Trader - Overlay

Kestra • Austin, TX

18h

About The Position

As a key member of the Overlay Trading Team at Kestra Financial, you will help drive the next evolution of trading and portfolio implementation across our advisor network. This role is centered on delivering advisor‑focused managed account solutions within the UMAPlus program, with an emphasis on scalable Unified Managed Account (UMA) trading, tax‑optimized overlay services, and improved client transition outcomes.
You will implement portfolio strategies on behalf of advisors and their clients, partnering closely with portfolio managers, analysts, and operations teams. Your work will include executing trades, monitoring exposures, managing cash flows, and ensuring client portfolios stay aligned with their designated models and objectives. The ideal candidate brings strong execution capability, a process‑improvement mindset, and a passion for building technology‑enabled, scalable trading solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or related field required.
• 5+ years of experience in wealth management, investment operations, or trading.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong problem‑solving skills; thrives in fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environments.
• Solid understanding of wealth management, UMA structures, and overlay strategies (e.g., tax or risk overlays, trading restrictions).
• Proficiency with trading platforms, OMS systems, and portfolio management tools.
• Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements that enhance scale, quality, and consistency.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, data manipulation; VBA/macros a plus).
• Experience with analytical platforms such as Morningstar Direct, FactSet, or similar.
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Working knowledge of trading regulations and operational controls.
• Ability to craft clear messaging and present information effectively.
• Experience integrating trading automation to support scalable overlay execution.
• Familiarity with Jira, Confluence, and formal process documentation.
• FINRA Series 7 and 66 (or 63/65 equivalent) required, or must be obtained within 90 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or CFA preferred.
• Background in workflow automation and tooling development.
• Proficiency in SQL, Python, and/or VBA.
• Comfort engaging with advisors and senior leadership; strong influencing skills.
• Exposure to optimization techniques (e.g., quadratic or mixed‑integer) and multi‑factor risk modeling.
• Experience with agentic or automated operational workflows.
• Understanding of Modern Portfolio Theory, multi‑factor risk models, and tax‑optimization methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Execute trades across client accounts using single‑sleeve and multi‑sleeve UMA models, ensuring adherence to product guidelines and firm policies.
• Monitor portfolios to identify outliers, discrepancies, or drift relative to model targets; recommend and implement adjustments.
• Manage cash positions, allocations, exposures, and tax considerations—including realized gains/losses—to enhance efficiency and portfolio outcomes.
• Support platform administration activities such as rebalancing, implementing strategies, and executing market‑driven actions.
• Collaborate with third‑party managers and internal stakeholders to integrate overlay strategies within UMA structures.
• Review and process trade orders with precision, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and best execution.
• Keep current on market developments, regulatory requirements, and best practices in UMA and overlay trading.
• Contribute to technology and workflow innovation, including automation tools that enhance scale, consistency, and performance.
• Help build robust workflows for multi‑asset UMA trading, tax‑optimized overlays, and direct indexing, incorporating risk models and client‑specific preferences.
• Support trading implementation for Kestra Investment Management’s legacy programs.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits with a large employer (over 1600 employees nationwide)
• 401(k), health insurance, and a competitive benefits package
• Work in a supportive, collaborative environment committed to professional excellence
• Help clients navigate meaningful financial decisions with confidence
• Opportunities for training, development, and long-term growth within the firm
• Tuition reimbursement for qualified expenses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level