Trader - Investment Grade Bond

Northern Trust • Chicago, IL

7d

About The Position

Northern Trust Asset Management is seeking an experienced Investment Grade Bond Trader to join its Fixed Income Trading team. The role combines technology, markets, and portfolio implementation, partnering with Portfolio Managers and other traders to deliver liquidity, efficient execution, and investment outcomes across client portfolios. The trader is expected to use market expertise, dealer relationships, technology, and data-driven insights to improve execution and portfolio implementation, identify market opportunities, and contribute to the evolution of the trading platform through innovation, automation, and analytics.

The position offers exposure to ETFs, active and index strategies, institutional mandates, separately managed accounts, and wealth management portfolios. It also includes backup trading coverage for other fixed income sectors, including High Yield, non-US Fixed Income, and Rates products.

Requirements

• Expertise in voice and electronic fixed income trading, with advanced proficiency across platforms including MarketAxess, Tradeweb, Bloomberg, and other electronic execution venues.
• Strong understanding of index and active investment strategies, investment grade credit markets, portfolio construction, risk management, market structure, and credit fundamentals.
• Ability to source liquidity, navigate complex market environments, and deliver superior execution outcomes.
• Established dealer relationships and strong negotiation skills across the fixed income marketplace.
• Ability to leverage technology, data, and analytics to enhance trading decisions, workflows, and execution quality.
• Intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and a continuous-improvement mindset focused on innovation, efficiency, and investment outcomes.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future employment-based visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with OMS and EMS platforms such as Aladdin and Adroit.
• Five to ten years of Investment Grade credit trading experience is preferred.
• Corporate credit trading experience may be considered for candidates who can demonstrate strong Investment Grade market knowledge and relevant trading experience.

Responsibilities

• Execute primary and secondary market Investment Grade credit transactions across all sectors, delivering liquidity, efficient execution, and strong investment outcomes.
• Provide market insight and liquidity intelligence to support investment decisions and execution strategy.
• Develop and maintain relationships with broker-dealers, platforms, and trading counterparties to source liquidity, identify opportunities, and achieve optimal execution.
• Provide real-time market intelligence, pricing insight, and liquidity assessments to support investment decision-making and portfolio construction.
• Deliver portfolio, market, and trading analysis supporting client portfolios, investment initiatives, and business development.
• Collaborate with technology, operations, compliance, and external vendors to enhance trading platforms, data quality, workflow automation, and system integration.
• Identify and drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and analytical capabilities that improve scalability, strengthen controls, and increase trading efficiency.
• Maintain expertise in fixed income market structure, security characteristics, pricing methodologies, industry developments, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide backup trading coverage across other fixed income sectors, including High Yield, non-US Fixed Income, and Rates products.

Benefits

• Retirement benefits, including 401(k) and pension.
• Health and welfare benefits, including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, and disability benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Parental and caregiver leave.
• Life and accident insurance.
• Other voluntary and well-being benefits.
• Discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed