Portfolio Implementation & Order Generation Specialist

William Blair•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Serve as a portfolio implementation and order generation expert supporting the investment management process by translating portfolio manager decisions into accurate, timely, and compliant trade orders. This role acts as a key liaison between Portfolio Management, Trading, Product Specialists, and Operations, ensuring portfolio changes are implemented efficiently and in line with investment guidelines and regulatory requirements. Ensure prompt resolution of discrepancies. Develop and implement tools to facilitate the achievement of the portfolio strategy.

Requirements

Broad multi asset investment knowledge, including hands on experience with international equities and ETF products, with an understanding of how instrument structure, liquidity, market conventions, and regional trading practices impact portfolio implementation and execution.
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting or Business required
3 - 7 years of experience with an institutional investment management firm working with trade order management systems or trade operations required
Strong experience with portfolio management and order management systems (e.g., Longview, Aladdin, Charles River, Bloomberg AIM, FactSet, etc) and a solid understanding of trade lifecycle, portfolio rebalancing, and cash management.
Detail oriented, control focused professional with the ability to identify implementation risks, monitor trade activity, and ensure adherence to investment guidelines and regulatory requirements.
Analytical mindset with advanced Excel skills
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline driven environment while maintaining accuracy in a high volume trading and implementation setting.
Effective communicator and collaborative team player, able to partner with Portfolio Managers, Trading, Product Specialists, Compliance, and Client Services.

Nice To Haves

MBA and/or CFA or progress towards these advanced degrees preferred
experience using data (and tools such as SQL, Python, or VBA a plus) to support order monitoring, reporting, and process improvement.

Responsibilities

Act as a portfolio implementation subject matter expert, overseeing trade order generation and monitoring to ensure accurate execution aligned with portfolio strategies; coach Portfolio Implementation Associates on best practices.
Develop and maintain trade monitoring and control processes to reduce errors, analyze dispersion, and support Portfolio Managers and traders in efficient strategy implementation.
Coordinate portfolio rebalancing, transitions, and cash management in line with model changes and client guidelines, including oversight of off model solutions, restrictions, and corporate actions.
Support client onboarding and ongoing governance by participating in funding meetings, resolving restriction issues, performing account audits, and ensuring adherence to client specific trading instructions.
Collaborate cross functionally with Portfolio Management, Trading, Product Specialists, and Client Services to enhance analytical tools and ensure all activities comply with internal policies and regulatory requirements.

Benefits

medical, dental and vision coverage
employer paid short & long-term disability and life insurance
401(k)
profit sharing
paid time off
Maven family & fertility benefit
parental leave (including adoption, surrogacy, and foster placement)
other voluntary benefits
discretionary annual bonus (based on company, business unit and individual performance)
commission-based incentives