Execution Trader Job Description Template

The execution trader works portfolio manager orders into the market at the best achievable price without signaling the fund’s intentions. The job is part market judgment and part tooling: choosing between algorithms, venues and blocks, reading liquidity through the day and knowing when to wait. Execution quality compounds, so small consistent improvements matter more than any individual trade.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Execute equity, fixed income or derivative orders on behalf of portfolio managers
• Select execution strategies and algorithms appropriate to size and liquidity
• Monitor market conditions, liquidity and volatility through the trading day
• Source block liquidity through brokers and alternative venues where appropriate
• Minimize market impact and information leakage on sensitive orders
• Confirm and allocate trades accurately and resolve discrepancies promptly
• Report execution quality and explain outcomes to the investment team
• Maintain broker relationships and route flow according to policy
• Escalate unusual market conditions or failed executions
• Support the desk on hedging, rolls and corporate action driven activity

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics or a related field

Required Skills and Experience

• 3+ years of trading experience, ideally on a buy side desk
• Working knowledge of market microstructure and execution algorithms
• Fluency with an order or execution management system
• Accuracy under time pressure, since trade errors are expensive
• Understanding of settlement, allocations and the trade lifecycle
• Clear communication with portfolio managers and brokers
• Awareness of regulatory obligations around trading conduct
• Composure in fast moving markets

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience across more than one asset class
• Familiarity with FIX protocol and electronic venues