Lead Financial Advisor in Charlotte, North Carolina at Strategic Wealth Designers

About Strategic Wealth Designers

Nearly 23 years ago, 23-year-old Matthew Dicken grew frustrated with the issues plaguing the financial services industry and set out on a mission to change the industry standard and prioritize clients in retirement planning. What started as a small two-person team in a 1,200 sq. ft. office in Louisville, KY, has evolved into the Strategic Wealth Designers we now know, with 18 locations across the U.S. and almost 100 employees. As we continue to grow, we're looking for passionate individuals to help take us to even greater heights.

But growth alone isn’t the goal.

Impact is.

At Strategic Wealth Designers (SWD), we don’t hire people to fill roles. We hire pace-setters who take ownership, serve clients at the highest level, and raise the standard for what retirement planning should be.

Titles don’t build trust.

Relationships and results do.

The Mission

You’re not here to sit behind a desk or simply manage accounts.

You’re here to lead client relationships, guide individuals through critical financial decisions, serve as the face of SWD in your market, and maintain long-term relationships with existing clients through ongoing financial guidance and planning.

This is a hybrid role that combines the responsibilities of both a Lead Advisor and Financial Advisor. In addition to working with prospective clients and driving new business growth, you will also actively manage and service an existing book of approximately 100 client relationships while continuing to onboard and support new clients as they join the firm.

As part of this role, you will:

Conduct approximately four speaking nights (two events) per monthMeet with prospective clients generated through company events and seminarsService and maintain an existing client baseBuild long-term relationships with newly acquired clients through ongoing planning and financial guidance

Your role centers on four things:

Building trust with new and prospective clientsDelivering strategic ongoing financial guidance to existing clientsDriving firm growth through new client acquisitionMaintaining strong long-term client relationships through proactive service and planning

Clients trust us with their retirement.

Your responsibility is to earn, maintain, and strengthen that trust over time.

What Winning Looks Like

You’ll know you’re succeeding when:

Your speaking events result in appointments with prospective clients and those appointments result in prospective clients becoming clientsNew clients feel confident, informed, and supported in their decisionsProspects convert into long-term client relationshipsFinancial strategies are clearly communicated and implementedClient meetings are structured, professional, and impactfulYou consistently meet or exceed production goalsYou represent the firm with confidence in both one-on-one and group settingsYou effectively balance new business development with ongoing service responsibilities for existing clientsExisting clients feel supported, informed, and proactively guided throughout their relationship with the firmYou successfully maintain and grow an existing book of approximately 150 client households while continuing to onboard new clientsYou consistently execute successful speaking engagements and educational events that generate qualified appointments and long-term client relationshipsYou build lasting relationships that result in long-term retention, referrals, and continued client confidence

We don’t measure success by activity alone.

We measure it by the outcomes our clients achieve and the relationships we build.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

As a Lead Financial Advisor, you are responsible for leading the client experience from first interaction as a prospect through onboarding and ongoing strategy development. This role requires ownership, drive, and consistent follow-through.

New Client Acquisition & Onboarding

You will:

Present to groups of prospective clients at educational seminars and events, clearly communicating retirement risks and strategiesMeet with prospective clients to understand their financial history, retirement goals and current planning gapsAsk thoughtful, strategic questions to uncover client needs, concerns and prioritiesTranslate complex financial concepts into clear, actionable guidance tailored to each individualDemonstrate how SWD’s approach addresses risks such as market exposure, fees and inadequate planningBuild trust and credibility through a consultative, client-first conversationGuide prospects toward informed decisions by aligning solutions with their long-term goalsConsistently convert qualified prospects into long-term client relationships

First impressions matter.You set the tone for the relationship.

Client Relationship Management & Financial Guidance

You will:

Serve as the face of the firm within your marketAssess client assets, goals, risk tolerance, and retirement plans to identify opportunities for improvementBuild and present financial strategies aligned with client needs and fiduciary standardsProvide guidance on investment and insurance solutionsReview annuity, life, long-term care, and disability policies to ensure they remain appropriate

Clients rely on your expertise.Clarity and confidence matter.

Meeting Preparation & Documentation

You will:

Prepare client reports and strategy summaries to support client and prospect meetingsComplete appointment dictations and maintain detailed CRM notesEnsure all client interactions are documented accurately

Preparation creates confidence, for both you and the client.

Business Development & Public Engagement

You will:

Speak to groups of prospective clients at retirement planning courses, dinner seminars and other company eventsConduct approximately 4 speaking nights (two events) per monthRepresent the firm professionally in all public-facing interactionsBuild relationships with prospective clients and guide them through the onboarding processMaintain and proactively service an existing book of approximately 150 client relationshipsContinue ongoing planning, review and financial guidance for both existing and newly acquired clientsMeet production and relationship management expectations that contribute to overall company growth and client retention

Growth comes from trust, visibility, and consistency, and long-term relationships.

Operational Execution & Team Collaboration

You will:

Assist service advisors and operations in preparing for client appointments and interactions as neededSupport onboarding and implementation processesEnsure our operations team is supported as has the information needed to successfully fulfill their responsibilities

Consistency builds trust.Execution drives results.

Minimum Requirements

Series 65 or 66 with Life & Health licensesExperience with investment management and insurance solutionsStrong public speaking and presentation skillsStrong written and verbal communication skillsHighly organized with strong attention to detailAbility to work independently with strong time management and critical thinkingProactive mindset with consistent follow-throughExperience working in a fast-paced, client-facing environment

Preferred Qualifications

2–7 years of experience in financial servicesExperience with a CRM system

Who You Are

You are someone who:

Takes ownership of your results and client relationshipsCommunicates clearly, confidently, and professionallyBuilds trust quickly with both individuals and groupsIs organized, efficient, and detail-orientedFollows through consistently without remindersThrives in a performance-driven environmentIs motivated by both personal growth and client successComfortable balancing both business development responsibilities and ongoing client relationship managementCapable of managing a consistent meeting schedule, seminar calendar, and ongoing client service expectations simultaneouslyMotivated by building long-term relationships, not simply closing transactions

You understand that great financial advice requires more than knowledge.It requires preparation, consistency, and care.

Who This Is Not For

This role is not for someone who:

Avoids accountability or follow-throughIs activity driven vs. results drivenStruggles with organization or time managementIs uncomfortable presenting or speaking publiclyPrefers a purely behind-the-scenes or support roleIs not motivated by performance-based outcomes

Position Details

Commitment: Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week (8am–5pm), with occasional flexibility due to client meetings or events.Compensation: Starting salary during onboarding and training, followed by a draw period, then transition to full commission.Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefit package designed to support your health, family and growth. Some key offerings:Employer sponsored Medical, Dental & Vision plans along with additional ancillary optionsEmployer match program for 401(k), eligible for both Tradition and Roth accounts$2,500 annual Professional Development budget to support your growthGenerous Paid Time Off package and Company-wide HolidaysOur Core Values

At Strategic Wealth Designers, our culture is built around five core values:

Absolute Ownership - We take full responsibility for outcomes, follow through on our commitments, and solve problems without passing the buck.Selflessness - We put the team and clients first, collaborate openly, and measure success by shared wins, not individual credit. We recognize that our strength lies in unity.Tenaciously Driven - We pursue excellence relentlessly, push past obstacles, and refuse to settle for the status quo.Coachable Mindset - We stay open to feedback, committed to learning, and focused on continuous improvement, no matter how skilled or experienced we are.Compassionate Honesty - We speak the truth with empathy, delivering clear, respectful feedback that strengthens trust and relationships.

Strategic Wealth Designers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.