Financial Services Operations Manager

Sabio Systems is seeking a Financial Services Operations Manager to support a client’s self-directed IRA custody business through strong, day-to-day back-office leadership. In this onsite role in Albuquerque, NM, you will report to the Chief Operating Officer and lead a team responsible for processing, custody operations, and service performance.

Role overview

You will oversee daily operational execution across account services and transaction workflows, while continuously improving team effectiveness and service levels. This position also serves as the escalation point for complex transactions and client-impacting operational issues, with a focus on timely resolution and clear follow-through.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily back-office operations covering account openings, contributions and distributions, asset purchases and sales, transfers, rollovers, cash management, custody, and recordkeeping.
• Set daily priorities, assign ownership, and establish deadlines; adjust staffing and workloads based on transaction volume, staffing levels, deadlines, and exceptions.
• Monitor queues, backlogs, turnaround times, service-level standards, and operational metrics, and report results and concerns to senior leadership.
• Escalate and resolve complex transactions and client-impacting issues, ensuring timely action and appropriate follow-up.
• Plan staffing and cross-training to maintain coverage during peak periods, tax-season deadlines, and employee absences.
• Coach team members through regular one-on-ones, set performance expectations, address performance concerns, and support development of high-potential employees for future leadership.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, performance reviews, and compensation recommendations.
• Ensure procedures, internal controls, and operational practices align with applicable IRS, state trust, and regulatory requirements.
• Work with compliance and audit teams on reviews, examinations, and corrective actions.
• Identify process gaps and lead improvement efforts across procedures, controls, technology, and workflow efficiency.
• Maintain visible, hands-on management by monitoring work in progress, confirming training effectiveness, tracking action items, and escalating unresolved risks to the COO.

Requirements

• At least 7 years of experience in financial services operations, including 3 or more years supervising or managing a back-office team.
• Working knowledge of IRA rules and processes, including contributions, distributions, rollovers, transfers, prohibited transactions, and tax reporting Forms 5498 and 1099-R.
• Experience managing workloads, queues, backlogs, and service levels in a deadline-driven processing environment.
• Proven ability to coach employees, establish accountability, address performance issues, and develop staff into leadership roles.
• Strong judgment, attention to detail, and understanding of operational controls and exception handling.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff, clients, and senior leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience with a self-directed IRA custodian, trust company, or retirement plan administrator.
• Familiarity with alternative assets including real estate, private placements, promissory notes, and precious metals.
• Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP), Certified Retirement Services Professional (CRSP), or a similar designation.
• Experience with trust accounting or custody systems, workflow automation, or process improvement initiatives.
• Exposure to state banking or trust examinations and internal audits.

Compensation and work location

• Salary: USD 85,000 - 105,000 per year
• Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
• Work location: In person