Trade Operations Manager

Organization Summary

Cascade Asset Management Company ( Cascade ) is proud to protect and grow capital in service of Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation Trust in support of their mission-related and philanthropic activities.

Mr. Gates and the Foundation Trust are committed to creating a world where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy, productive life.

Located in the Seattle area, Cascade applies its fundamental, long-horizon investment approach across asset classes and geographies, primarily through direct investing, as well as through a select group of funds and segregated accounts.

Cascade offers the unique blend of being part of a team that manages a multi-billion-dollar portfolio while also working with professionals in a culture that values intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and respect.

Team Description

Reporting to the Head of Investment Operations, the Trade Operations Manager will work closely with the team’s key client, Cascade’s Head of Markets.

Sitting within the Investment Operations Department, Trade Operations is a dynamic, energetic, and collaborative group operating as a central hub within the organization.

Trade Operations is responsible for timely and accurate processing of all portfolios, securities, and related entity transactions.

Specific team functions include cash management, supporting custodian reconciliations, trade processing, relationship management (prime brokers, futures clearing merchants, custodians, etc.

corporate actions, asset safekeeping, and overall knowledge sharing.

Position Description

The Trade Operations Manager will provide strategic leadership and oversee the Trade Operations team within the larger Investment Operations Department.

This role requires a dynamic and collaborative individual who can drive improvements in middle-office and investment trade operations processes.

The Trade Operations Manager will have a strong knowledge of fixed income securities, FX, derivatives, collateral management, vendor management, and portfolio system flows.

As the leader of this team, you will be responsible for driving automation and innovation of trade confirmation and settlement, process workflows, system and user access reviews, and reporting.

Key Responsibilities :

• Lead the Trade Operations team in identifying, driving, and executing process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure the team is proficient in performing core Investment Operations functions, including daily trade confirmations, settlements, cash and position reconciliations, collateral management, compliance, and reporting.

Seek opportunities to coach and develop the team.

• Collaborate with internal teams such as the Trading Desk, Portfolio Analysis, Investment Accounting, Tax, and Legal to support cross-functional initiatives and to optimize operational processes.
• Drive operational preparedness for regulatory requirements and collateral management functions.
• Foster a culture of industry best practices within the Operations team, ensuring compliance with internal procedures, policies, and controls.
• Coach and develop the Trade Operations team.
• Develop and implement processes to monitor, aggregate, and report success metrics to the leadership team, contributing to a path of continuous improvement.
• Maintain and strengthen strategic relationships with internal partners, custodial banks, system vendors, and counterparties.

Skills and Qualifications :

• Leadership : Demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and guide a team towards achieving goals and targets.
• Communication : Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information, provide feedback, and foster open dialogue.
• Emotional Intelligence : Proficiency in understanding and managing emotions, displaying empathy, and building strong relationships with team members.
• Strategic Thinking : Ability to think critically, analyze complex situations, and make sound decisions that align with organizational objectives.
• Problem-solving : Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify issues, develop innovative solutions, and implement effective strategies.
• Decision-making : Proven track record of making timely and well-informed decisions, considering relevant factors and potential consequences.
• 10+ years financial services or securities experience required, with at least 6 years working within a middle or back-office investment operations atmosphere;

extensive experience in a leadership role strongly preferred.

• Undergraduate degree; graduate degree and / or CFA a plus.
• Sophisticated understanding of relevant technologies, specifically in Aladdin.
• Fundamental knowledge of investments and various security types.
• Strong business partnering and cross-boundary collaboration skills.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Comfort with technology and systems, with a desire and ability to learn new financial instruments and technology.

What We Offer

Cascade is committed to paying employees equitably for substantially similar work. A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range for this position is $175,000.

to $200,000 with the exact amount driven by several factors including relevant experience, knowledge, education, degree to which a candidate meets the role requirements, and other qualifications.

We believe that our employees are the reason for our success, and in recognition of their contributions, we offer discretionary annual bonus and a discretionary long-term incentive program as part of the total compensation.

Cascade proudly supports our employees and their families with a comprehensive fully paid benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, long-term disability insurance, and a generous employer match to 401(k) retirement savings contributions.

Employees are also eligible for 18 days of paid vacation each year for the first four years of employment, eight paid holidays, up to three floating holidays per year, up to 14 days of sick leave, and generous paid parental and family leave.

Our benefits also include several employee wellness programs and mental health resources, a charitable giving match, and reimbursement for fitness, daycare, and / or commuter expenses.

What We Value

Cascade values diversity, equity, and inclusion and is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all employees and all applicants seeking employment.

All employment decisions are based on a candidate’s or employee’s capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, national origin, citizenship, veteran, military, marital status, sensory, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law.

Questions regarding accommodation requests due to a disability should be directed to Human Resources.

Employment Requirements

Upon hire, you are required to present proof of your eligibility to legally work in the U.S.