Role Overview for Head of Wealth Planning with a Private Bank – San Francisco, CA
JRG Partners is proud to represent a prestigious, multi-generational private bank in their search for an exceptional Head of Wealth Planning based in the vibrant financial hub of San Francisco, CA. This is a pivotal executive leadership position for a visionary leader who will shape the future of wealth advisory services for the bank’s most discerning high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clientele.
Our client is renowned for its bespoke service, unwavering integrity, and a deep commitment to preserving and growing generational wealth. The Head of Wealth Planning will be the cornerstone of this commitment, responsible for the strategic direction, operational excellence, and overall success of the entire wealth planning division.
In this role, you will not merely manage a team; you will inspire a culture of excellence and innovation. You will be the firm’s chief strategist for all aspects of wealth planning, including sophisticated financial planning, estate and trust services, tax optimization, philanthropic strategies, and risk management. You will work hand-in-hand with relationship managers, portfolio managers, and other senior leaders to deliver a truly integrated and holistic wealth management experience.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with a profound understanding of the complex financial landscape faced by affluent families and individuals. You possess a rare blend of technical mastery, inspirational leadership, and a genuine passion for helping clients achieve their most ambitious financial and legacy goals. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a respected institution, driving growth and setting new standards for excellence in the private wealth industry.
Key Responsibilities of Head of Wealth Planning with a Private Bank – San Francisco, CA
The Head of Wealth Planning will have a broad and impactful mandate, encompassing strategic leadership, team development, client engagement, and business growth. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for the Wealth Planning division that aligns with the bank’s overall objectives and growth targets.
- Act as the firm’s primary thought leader on wealth planning topics, staying ahead of industry trends, legislative changes, and economic shifts to continuously enhance the bank’s advisory platform.
- Champion the integration of wealth planning across all service lines, ensuring a seamless and collaborative approach to client relationship management.
- Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the division, driving accountability and measuring success against strategic goals.
- Oversee the selection and implementation of cutting-edge financial planning technology and software to improve efficiency, accuracy, and the overall client experience.
Team Management & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of wealth planners, trust officers, and support staff, fostering a collaborative culture of excellence, continuous learning, and unparalleled client service.
- Establish clear career paths and provide ongoing coaching, training, and professional development opportunities to enhance team capabilities and support individual growth.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, set ambitious goals, and implement compensation and incentive structures that attract and retain top-tier talent in the industry.
- Recruit and onboard new team members who embody the bank’s values and possess the sophisticated skills required to serve an UHNW client base.
Client Engagement & Sophisticated Advisory
- Serve as the lead advisor and subject matter expert on the most complex and significant client relationships, providing direct counsel on intricate estate planning, tax strategy, business succession, and philanthropic endeavors.
- Oversee the quality and consistency of all financial plans and advisory deliverables produced by the team, ensuring they are comprehensive, accurate, and tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients’ external advisors, including attorneys and accountants, to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to their wealth management.
- Drive client satisfaction and retention by instilling a proactive, client-first mindset throughout the division and ensuring the delivery of exceptional service at every touchpoint.
Business Development & Growth
- Partner closely with relationship managers and business development officers to identify and pursue new client opportunities, effectively articulating the bank’s superior wealth planning value proposition.
- Participate in finalist presentations and key client meetings to showcase the depth and breadth of the firm’s planning capabilities.
- Represent the bank at industry conferences, seminars, and networking events, enhancing the firm’s brand and reputation as a leader in the private wealth space.
- Develop and publish thought leadership content, such as white papers, articles, and market commentaries, to engage prospective clients and centers of influence.
Requirements for the Head of Wealth Planning with a Private Bank – San Francisco, CA
We are seeking a distinguished leader with a proven track record of success in the private wealth management industry. The ideal candidate will meet the following qualifications:
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in wealth planning, financial planning, or a related field within a private bank, multi-family office, or RIA.
- A minimum of 7-10 years of direct leadership and team management experience, with a demonstrated ability to build, scale, and mentor high-performing teams.
- Extensive, hands-on experience advising HNW and UHNW clients ($25M+ net worth) on a wide range of complex financial, estate, and tax planning matters.
- Proven experience in a strategic role, with responsibility for setting departmental vision, managing a P&L, and driving business growth initiatives.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field is required.
- An advanced degree such as a Juris Doctor (JD) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) is highly preferred.
- Professional designation such as Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) is required.
- Additional certifications such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) are highly advantageous.
Skills & Competencies
Executive Presence
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire confidence and build rapport with sophisticated clients and senior executives.
Technical Expertise
Deep subject matter expertise across all facets of wealth planning, including investment principles, trust and estate law, income and gift taxation, insurance, and retirement planning.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think critically, analyze complex situations, and develop innovative solutions that align with long-term business objectives.
Inspirational Leadership
A natural leader and mentor who can motivate a team, foster a positive and productive work environment, and drive a culture of high performance.
Integrity and Discretion
Unquestionable personal integrity, ethics, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of confidentiality and fiduciary care.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain the best talent in the industry. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant performance-based annual bonus and long-term incentive plan.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, along with a robust wellness program, mental health resources, and health savings accounts (HSA).
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) plan with a substantial company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
Paid Time Off
A generous vacation, sick leave, and personal day policy, in addition to paid company holidays.
Professional Development
A significant annual budget for continuing education, industry certifications, conference attendance, and professional memberships.
Work-Life Balance
A commitment to a sustainable work-life balance with a flexible, hybrid work model.
Additional Perks
Relocation assistance package available, commuter benefits, parental leave, and access to exclusive banking products and services.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative leader with the experience and passion to lead a world-class wealth planning division, we encourage you to apply for this exceptional opportunity.
To be considered, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and leadership philosophy. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion.
Apply today by connecting with JRG Partners’ Wealth Management executive search team. We are dedicated to connecting top-tier talent with premier opportunities in the financial services industry. We look forward to reviewing your application.
