JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, technology-driven asset management firm in their search for a dynamic and experienced Vice President of Trading Operations. Our client, a respected leader in the financial industry with a multi-billion dollar portfolio, is seeking a strategic leader to oversee and enhance their trading operations function in their downtown Chicago headquarters.
This is a rare opportunity to join a forward-thinking organization at a senior level, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the operational framework that supports a sophisticated, multi-asset class trading environment. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of the trade lifecycle, a passion for process optimization, and a proven track record of leading high-performing teams.
You will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of all post-trade activities, while mitigating operational risk and ensuring strict regulatory compliance. This role offers significant visibility and the chance to make a substantial impact on the firm’s continued success and growth.
Role Overview for VP, Trading Operations with an Asset Manager – Chicago, IL
The Vice President of Trading Operations is a critical leadership position responsible for the entire post-trade lifecycle management. You will direct a team of operations professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and collaboration. Your primary mandate will be to ensure seamless and efficient processing of all trades across a diverse range of asset classes, including equities, fixed income, derivatives, and foreign exchange. This involves overseeing trade capture, affirmation, confirmation, settlement, and reconciliation processes. Beyond the day-to-day management, you will be a strategic partner to the front office, technology teams, and senior management. You will be tasked with identifying opportunities for automation, implementing new technologies, and re-engineering workflows to enhance operational efficiency and reduce risk. This role requires a leader who can balance strategic initiatives with tactical execution, ensuring that the operational infrastructure is robust, scalable, and fully compliant with all relevant industry regulations. You will serve as the subject matter expert on all operational matters, providing guidance and resolving complex issues that arise in a fast-paced trading environment.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Trading Operations with an Asset Manager – Chicago, IL
Team Leadership and Development
Manage, mentor, and develop a team of trading operations analysts and specialists. Set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and foster a collaborative and high-performance team culture. Oversee resource allocation and staff planning to ensure adequate coverage for all operational functions.
Trade Lifecycle Management
Provide end-to-end oversight of the trade lifecycle for all asset classes. Ensure timely and accurate trade capture, enrichment, and confirmation. Manage the trade affirmation process with counterparties and custodians using industry platforms like DTCC CTM.
Settlement and Reconciliation
Supervise the daily trade settlement process, proactively identifying and resolving any settlement failures or discrepancies. Oversee daily cash and position reconciliations between internal systems and custodian/prime broker records, ensuring all breaks are investigated and resolved promptly.
Process Improvement and Automation
Continuously evaluate existing workflows and procedures to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement. Lead strategic projects aimed at enhancing automation, reducing manual touchpoints, and increasing straight-through processing (STP) rates. Partner with the technology department to design, test, and implement new systems and operational tools.
Risk Management and Control
Develop and maintain a robust control framework to mitigate operational risks associated with trading activities. Monitor key risk indicators (KRIs) and produce management reporting on operational performance. Ensure all procedures are well-documented and adhered to by the team.
Counterparty and Vendor Relationship Management
Serve as a primary point of contact for prime brokers, custodians, and other external service providers. Manage these relationships to ensure high levels of service and to resolve any operational issues. Participate in regular service reviews and due diligence processes.
Regulatory Compliance
Stay abreast of the evolving regulatory landscape and ensure the firm’s trading operations are in full compliance with all applicable rules and regulations, including extensive knowledge of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations. Assist the compliance department with regulatory reporting and inquiries.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with portfolio managers, traders, compliance, legal, and technology teams to support new business initiatives, product launches, and complex trading strategies. Provide operational expertise and impact analysis for new instruments or markets.
Requirements for the VP, Trading Operations with an Asset Manager – Chicago, IL
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
- A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in trading operations, middle office, or a related function within an asset management firm, hedge fund, or investment bank.
- At least 5 years of direct people management experience, with a proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team.
- In-depth knowledge of the trade lifecycle across multiple asset classes, including equities, fixed income (corporates, municipals, MBS), and derivatives (options, futures, swaps).
- Extensive experience with trade processing and settlement in both domestic and international markets.
- Strong understanding of operational risk, internal controls, and regulatory requirements impacting the asset management industry.
- Demonstrated experience in leading process re-engineering and technology implementation projects.
- Proficiency with industry-standard systems and platforms, such as OMS/EMS (e.g., Charles River, Black Mountain, Bloomberg AIM), and post-trade utilities (e.g., DTCC CTM, Omgeo Alert).
Preferred Qualifications:
- An MBA or other advanced degree (e.g., CFA charterholder) is highly desirable.
- Experience with complex derivatives and collateral management processes.
- Familiarity with data management and business intelligence tools for creating metrics and dashboards.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a meticulous attention to detail.
- Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with senior management, traders, and external partners.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package. As a key member of their leadership team, you can expect:
Competitive Salary and Bonus
A generous base salary complemented by a significant performance-based annual bonus.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents with low employee contributions.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a substantial company match to help you build your long-term financial security.
Generous Paid Time Off
A competitive vacation, sick leave, and personal day policy, in addition to firm-wide holidays.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including support for conferences, certifications (like the CFA), and further education.
Work-Life Balance
A commitment to a sustainable work environment, with a hybrid work model offering flexibility.
Wellness Programs
Subsidies for gym memberships and access to mental health resources to support your overall well-being.
Commuter Benefits
Pre-tax programs to assist with public transportation and parking costs in downtown Chicago.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this search. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership accomplishments. We encourage all qualified and interested candidates to apply promptly. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Asset Management practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your skills and experience align with our client’s needs. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
