Director of Client Services

About the Role

At Garde Capital, wealth management is a process, not an event. We begin with a comprehensive evaluation of each client’s full financial picture, create a detailed roadmap, and remain by their side with ongoing reviews, education, and progress updates. Our service model is about more than customer service; it’s about lifelong relationships built on trust, competence, and security. It’s the Garde Way.

As a rapidly growing $2.5B RIA, we’re scaling our client experience and operational foundation while preserving the white-glove hospitality our Ultra-High-Net-Worth clients expect. The Director of Client Relations plays a critical role in that mission. You’ll lead our Client Operations Specialist (COS) team, own day-to-day client operations, and drive technology and automation initiatives that improve speed, accuracy, and client joy—all while maintaining a high-touch, relationship-first experience.

This is a player-coach role reporting to the Chief Operations Officer. You’ll manage a team of three Client Operations Specialists today, with expected growth as the firm scales. In addition to leading the COS team, you will directly service a portfolio of high-net-worth clients as their primary COS.

Garde Capital promotes a hybrid work environment with in-office 3 days/week.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Client Experience

• Lead and develop a best-in-class COS team focused on exceptional client hospitality for all Garde clients
• Coach, mentor, and grow team capability through clear expectations, consistent feedback, and career development planning
• Oversee capacity planning, workflow prioritization, and scheduling to ensure consistent coverage, turnaround times, and service quality
• Run structured operations meetings to surface issues early, reinforce best practices, and continually improve the client experience
• Strengthen coordination between COS and Wealth Managers to ensure seamless client coverage and shared accountability
• Support hiring, onboarding, and training as the team grows with the firm
• Promote ongoing professional development and industry best practices (e.g., Series 65 support, relevant seminars, custodian updates)

Client Operations & Custodial Management

• Own core client operations workflows with a bias for speed, precision, and proactive communication
• Serve as senior escalation point and subject-matter expert for onboarding, transfers/ACATs, money movement, and complex documentation
• Maintain hands-on involvement in key COS workflows to model excellence and provide coverage when needed
• Partner with the COO to expand automation and technology across client services while protecting compliance and quality standards
• Define, track, and drive KPIs for the client operations function (accuracy, timeliness, client satisfaction, workflow efficiency)
• Act as a liaison to Schwab and Fidelity relationship managers and service teams; resolve complex issues and stay ahead of platform/process changes
• Ensure high standards for documentation, client communication, and operational risk controls

Compliance & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Ensure operational workflows comply with internal policies and external RIA regulatory requirements
• Support firm-wide initiatives such as custodial integrations, CRM/workflow enhancements, and process improvement projects
• Provide operational updates and insights in bi-weekly business management meetings and all-team forums

Qualifications

Required

• 5 years of financial services experience in client operations/service
• 2 years of people leadership (supervisory or team-lead level) with a strong coaching and accountability mindset
• Proven track record of direct client interaction, providing white-glove service, clear communication, and calm leadership in high-expectation situations
• Deep working knowledge of custodial processes (onboarding, transfers, money movement, reporting).
• Strong understanding of relevant compliance frameworks and operational risk controls
• High service orientation and comfort interacting with demanding UHNWI clients and Wealth Managers
• Proficiency with custodial platforms, CRM systems (Salesforce or similar), and modern workflow tools
• Bachelor’s degree
• Series 65 or willingness to obtain within 12 months
• Located in or willing to relocate to the Seattle area with regular in-office presence

Preferred

• Experience scaling client operations in a fast-growing RIA
• Track record of implementing automation/process redesign that improved client experience and operational efficiency
• Familiarity with client experience metrics (e.g., NPS/CSAT) and KPI-driven management

Why Garde Capital

• Mission-driven client experience: Build lifelong, trust-based relationships through “The Garde Way”
• High-impact leadership seat: Own and evolve client operations at a rapidly growing $2.5B firm
• Technology hospitality: Modernize workflows and automation while preserving a white-glove feel
• Growth runway: Lead a team of 3 now, expected to expand as AUM and client count grow
• Direct access to decision-makers: Report to the COO in a high-trust, low-bureaucracy environment

Compensation

Starting base salary range: $110,000–$150,000 per year, depending on experience. Additional performance-based bonus opportunities available, along with competitive benefits.