Director, Practice Optimisation Lead

Key Responsibilities

• Practice Optimisation Strategy & Proposition Development
• Design, implement and continuously enhance Morningstar Australia's Practice Optimisation proposition while ensuring this proposition aligns with broader business objectives.
• Develop a comprehensive suite of adviser-focused value-add services that differentiate Morningstar from competitors.
• Develop frameworks, tools and resources that help advice businesses improve profitability, scalability and client engagement.
• Advice Business Consulting & Client Engagement
• Provide strategic guidance and practical implementation support across key areas of advice business optimisation, including:
• Client Value Proposition (CVP)
• Assist advice businesses to design, refine and articulate compelling client value propositions.
• Investment Philosophy & Advice Frameworks
• Help firms define, document, and implement robust investment philosophies.
• Pricing & Commercial Models
• Advise on fee structures, pricing frameworks, and commercial sustainability.
• Business Growth & Practice Scalability
• Provide guidance on operational efficiency, adviser capacity management, and scalable business models.
• Succession Planning, Mergers & Acquisitions
• Leverage personal experience in executing advice practice mergers and acquisitions to provide practical, real-world guidance.
• Thought Leadership & Industry Representation
• Represent Morningstar at industry conferences, roadshows, client events, and professional forums.
• Develop thought leadership content including whitepapers, articles, podcasts, and video content.
• Behavioural Insights & Global Collaboration
• Partner with Morningstar's global Behavioural Insights Team and broader international stakeholders to translate academic research into practical client engagement strategies.
• Develop adviser-ready frameworks and tools that leverage Morningstar’s global resources including our bahavioural finance capability.
• Sales Capability Development & Train the Trainer Program
• Design and deliver a market-leading Train the Trainer program, including structured learning pathways that equip the Managed Portfolio Sales Team to engage advisers confidently on various practice optimisation initiatives.
• Key Outcomes
• Strengthen adviser engagement and Morningstar's brand through targeted practice optimisation programs.
• Design and deliver a differentiated practice optimisation offering that drives retention and share-of-wallet growth.
• Equip client-facing teams with scalable solutions that support client acquisition and business growth.
• Develop and execute a strategic practice optimisation roadmap informed by adviser needs, market trends, and business priorities.
• Explore opportunities to commercialise selected practice optimisation capabilities where client demand and business value are demonstrated.
• Qualifications, Skills & Experience
• Minimum 10 years' experience building, managing, or leading a successful financial advice business.
• Demonstrated credibility and strong personal brand within the Australian financial advice industry.
• Proven experience helping advice businesses improve growth, profitability, and operational effectiveness.
• Firsthand experience with all facets of the PO role including developing and implementing investment philosophies and client value propositions, strategy, pricing frameworks, M&A, etc.
• Outstanding presentation and communication skills with experience engaging audiences ranging from individual advisers to large conference audiences.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing capability.
• Highly Desirable
• Experience in consulting to financial advice businesses.
• Existing industry profile and recognised thought leadership credentials.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Finance, Commerce, Business, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Professional financial planning qualifications.
• Location: Sydney (National Role) Reporting To: Head of National Sales - Managed Portfolios. Travel Requirements: Extensive domestic travel required.
• Must be an Australian/New Zealand citizen or PR.
• Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.
• Location: Sydney (National Role) Reporting To: Head of National Sales - Managed Portfolios.