What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Trading Support Specialist position at Baird?
Baird Equity Asset Management offers high-quality actively managed investment strategies to institutions and individuals through both Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) and Mutual Funds. Our Purpose is to deliver long-term value-added performance and unmatched service to our clients. Our strategies are managed by experienced investment teams with proven track records within specialized areas of the market. Today, our business offers a Specialized Asset Management service to high-net-worth investors and five institutional products – Mid Cap Growth, Small/Mid Cap Growth, International, Global, and Equity Opportunity. We currently manage over $11 billion in assets and expect continued growth given the stability of our teams and the strength of our performance.
Join our team as an Operations Trading Support Specialist. We are seeking a motivated individual that understands the importance of superior client service and has an aptitude for detail and continuous improvement. This individual will play a critical role in a growing entrepreneurial team and will perform operational duties which are time sensitive and require high accuracy – this creates a dynamic environment that is best suited for people having attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and proficiency in prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.
This position requires a broad skill set, including the ability to communicate effectively, work with departments across Baird, particularly Baird Operations, and knowledge of organizational, and departmental policies and procedures. This is a great opportunity to utilize critical thinking skills and contribute to a growing team.
Operations Team Objectives
Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.
Join our team as an Operations Trading Support Specialist. We are seeking a motivated individual that understands the importance of superior client service and has an aptitude for detail and continuous improvement. This individual will play a critical role in a growing entrepreneurial team and will perform operational duties which are time sensitive and require high accuracy – this creates a dynamic environment that is best suited for people having attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and proficiency in prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.
This position requires a broad skill set, including the ability to communicate effectively, work with departments across Baird, particularly Baird Operations, and knowledge of organizational, and departmental policies and procedures. This is a great opportunity to utilize critical thinking skills and contribute to a growing team.
Operations Team Objectives
- Provide scalable support to our investment teams through top talent supplemented by technology
- Deliver exceptional client service and personalization
- Maintain continuous lens on improving how we support our teams and our clients
- Provide high value service to all clients
- Communicate with clients, financial advisor teams, consultants, custodians, Baird Business Partners, outside vendors and attorneys to answer questions and/or resolve account and trade issues, advising Portfolio Managers of action needed. Communication requires knowledge of overall department functions and may require explaining policies, procedures and/or services.
- Contribute continuous improvements to drive exceptional client service and risk mitigation in a highly collaborative team environment.
- Maintain client accounts on portfolio accounting system (InvestCloud APL), trading system (Eze OMS), and CRM (Salesforce). Duties include coding accounts, running reports, monitoring accounting activity, and trade processing.
- Monitor and process accounts, cash flows, tax loss harvesting, and other requests submitted by Baird branches.
- Open accounts and facilitate account maintenance, fund transfers, gifting, and execution of corporate actions.
- Prepare trade blocks and create trade tickets through Eze OMS and InvestCloud APL for new accounts, deposits, distributions, and portfolio changes.
- Independently research, collect and compile documents and data from various sources for special and regular reports. Visually scan and/or compare documents, forms or other materials for accuracy and required completeness according to instructions. Update and distribute reports, as necessary.
- Perform advanced word processing and spreadsheet applications. Prepare letters, memos, reports, proposals, presentations, numerical data, charts, forms, and technical materials from verbal or written instructions or drafts.
- The opportunity to join a team of associates passionate about achieving great results for clients and the firm while enjoying what we do, including giving back to the communities where we live and work.
- Ability to play a critical role in a growing, entrepreneurial team where every associate matters.
- Fast paced and dynamic environment enabling you to learn and grow as a professional.
- Compelling career to learn and work side-by-side with the investment teams, proving your ability to be highly adaptable on a wide range of duties.
- A team where diverse skill sets come together, each contributing unique expertise and insights across various areas of knowledge.
- Intellectual curiosity with an entrepreneurial spirit and eagerness to learn detailed operational aspects.
- Analytical person who proactively seeks out the resources/knowledge needed to expand subject matter expertise and identify and implement process improvement opportunities.
- Proactive work style to anticipate needs while adding a personal and customized experience.
- An individual with an interest in asset management who values the opportunity to have a positive impact within the organization.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and the ability to quickly master internal systems and applications such as Salesforce CRM, InvestCloud APL, and SS&C suite of products (Eze).
- SQL, Power BI experience is welcome, not required.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Ability to identify resolutions to new or unforeseen priorities with minimal guidance.
- Exemplary verbal and written communication as well as the interpersonal skills to collaborate and work effectively as part of a team while completing work independently as needed.
- Must be a detail-oriented individual with ability to stay focused, prioritize workload and produce high quality, timely and accurate work.
- A highly team-oriented individual who values open communication and is willing to embrace vulnerability. This person should feel comfortable acknowledging mistakes and sharing them with the team, understanding that doing so fosters growth, trust and continuous improvement for everyone involved.
- Bachelor’s degree, 1-3 years of related operations work experience within the financial services industry is a plus.
- SIE, Series 7, & Series 66 licensed or ability to obtain within 6 months.
Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.
