Chief Operating Officer Jobs in Ridgefield, CT (NOW HIRING)

At Ameriprise Financial, we're not just in the business of helping clients with their financial goals - we also help our advisors and employees reach their true potential by embracing an inclusive and collaborative culture. We celebrate the unique qualities and reward the contributions of our talented, passionate employees. If you're motivated and want to work for a strong, ethical company that cares about you and your community, take the next step with Ameriprise Financial.
This position is with an Ameriprise Financial Franchise owner.

Job Description

About Us

The Executive Wealth Group is one of Ameriprise Financials' fastest-growing private wealth management practices, serving high-net-worth individuals, business owners, corporate executives, and multi-generational families.

Our vision is to build one of the premier independent wealth management firms in the Northeast through exceptional client service, strategic acquisitions, operational excellence, and the development of an elite advisory team.

We're looking for an entrepreneurial Chief Operating Officer who can help transform an already successful practice into a scalable enterprise.

Position Overview

The COO will serve as the firm's operational leader and strategic partner to the Managing Partners. This individual will be responsible for designing systems, building infrastructure, leading people, improving efficiency, integrating tax practice / experienced advisor acquisitions, and ensuring the business can scale without sacrificing client experience.

This is a leadership role for someone who enjoys building organizations-not simply maintaining them.

What Success Looks Like

Within 3-5 years this individual will have helped transform the firm from a founder-dependent practice into a professionally managed wealth management enterprise capable of supporting multiple advisors, acquisitions, and sustained long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with ownership to execute the firm's long-term strategic plan

• Translate vision into measurable initiatives

• Establish annual and quarterly business objectives

• Develop KPIs and accountability across the organization

• Lead strategic planning meetings

Operations

• Design scalable operational processes

• Improve workflows across every department

• Build operational dashboards

• Standardize client service processes

• Increase efficiency through technology and automation

• Document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Team Leadership

• Recruit, hire, and onboard team members

• Develop organizational structure

• Create career paths

• Manage performance reviews

• Build leadership bench strength

• Foster a culture of accountability and excellence

Practice Acquisitions

One of the firm's key growth initiatives is acquiring established advisory practices.

The COO will:

• Coordinate acquisition due diligence

• Lead operational integration

• Standardize client onboarding

• Manage technology conversions

• Retain staff and clients through transition

• Create repeatable acquisition playbooks

Financial Management

• Oversee budgeting

• Forecast expenses

• Monitor profitability

• Improve operational margins

• Manage vendor relationships

• Evaluate technology investments

Client Experience

• Ensure every client receives a consistent, high-touch experience

• Develop scalable service models

• Improve response times

• Track service metrics

• Enhance client satisfaction

Technology

• Evaluate and implement CRM improvements

• Optimize Ameriprise technology

• Introduce AI where appropriate

• Improve cybersecurity practices

• Lead digital transformation initiatives

Compliance

• Coordinate operational compliance

• Maintain documentation

• Support audits

• Work closely with Ameriprise home office

Ideal Candidate

We're seeking a builder.

Someone who enjoys creating systems, leading people, solving complex operational challenges, and helping businesses scale.

The ideal candidate has experience leading professional service organizations where client relationships are paramount.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA preferred

• 10+ years of leadership experience

• Experience scaling a business from approximately $500 million to $2+ billion in assets preferred

• Experience within wealth management, financial services, RIAs, family offices, banking, or professional services

• Strong financial acumen

• Exceptional leadership skills

• Excellent project management abilities

• Process improvement mindset

• Technology-forward

• Experience integrating acquisitions is highly desirable

Personal Characteristics

• High integrity

• Entrepreneurial

• Strategic thinker

• Calm under pressure

• Excellent communicator

• Extremely organized

• Data-driven

• Humble

• Bias toward action

• Obsessed with client experience

Compensation

Competitive base salary plus performance bonus, long-term incentive opportunities, retirement benefits, and significant opportunity for career growth as the firm expands.

Why Join The Executive Wealth Group?

This is a rare opportunity to help build-not simply manage-a premier wealth management enterprise.

You won't inherit an existing corporate structure. You'll help create it.

Working directly alongside the firm's founders, you'll have meaningful influence over strategy, operations, culture, acquisitions, technology, and long-term growth.

If you're energized by building organizations, developing exceptional teams, and creating lasting impact, we'd love to meet you.

The Executive Wealth Group

A Private Wealth Advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Circle of Success: 2021, '22, '23, '24, '25

Client Experience Award: 2020, '21, '22, '23, '24, '25

Ameriprise Financial is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, military status, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, disability status, marital status, family status or any other basis prohibited by law.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, speak to your recruiter to discuss how we can support you.