About the Role
As the Director of Trading, you will serve as the strategic and operational leader of GDS Wealth Management’s trading function, overseeing all trade execution across equities, fixed income, structured notes, and covered call strategies. Managing approximately $1.7 billion in client assets, you will ensure precision, scalability, and compliance in every aspect of the firm’s trading operations.
This role partners with the Chief Investment Officer (CIO), Compliance, and Operations teams to enhance trade execution quality, manage firmwide risk, and implement process automation to support continued growth.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Oversight
- Lead and mentor the Trading Team (Senior Trader and Trader), fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and professional development.
- Oversee daily trade execution and allocation across equities, fixed income, structured notes, and covered call strategies.
- Establish and maintain trading policies, best practices, and controls consistent with SEC and firm compliance standards.
- Partner with Compliance and Operations to ensure audit readiness and adherence to all supervisory and documentation standards.
Strategic Trading & Risk Management
- Monitor firmwide and account-level risk exposures, model drift, and portfolio alignment with investment objectives.
- Identify and mitigate potential sources of operational or market risk.
- Conduct regular trade supervision reviews and exception audits to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Collaborate with the CIO on portfolio rebalances, tactical allocation adjustments, and strategic trading initiatives.
Investment Strategy Collaboration
- Partner with the CIO to support model design, rebalancing logic, and structured product implementation.
- Provide insights into execution trends, liquidity management, and operational efficiency for investment strategy development.
- Stay informed on evolving market structure, trading technology, and regulatory developments affecting execution and compliance.
Technology & Process Optimization
- Manage and optimize the firm’s Orion trading platform, ensuring flawless trade execution, reconciliation, and data integrity.
- Leverage Orion’s capabilities to enhance trading efficiency, automation, and reporting accuracy.
- Utilize trade cost analysis, liquidity metrics, and performance analytics to drive continuous improvement.
- Work with internal teams to streamline trade workflows, reduce manual processes, and scale operations effectively.
Qualifications
Required
- Experience: 10+ years of experience in trading, portfolio operations, or investment management within an RIA, asset management, or institutional environment.
- Leadership: 5+ years leading a trading desk in a regulated setting.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field.
- Technical Expertise: Strong
- Deep proficiency with the Orion trading platform and custodial trading workflows.
- Comprehensive knowledge of equity, fixed income, and structured product execution.
- Familiarity with covered call and options overlay strategies.
- Skills: Strong analytical ability, exceptional accuracy, and leadership under pressure.
Preferred
- Certifications: CFA® or CIMA® designation.
- Education: Master’s degree (MBA or MS in Finance/Economics).
- Experience:
- Proven success integrating automation and analytics into trading operations.
- Collaboration with compliance, operations, and technology to enhance scalability.
- Proficiency in data visualization and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $150,000–$200,000 (commensurate with experience and qualifications).
- Bonus: Operations-based bonus ranging from $10,000–$20,000, based on firm performance.
- Retirement: 401(k) plan with 4% company contribution, immediately vested.
- Health Coverage: 100% employer-paid medical coverage; optional dental and vision coverage.
- Paid Time Off: 15 PTO days annually, plus firm holidays.
