Michael Sparks
Lancaster
Summary
Operations Manager with 10+ years of experience leading high-performing teams across financial services, project operations, and military environments. Proven ability to drive process improvements, strengthen compliance, and enhance performance through data-driven decision making. Skilled in FINRA/SEC regulatory oversight, cross-functional collaboration, and coaching teams to deliver exceptional accuracy and service quality. Six Sigma trained with a strong record of operational transformation and organizational impact.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
Ameriprise Financial
10.2023 - Current
- Provide strategic oversight of operational policies and procedures, ensuring all documentation aligns with FINRA and SEC regulatory standards.
- Design and implement performance measurement frameworks to optimize resource allocation, balance workloads, and uphold stringent accuracy and quality benchmarks.
- Lead and develop a team of nine professionals in the Margin Department, consistently achieving a 96.6% accuracy rate across complex financial processes.
- Deliver targeted coaching, constructive feedback, and performance management while serving as the escalation point for high-priority issues.
- Spearhead process improvement initiatives that streamline workflows, reduce inefficiencies, and elevate overall operational effectiveness.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
LPL Financial
12.2021 - 05.2023
- Directed a team of 10 specialists responsible for annuity break processing, advisor support, compliance holds, and dynamic case resolution.
- Oversaw the accurate processing of more than 20,724 1099-NEC forms, achieving an exceptional 0.03% error rate.
- Championed ad hoc process improvement projects across financial operations, driving efficiency and compliance.
- Mentored team members through professional development coaching, fostering career growth and skill advancement.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to resolve complex compensation issues, ensuring timely and accurate advisor payouts.
OPERATIONS & PROJECT MANAGER
LiftOne
02.2019 - 12.2019
- Managed multi-million-dollar operational projects, enhancing preventative maintenance programs and service delivery.
- Generated $2M in incremental revenue by designing and executing a repair service upsell program.
- Applied LEAN methodologies to eliminate waste, improve process efficiency, and strengthen operational performance.
- Elevated workplace safety standards, improving the company’s safety rating from 65% to 93% through rigorous 6S program oversight.
OPERATIONS NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER
United States Army
03.2014 - 03.2019
- Maintained comprehensive financial and personnel records for 78 staff members, ensuring accuracy and compliance in high-pressure environments.
- Managed $2M in high-risk military assets with precision and accountability.
- Designed and delivered e-learning training programs to enhance operational readiness and staff development.
- Served as Communications Officer, overseeing $1M in mission-critical equipment and ensuring operational continuity.
- Led a team of three personnel in Afghanistan, successfully executing mission-critical projects under demanding conditions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Saint Mary's College of California
Moraga, CA05-2012
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Operations management
- Customer service
- Decision-making
- Employee relations and conflict resolution
- Planning and implementation
- Staff development
Timeline
Operations Manager
Ameriprise Financial
10.2023 - Current
OPERATIONS MANAGER
LPL Financial
12.2021 - 05.2023
OPERATIONS & PROJECT MANAGER
LiftOne
02.2019 - 12.2019
OPERATIONS NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER
United States Army
03.2014 - 03.2019
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Saint Mary's College of California