Job Description:
Hornor, Townsend & Kent (HTK), the broker-dealer and registered investment advisor subsidiary of Penn Mutual, operates a standalone Brokerage & Advisory Operations function and is seeking an experienced Director of Operations.
The Director of HTK Operations will be a key driver in shaping the strategic direction for our operational framework. The role will partner closely with key stakeholders to assess and develop people, processes, and technology in support of Financial Professionals and their clients.
Reporting directly to the VP HTK, the Director, HTK Operations will lead core broker-dealer and RIA back-office functions, including account opening and maintenance, trading support, cashiering, disbursements, suitability review, contact center operations, compensation, and field/advisor support.
Job Description
Own broker-dealer and RIA back-office operations: account onboarding, maintenance, new account review, trading support, cashiering, disbursements, ACATs/transfers, suitability, and field advisor support
Establish and enforce operational standards, SLAs, KPIs, and an operating cadence including capacity planning, escalation paths, and issue management
Oversee supervisory functions for new account review in partnership with the Compliance team, ensuring FINRA, SEC, and MSRB obligations are met
Provide regulatory and control oversight, ensuring compliance with FINRA, SEC, and MSRB; maintain strong procedures and readiness; lead exams and remediation efforts.
Collaborate with vendors (e.g., Pershing, DTCC, etc.) to improve platforms, integrations, data quality, and operational resiliency.
Coach and develop HTK team members and people leaders while building succession depth.
Identify and close significant procedural and control gaps that currently exist in the organization
Design and implement scalable, repeatable processes appropriate for a regulated broker-dealer environment
Lead regulatory exam readiness and remediation in coordination with Compliance and Risk
Lead the implementation of Docupace as the new account workflow, records (books and records), and straight-through processing tool — this is a committed, in-flight initiative
Collaborate with technology and vendor partners (e.g., Pershing, DTCC, investment platforms) to improve integrations, data quality, and system performance
Leverage data and analytics to drive decision-making and surface operational risk proactively
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Deep expertise in broker-dealer operations and regulatory frameworks (FINRA, SEC, MSRB).
Proven success leading operational transformation and technology modernization.
Strong strategic thinking, problem solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Strategic, data-driven decision-maker with strong risk awareness.
Comfortable navigating ambiguity, driving change, and fostering innovation.
Excellent communication skills with ability to translate complex issues into clear insights.
Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree is required.
FINA Registrations: Series 65 and 24 required; Series 27 preferred.
Work Experience
10+ years leading teams and driving cross-functional initiatives
10+ years in life insurance, annuities, or financial services with a focus on agile delivery and digital transformation - required
Base Salary Range - $145,000 - $165,000
For over 175 years, Penn Mutual has empowered individuals, families and businesses on the journey to achieve their financial goals. Through our partnership with Financial Professionals across the U.S., we help instill the confidence and reliability that comes from a stronger financial future. Penn Mutual and its affiliates offer a comprehensive suite of competitive products and services to meet the unique needs of Financial Professionals and their clients, including life insurance, annuities, wealth management and institutional asset management. To learn more, including current financial strength ratings, visit www.pennmutual.com.
Penn Mutual is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We provide employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and associates, according to applicable laws. This is reflected in our practices for hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment, compensation, selection or training, and all other terms and conditions of employment. All employment-related decisions and practices are free from unlawful discrimination. This includes: race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship age, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, domestic partnership or civil union status, marital status, genetic information, disability, religious observance or practice, liability, veteran status or any other classification protected under applicable law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree
- Series 65 registration
- Series 24 registration
- Series 27 registration
- 10+ years leading teams and driving cross-functional initiatives
- 10+ years in life insurance, annuities, or financial services with focus on agile delivery and digital transformation
- Deep expertise in broker-dealer operations and regulatory frameworks (FINRA, SEC, MSRB)
- Proven success leading operational transformation and technology modernization
- Experience leading regulatory exam readiness and remediation
- Ability to establish and enforce operational standards, SLAs, KPIs, capacity planning, and issue management
- Experience leveraging data and analytics to drive operational decision-making and surface risk
- Experience implementing or leading Docupace (new account workflow, records, STP)
- Experience collaborating with vendor platforms (e.g., Pershing, DTCC, investment platforms) to improve integrations and resiliency
- Strong strategic thinking, problem solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills
What We Do
For over 175 years, Penn Mutual has empowered individuals, families and businesses on the journey to achieve their financial goals. Through our partnership with Financial Professionals across the U.S., we help generations grow stronger by instilling the confidence and reliability that comes from a secure financial future. Penn Mutual and its affiliates offer a comprehensive suite of competitive and robust solutions to meet the unique needs of Financial Professionals and their clients, including life insurance, annuities, wealth management and institutional asset management. To learn more, including current financial strength ratings, visit www.pennmutual.com
