Senior Relationship Advisor

Northern Trust•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Senior Relationship Advisor manages complex fiduciary and wealth management relationships for sophisticated clients and delivers high-quality fiduciary services. As a senior member of the service team, the role is primarily responsible for client satisfaction, coordinating with internal partners and using Northern Trust resources to provide timely services, resolve issues, and communicate client needs. The advisor works with clients’ professional advisors to identify and implement advisory solutions, balancing fiduciary duties, client objectives, and internal procedures. The role also supports other Relationship Advisors on fiduciary matters and may serve as a fiduciary specialist for accounts not directly assigned. The position manages an assigned client base, leads goals-driven wealth management conversations, provides proactive guidance, and explains complex topics clearly. It applies fiduciary expertise and sound judgment to identify relationship opportunities and manage risk. The advisor builds relationships with referral sources and external professional advisors, represents Northern Trust in community and professional organizations, and travels as appropriate for client service and business development. The role also mentors less experienced partners, serves as a subject matter expert on complex fiduciary relationships, continues professional development, and is eligible to serve as Lead Relationship Manager for all relationship types. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employment-based visa sponsorship. Northern Trust describes its culture as flexible and collaborative, with opportunities for internal movement, accessible senior leaders, an inclusive workplace, and community philanthropy. Reasonable accommodations are available during the employment process.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of fiduciary and financial products and services, typically gained through significant related work experience managing complex client relationships.
Demonstrated experience with fiduciary accounts and technical knowledge of investment, tax, legal, and operational considerations, gained through education or professional experience.
Deep understanding of fiduciary standards, principles, applicable laws, and regulations.
Strong leadership, problem-solving, negotiation, delegation, sales, and organizational-effectiveness skills.
Ability to interpret internal and external business challenges and recommend best practices to improve products, processes, or services.
College or university degree and/or equivalent professional experience.
Typically 12–15 years of experience as a relationship manager or attorney in trust administration, estate administration, estate planning, or a related field.
Authorization to work in the United States without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

JD or similar credential is strongly preferred.
Fiduciary and advisory training, seminars, or advanced education.

Responsibilities

Manage an assigned base of sophisticated wealth management clients in coordination with client service teams, clients, and professional advisors.
Understand client needs and goals, governing documents, fiduciary duties, and applicable laws.
Lead goals-driven wealth management conversations and provide proactive guidance on Northern Trust products and services, emerging issues, and regulatory or tax changes.
Explain complex concepts in clear, client-friendly language.
Use knowledge of Northern Trust resources, fiduciary standards, and practices to identify relationship-enhancement opportunities and deliver high-quality fiduciary service.
Maintain responsive client service through effective written and verbal communication, time management, diplomacy, and tact.
Identify fiduciary risk issues and apply sound judgment in accordance with internal policies, processes, and procedures.
Build relationships with referral sources and external professional advisors to develop business and identify opportunities.
Represent Northern Trust through participation in community and professional organizations.
Travel as appropriate to meet client service, revenue, and business-development needs.
Teach and mentor less experienced partners, advise Relationship Advisors on fiduciary issues, and serve as a subject matter expert on complex fiduciary relationships.
Continue developing fiduciary and advisory skills through training and experience, applying analytical thought to identify innovative solutions.
Be eligible to serve as Lead Relationship Manager for all relationship types.