.

About UsAt HilltopSecurities, we believe in building noble and collaborative relationships that enrich the financial future of individuals, businesses and communities. With an extensive portfolio of products, we deliver a broad range of investment banking and related financial services that help our clients achieve their definition of success. As a subsidiary of HilltopHoldings, which also encompasses PlainsCapital Bank, and PrimeLending, we have the financial strength and stability that has withstood the test of time. Our nationwide presence in 400 locations across 44 states provides our associates with extensive opportunities to grow their careers in a diverse organization that truly values relationship capital above all else.About the TeamThe Operations department’s work is vital to the functionality and success of HilltopSecurities. The department provides back-office support and service for the entire firm. With well over 100 employees ranging from specialists to senior managers, each individual plays a specific role in the overarching operation of the company. Operations’ areas of focus include clearance, settlement, unit investment trusts, government and mortgage-backed securities, money market instruments, and OTC derivates. Our Operations professionals also manage transactions between mutual funds and insurance carriers and their respective investors. As a part of Operations, you are expected to provide high quality customer service, doing your best to make sure our clients succeed, and keeping their best interests as your highest priority. We value all of our team members, and your commitment to our firm will have a significant impact on the way we operate. We encourage all Operations employees to obtain FINRA licenses and support them in this endeavor. We also provide additional professional development resources to help advance our team members’ careers. In the Operations department, you will be surrounded by people who are passionate about HilltopSecurities and upholding our reputation as a leading municipal investment bank.