Chief Operating Officer, US Wealth Management

About Lord Abbett:

Founded in 1929, Lord Abbett is an independent firm with a singular focus on the management of money. Over the course of our history, we’ve earned a sterling reputation for our leadership, influence, and innovation in the asset management industry. Today, our independent perspective, our commitment to active management, and our intelligent product design continue to make us relevant to individual and institutional investors.

From the very beginning, we’ve recognized that our people are our greatest asset. As an investment-led, investor-focused firm, we value intellectual curiosity, teamwork, and collaboration across the organization.

We’re looking for people with a keen interest in working for a trusted leader in the asset management industry, a desire to expand their knowledge, and a passion for delivering a client experience that exceeds expectations.

 
Now that you know our history, are you ready to be part of our future?

Job Overview:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) partners with Sales Leadership and key functions to drive the growth of the U.S. Wealth business. Acting as a strategic thought partner to senior sales leadership, the COO shapes long-term planning, key initiatives, and organizational design to enhance competitiveness and scale.

This role translates strategy into clear priorities, ensures effective execution across teams, manages talent and resource planning, and provides the structure and information needed for peak performance. The COO also leads efforts to evolve the U.S. Wealth organization, driving scalability, operational excellence, and informed decision-making.

• Strategic Partnership:
  Partner with the Head of U.S. Wealth and Sales Leaders to define business strategy and key initiatives, ensuring their execution through clear operating processes and KPIs.
• Talent Pipeline Management:
  Model and manage the talent pipeline—forecast headcount needs, plan future role requirements, and ensure the sales organization remains fully resourced in partnership with HCM and Sales Leaders.
• Performance Management & Data Insights:
  Face off with Client Information Services (CIS) to provide the data, scorecards, and dashboards needed for effective performance management and territory execution. Translate insights into actionable recommendations for leadership.
• Organizational Scaling & Territory Expansion:
  Support organizational scaling and territory expansion, including evaluating coverage needs, designing new territories, and refining the structure and roles of the sales organization over time.
• Sales Operating Rhythm:
  Manage the sales operating rhythm across national and regional calls, training programs, portfolio manager roadshows, and portfolio specialist travel.
• Financial Partnership:
  Partner with Finance and Sales Leadership on compensation, headcount planning, budgeting, expense management, and forecasting product flows.
• Product & Marketing Collaboration:
  Collaborate with Product Management and Marketing to execute product scaling plans, ensuring clear communication, coordinated campaigns, and effective sales implementation.
• Strategic Relationship Management:
  Collaborate with Strategic Relationship Management on dealer-specific strategic plans, aligning communication, priorities, and sales execution across key firms.
• Cross-Functional Coordination:
  Ensure coordination and communication across Sales Leadership, Marketing (Product Management and CIS), Finance, HCM, Legal, Compliance, and Senior Leadership to maintain alignment and follow-through.
• Technology & Process Innovation:
  Lead or sponsor technology initiatives to improve sales efficiency (CRM, analytics, automation). Evaluate and implement process improvements for scalability and operational excellence.
• Compliance & Business Continuity:
  Partner with Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management and maintain business continuity plans and compliance adherence for the sales organization.

• 10–15+ years of experience in asset management, wealth management, or financial services, with significant exposure to U.S. Wealth / intermediary sales
• Proven experience partnering directly with senior sales leadership (e.g., Head of Sales, National Sales Managers) as a strategic operator and advisor
• Demonstrated ability to translate business strategy into operating priorities, KPIs, and execution plans
• Experience leading long-term planning, organizational design, and key initiatives for growth and scalability
• Deep background in sales operations, including:
• Performance dashboards, scorecards, and analytics
• Territory design, coverage models, and execution oversight
• Hands-on experience partnering with data/analytics teams (e.g., CRM, CIS, BI teams) to drive insights and accountability
• Experience forecasting headcount needs, managing talent pipelines, and aligning staffing models with growth plans
• Close partnership with HR/HCM and sales leadership on role design and resourcing decisions
• Strong experience in budgeting, expense management, forecasting, and compensation planning within a sales organization
• Comfort partnering with Finance on product flows, headcount planning, and incentive structures
• Ability to drive alignment without direct authority
• Experience leading or sponsoring CRM, analytics, automation, or workflow improvements
• Ability to communicate effectively throughout all levels of the organization
• Focus on scalability, efficiency, and operational excellence within sales organizations