Investment Operations Associate

Investment Operations Associate

Alternative Investment Manager | Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

• Compensation
• Base Salary: $100,000–$150,000
• Competitive bonus and benefits package
• Work Model
• Chicago-based role
• Hybrid schedule

Company Overview

We are partnering with a sophisticated investment management firm focused on complex credit, structured investments, and multi-asset portfolios. The organization manages a diverse investment platform and combines institutional-quality infrastructure with an entrepreneurial culture.

The firm continues to expand its operations team and is seeking an experienced Investment Operations professional to support trade execution, settlement activities, portfolio operations, and investment lifecycle management across multiple asset classes.

Position Overview

The Investment Operations Associate will play a critical role supporting front-office investment activity, trade lifecycle management, portfolio operations, security master maintenance, reconciliations, and operational controls.

This role requires strong experience working with institutional investment products, complex trade settlements, and investment operations platforms. The successful candidate will partner closely with portfolio management, trading, accounting, compliance, fund administration, and external counterparties to ensure accurate and timely execution of operational activities.

Experience with Aladdin is required.

Key Responsibilities

Trade Operations & Settlements

• Oversee trade settlement processes across multiple asset classes
• Coordinate settlement activity with custodians, counterparties, brokers, administrators, and external service providers
• Monitor trade matching, allocations, and settlement status within investment operations systems
• Support complex transaction activity including restructurings, exchanges, corporate actions, and investment elections
• Research and resolve trade-related discrepancies and settlement exceptions

Investment Operations

• Maintain investment operations platforms including portfolio accounting and trade processing systems
• Support onboarding of new investments and security setup activities
• Maintain security master and reference data across internal systems
• Track corporate actions, documentation updates, and investment lifecycle events
• Assist with operational support for new products, strategies, and investment structures

Portfolio & Accounting Support

• Partner with accounting teams to reconcile investment activity and resolve breaks
• Support monthly and quarterly reporting processes
• Review transaction activity and ensure consistency across portfolio records and reporting systems
• Assist with operational controls and compliance monitoring activities

Counterparty & Documentation Management

• Coordinate documentation and onboarding requirements with counterparties and service providers
• Support collection and maintenance of tax, legal, and operational documentation
• Assist with review and processing of transaction-related agreements and supporting materials
• Serve as a key point of contact for operational inquiries from internal and external stakeholders

Process Improvement & Projects

• Participate in operational improvement initiatives and technology projects
• Assist with implementation and optimization of investment operations workflows
• Contribute to development of procedures, controls, and best practices
• Support special projects as assigned

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or related field
• 5 years of experience within investment operations, loan operations, trade settlements, middle office, fund operations, or related financial services environments
• Direct Aladdin experience required
• Strong understanding of institutional investment products and trade lifecycle management
• Experience with syndicated loans, private credit, structured products, fixed income securities, or alternative investments preferred
• Familiarity with investment documentation and operational workflows
• Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence
• Strong communication skills and ability to work across multiple teams

Preferred Backgrounds

• Private credit firms
• Alternative asset managers
• Hedge funds
• Loan operations groups
• Investment operations teams
• Fund administrators supporting credit-oriented strategies
• Middle office or trade support professionals with Aladdin expertise

Why This Opportunity

• High-visibility role supporting investment professionals and portfolio managers
• Exposure to complex investment products and transactions
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture with strong leadership access
• Opportunity to influence operational processes and infrastructure
• Growing platform with significant career advancement potential
• Competitive compensation for experienced investment operations professionals