What are the responsibilities and job description for the PWM Transition Specialist position at Baird?
About The Role
As a PWM Transition Specialist, you will play a critical role in welcoming experienced Financial Advisors and their teams to Baird and setting them up for long-term success. This highly visible, relationship-driven role offers the opportunity to travel extensively to branch locations, work side by side with advisors and their support staff and serve as a trusted guide throughout the transition journey.
From day one of hire through full independence, you will lead seamless, client-focused transitions in both new and existing branch environments. You will also support new branch openings and acquisitions, ensuring that advisors, staff, and clients experience a smooth, well-coordinated onboarding to Baird’s Private Wealth Management platform. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, enjoys problem-solving in real time, and values building strong partnerships across the firm.
The Impact You’ll Make
Transition veteran Financial Advisors and their support staff to Baird, from day of hire through full independence in new and existing branch settings
Support new branch openings and acquisitions by providing on-site transition expertise
Build strong relationships with key partners to enhance collaboration and ensure alignment on transition needs and processes
Deliver a seamless client transition experience, including accurate account setup while considering account features, preferences, and managed account requirements
Work directly with clients with minimal oversight from the Financial Advisor
Apply knowledge of firm products, compliance standards, and processes to clearly explain requirements and policies
Ensure adherence to branch procedures and compliance expectations
Provide accurate, detailed instructions to Transition Process Coordinators regarding account-opening processes and priorities
Partner with Financial Advisors and clients to rebuild and resume normal business operations following transition
Serve as back-up support to other teams and branches and contribute to special projects as needed
Anticipate, troubleshoot, and proactively resolve issues while on site to meet client and advisor needs
Identify process inefficiencies and communicate improvement opportunities to the PWM Branch Integration Manager
What You’ll Bring To Baird
Strong focus on delivering excellent client service
Ability to travel up to 75% of the time, including occasional weekend travel
Active SIE Exam, Series 7, and Series 66, or Series 63 and Series 65 licenses, or willingness to obtain within 18 months of hire (training and resources provided and paid for by Baird)
Strong technology aptitude with the ability to adopt new tools, including AI-enabled solutions, preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to quickly learn Baird’s Private Wealth Management technology platforms
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills, including email
High attention to detail with a strong emphasis on accuracy
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize team workflows and meet deadlines
Solid analytical and critical problem-solving skills
High School Diploma required with Bachelor’s degree preferred