Business Manager

At Merrill, we empower you to bring your whole self to work. We value the unique perspectives in our thoughts, business, and within our employees and clients. Our Wealth Management team represents an array of different skills and experiences that individuals bring from all backgrounds and careers; whether gained through military service, community college education, or a wide range of work and life experiences. These journeys foster resilience, leadership and innovation, strengthening our workforce and positively impact the communities we serve.

Job Description:

The Business Manager role is a key contributor to a Financial Advisor team in creating strategy and ensuring execution related to multiple metrics and priorities across the teams business plan and goal deliverables. Helps manage the teams business plan and practice financials. Tracks progress with quantifiable business and activity goals and ensures team daily activities aligns with practice metrics, goals and objectives. Coordinates team assignments, projects and key initiatives, and ensures execution of teams client service strategy. Requires a thorough knowledge of the Merrill Lynch Wealth Management business functional area and products. Requires a working knowledge of general bank policies, programs and procedures and financial/accounting practices. This role is an FA Paid Resource. This position may be responsible for the provision of residential mortgage loans, and as such, is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements. Pursuant to the SAFE Act requirements, all employees engaged in residential mortgage loan originations must register with the federal registry system and remain in good standing. Since this position requires SAFE Act registration, employees are required to register and to submit to the required SAFE Act background check. Failure to obtain and/or maintain SAFE Act registration may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

JobResponsibilities:

Business Strategy & Execution

• Partner with Financial Advisors (FAs) and advisory teams to develop, implement, and execute the team’s business plan, ensuring alignment with growth objectives and firm priorities.
• Translate strategic goals into actionable initiatives, timelines, and performance metrics.
• Monitor business performance across key indicators (revenue growth, asset flows, client acquisition, etc.) and adjust strategies to drive results.

Practice Management & Financial Oversight

• Manage and track practice financials, including revenue, expenses, profitability, and budgeting processes.
• Provide insights and report to FAs on business performance, trends, and opportunities for growth or efficiency
• Support resource allocation and capacity planning to optimize team productivity.

Performance Tracking & Analytics

• Establish and maintain quantifiable business and activity goals aligned with firm and team objectives.
• Analyze data to identify trends, root causes, and business opportunities.
• Develop reporting dashboards and cadence of reviews to ensure accountability and progress tracking.

Client Experience & Service Strategy

• Oversee execution of the team’s client service model and experience strategy.
• Ensure consistent delivery of a high-quality, personalized client experience across all touchpoints.
• Identify opportunities to enhance client engagement, retention, and satisfaction.

Team Coordination & Leadership Support

• Coordinate team assignments, workflow, and key initiatives to ensure efficient execution
• Act as a central point of organization for projects, ensuring timely delivery and cross-functional alignment
• Provide leadership support through delegation, communication, and prioritization of team activities

Product & Platform Expertise

• Maintain deep knowledge of wealth management products, services, and platforms, including investments, banking, lending, and mortgage solutions
• Support FAs and clients with appropriate product positioning and solutions alignment
• Act as a subject matter resource on firm offerings and capabilities

Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, firm policies, and supervisory procedures
• Proactively identify and mitigate operational, compliance, and business risks
• Support SAFE Act requirements and maintain required registrations and licensing standards

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence

• Collaborate with internal partners (e.g., banking, lending, operations, compliance, marketing) to deliver integrated client solutions
• Influence outcomes and drive decisions without direct authority, using strong communication and relationship management skills.

Required Qualifications:

• Series 7, 63/65 or 66 or equivalent; must obtain all state registrations held by the Financial Advisor(s) and Advisor Team(s) they support
• SAFE Act Registration; ADV-2B Required
• Obtain and/or maintain at least one firm approved designation
• Strong leadership abilities, communication and delegation skills
• Understanding of how to deliver a strong overall client experience
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the suite of Wealth Management products and services
• Proven ability to manage risk and make sound decisions by having a deep understanding of industry regulations, supervisory requirements and policies/procedures
• Strong analytical skills with ability to identify trends, root cause and effects and implement improved processes to increase growth and mitigate risk
• Ability to influence and demonstrate strong and effective leadership through clear communication and collaboration with other partners to make sound decisions with courage and conviction; demonstrated ability to influence to the desired outcome, without direct authority

Skills:

• Administrative Services
• Customer Experience Improvement
• Project Management
• Sales Performance Management
• Strategy Planning and Development
• Business Acumen
• Business Analytics
• Candidate Screening
• Coaching
• Continuous Improvement
• Account Management
• Process Simplification
• Reporting

Minimum Education Requirement: High School Diploma / GED / Secondary School or equivalent

Shift:

1st shift (United States of America)

Hours Per Week:

40

Pay Transparency details

US - IL - Northbrook - 1033 SKOKIE BLVD (IL3518)

Pay and benefits information

Pay range

$65,000.00 - $96,000.00 annualized salary, offers to be determined based on experience, education and skill set.

Formulaic incentive eligible

This role is eligible to participate in a formulaic incentive plan. Employees are eligible for incentives as detailed by the specific line of business incentive plan provisions. Formulaic plans may be comprised of monthly, quarterly and/or annual incentive opportunities. Incentives are earned based on the employee’s performance against defined metrics.

Benefits

This role is currently benefits eligible. We provide industry-leading benefits, access to paid time off, resources and support to our employees so they can make a genuine impact and contribute to the sustainable growth of our business and the communities we serve.