Lead Financial Advisor (San Francisco)

Location: San Francisco, CA (Hybrid – 3 days in office)Compensation:Base Salary: $130,000–$180,000 (depending on experience and credentials)Bonus: 10–25% based on client retention, engagement, and team contributionBusiness Development Incentive: Additional variable comp tied to new client revenue (typically 5–10% of first-year revenue or structured payout)Total Compensation Potential: $160,000–$250,000+Our client is a highly respected, team-oriented wealth management firm with a strong track record of long-term client relationships and internal collaboration. The team is tenured, supportive, and genuinely enjoys working together. They take pride in delivering thoughtful, high-touch advice and celebrating wins as a group.They are seeking a Lead Financial Advisor who can step into a meaningful client-facing role immediately, managing sophisticated relationships while contributing to the continued growth of the firm.This is not a "build your own book" role. You will inherit and lead relationships, supported by a strong internal team, with the opportunity to grow organically over time.Key Responsibilities:Serve as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of high-net-worth client relationshipsLead client meetings, deliver comprehensive financial advice, and guide decision-making across planning areasBuild trust quickly and maintain deep, long-term relationships with clientsCollaborate closely with internal team members (planning, operations, client service) to deliver a seamless client experienceIdentify opportunities to deepen existing client relationships and support retention effortsParticipate in business development efforts, primarily through referrals and natural relationship expansion (not cold prospecting)Contribute to a positive, collaborative team cultureQualifications:CFP designation required7–15+ years of experience in wealth management or financial planningProven ability to manage and advise high-net-worth or complex client relationshipsStrong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex topicsTeam-oriented mindset with a low-ego, collaborative approachExperience leading client meetings independentlyBusiness development mindset, with a natural ability to generate referrals and new opportunitiesAbility to work in-office in San Francisco three days per week30 / 60 / 90 Day Plan (with Metrics)First 30 DaysLearn the firm's client philosophy, service model, and planning approachMeet internal team members and understand roles/responsibilitiesShadow client meetings and review existing client relationshipsGet up to speed on CRM, planning tools, and workflowsMetrics:Attend or shadow 15–25 client meetingsComplete training/onboarding across all core systems (CRM, planning tools, reporting)Demonstrate understanding of top 20–30 client households (notes, plans, key details)Build internal relationships with all key team members60 DaysBegin co-leading and then leading select client meetingsTake ownership of portions of client relationships with supportIdentify opportunities to enhance planning and client experienceEstablish consistent communication cadence with clientsMetrics:Co-lead or lead 10–15 client meetingsTake partial ownership of 15–25 client householdsIdentify at least 3–5 planning opportunities or client experience improvementsMaintain 100% follow-up on client action items within agreed timelines90 DaysFully own a segment of client relationships as the lead advisorConfidently lead client meetings and ongoing communicationBegin contributing to organic growth through referrals and relationship expansionBe fully integrated into the team and contributing to overall client strategyMetrics:Fully own 30–50 client relationships (depending on complexity)Lead 15–25 client meetings independentlyGenerate 2–4 referral opportunities or new client introductionsMaintain high client satisfaction (qualitative feedback from team and clients)Achieve near 100% retention across assigned client relationships