General Manager – SME Services

Description

We are seeking an innovative and results-driven General Manager: SME Services to oversee, optimize, and expand our Subject Matter Expert (SME) business units. Operating within the financial services sector, you will be directly responsible for the strategic leadership, operational excellence, and financial performance of the department.

As General Manager, you will bridge executive vision with daily execution, ensuring our suite of subject matter expert businesses are seamlessly integrated, continuously improving, and aggressively scaled to meet the financial service sector’s evolving needs.

Location: This position is based in Des Moines, IA. A hybrid work schedule is available, with a mix of in-office and remote work to support collaboration, flexibility, and business needs.

What You’ll Do

Lead, Manage, and Hold Accountable 

• Provide strong, empathetic, and decisive leadership to the SME Services departmental team.
• Recruit, onboard, mentor, and retain top-tier talent across client management, operations, and advisory functions.
• Establish clear performance metrics while consistently holding the team accountable to high standards of execution, culture, and compliance.

Departmental Profitability

• Own the P&L (Profit and Loss) responsibility for our subject matter expert business units.
• Develop, manage, and optimize annual departmental budgets to maximize margins and resource allocation.
• Drive revenue growth through strategic pricing structures, client retention strategies, and cost-containment initiatives without compromising service quality.

Continuous Improvement

• Regularly evaluate existing operational workflows, client delivery models, and internal financial technologies.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement agile methodologies to enhance speed, accuracy, and client satisfaction.
• Foster a culture of innovation where team members are encouraged to suggest and execute process optimizations.

SME Service Integration

• Ensure smooth, end-to-end delivery of the firm’s diverse financial solutions (e.g., fractional accounting, tax planning, wealth management, business consulting) into a cohesive SME service framework.
• Foster collaboration across cross-functional departments (Wealth Management, Tax, Corporate Advisory) to break down silos and streamline the client onboarding experience.
• Optimize product-market fit to ensure clients receive tailored, comprehensive financial support.

Strategic Growth Execution

• Translate high-level corporate growth goals into actionable departmental business development plans.
• Identify emerging market trends, new target demographics, and strategic partnerships within the SME ecosystem.
• Oversee the execution of client acquisition campaigns, cross-selling frameworks, and retention programs to scale the department's market share.

Strategic Vision Alignment

• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, ensuring the SME Services department operates in lockstep with the firm’s overarching mission and long-term goals.
• Communicate executive vision downward to the departmental team, translating abstract strategy into clear, motivating daily directives.
• Provide regular, data-driven reporting to the executive board regarding progress, hurdles, and market positioning.

What’s in it for you?

We provide a total rewards package focused on your health, family, and financial security. This includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision options alongside company-paid disability and life insurance. We support your work-life balance with PTO, paid holidays, volunteer time off, and paid parental leave. Finally, we invest in your future through a 401(k) plan and a robust Employee Assistance Program for professional support.

Compensation: The anticipated salary for this position is $115,000-$140,000, based on your level of experience and technical expertise.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field (MBA or relevant professional certification like CPA/CFA is highly desirable).
•  7+ years of progressive leadership experience within financial services, business consulting, or corporate banking, with a proven track record of managing a P&L.
• Deep familiarity with structured management frameworks (e.g., EOS/Traction concepts like Lead, Manage, and Hold Accountable).
• Strong financial acumen, exceptional strategic planning capabilities, and a deep understanding of the unique pain points and financial needs facing SMEs today.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time in an office environment.
• Working on a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.