Job Details

Job Summary
The Trading Services Consultant provides advanced securities guidance, trade execution support, and operational expertise to clients and Registered Financial Representatives. Operating within Northwestern Mutual, Northwestern Mutual Investment Services (NMIS), and Wealth Management Company (WMC), this role delivers high-level investment support, ensures regulatory compliance, and serves as a technical resource to the trading services organization.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Client & Representative Support

• Provide advice, counsel, and guidance to clients and Registered Financial Representatives on the purchase and sale of securities.
• Determine client financial needs, risk tolerance, suitability, and market understanding; integrate findings with Financial Representatives' fact-finders.
• Recommend appropriate investments based on market knowledge and client needs.
• Establish credibility and build relationships to continuously assess needs and make recommendations.
• Provide ongoing servicing to orphaned Business Retirement Market Accounts and unassigned Signature advisory accounts (annual reviews, suitability determinations, investment management services, client inquiries, and needed administrative tasks).
• Coordinate with IPS departments to facilitate administrative changes, disbursements, and related matters.

Trading & Market Expertise

• Execute and support equity, fixed income, and options transactions.
• Provide guidance on complex matters including bond ladders, executive option exercises, options strategies, and restricted stock.
• Stay informed on securities market developments, using fundamental and/or technical research to inform timely investment decisions.
• Ensure transactions are processed accurately while maintaining compliance with securities industry laws and regulations.

Training, Mentorship & Cross-Functional Support

• Act as a resource to teammates, including training Securities Specialists and onboarding new IPS Trading Services staff.
• Evaluate and resolve complex issues escalated by team members.
• Serve as a credible technical resource for IPS Trading Services and other departments; present complex trading strategies and operational topics to large, diverse groups.
• Serve as back-up to the Assistant Director, IPS Trading Services, for approval of customer trade corrections and outgoing securities correspondence, preparing daily work, and consulting on customer complaint resolutions involving IPS Trading Services.

Projects, Policies & Communications

• Participate in and/or lead projects directly affecting IPS Trading Services.
• Contribute to the development of trading desk policies and procedures.
• Assist with external communications (e.g., IPS Updates, NMIS Connect, educational memos to MPs, Field Supervisors, and Field Representatives) to announce changes and provide education.
• Demonstrate initiative in workflow optimization, process improvement, and mentoring.

Alternative Investments Support

• Provide service and guidance for illiquid alternative investments offered on NM platforms.
• Respond to alternatives operations inquiries; research vendor issues as needed.
• Trade capital calls for drawdown-structured vehicles and remediate NIGOs with the field and vendors.
• Track evergreen subscriptions, ensure executions via API or manual order entry, and remediate NIGOs with the field and vendors.

Compliance

• Operate within all ethical and regulatory requirements of FINRA, the SEC, and the MSRB.
• Maintain compliance with all NMIS and IPS Trading Services policies, procedures, and standards.

Qualifications
Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a retail brokerage sales capacity.
• Broad professional knowledge of the investment/retail brokerage industry and a variety of securities products.

Licensing Requirements

• FINRA Series 7 and 63 required.
• Ability to obtain Series 65 (or registration as an IAR in Wisconsin) within 3 months.
• Ability to obtain at least one of Series 4, 24, or 53 within 6 months.

Skills & Competencies

• Thorough knowledge of FINRA and federal/state laws and regulations related to securities processing.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, and stand-up presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to gather pertinent client information to recommend appropriate products, services, and solutions.
• Proven success in project management and cross-functional participation.
• Initiative in process improvement, workflow optimization, and mentoring others.

This position has been classified as a Registered Representative under NMIS guidelines and requires fingerprinting.Series 24 - FINRA, Series 63 - FINRA, Series 7 - FINRA, SIE - FINRA

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:
$78,190.00

Pay Range - End:
$145,210.00

Geographic Specific Pay Structure:

Structure 110:
$86,030.00 USD - $159,770.00 USD

Structure 115:

$89,950.00 USD - $167,050.00 USD

We believe in fairness and transparency. It's why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you're living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.

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Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes and encourages diversity in the workforce. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.