Operations Associate - SMA Distribution Services

Strategic Staffing Solutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Goldman Sachs in Chicago seeks an Operations Associate to support the SMA distribution business. You will partner with Distribution Services, Global Shareholder Services, and cross-functional teams (Sales, Legal, Product Development, and Engineering) to scale operations for SMA products.

The role requires at least a bachelor’s degree and 4+ years in asset or wealth management, with strong project management, analytical, and communication skills in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Minimum of 4+ years of professional experience within asset management, wealth management, or financial services.
• Demonstrated background in Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs), intermediary distribution, or global shareholder services.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert consultative service and operational support to third-party intermediaries, broker-dealers, clearing firms, and independent investment advisors.
• Drive strategic initiatives and manage new product/platform launches, building robust, scalable operational processes for SMA distribution.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks associated with client relationships, ensuring strict adherence to process controls and regulatory landscapes.
• Own internal and client-driven projects from conception to completion, tracking deliverables and preparing critical business reporting.
• Act as a central bridge between external distribution partners and internal Goldman Sachs teams to resolve complex inquiries and enhance the overall client experience.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Operations Associate - SMA Distribution Services

We are seeking two dynamic Operations Associates for this opportunity with a premier global financial institution in downtown Chicago. In this role, you will partner closely with Distribution Services, Global Shareholder Services, and cross-functional teams (Sales, Legal, Product Development, and Engineering) to support the firm’s rapidly growing Separately Managed Account (SMA) business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Guidance & Servicing: Provide expert consultative service and operational support to third-party intermediaries, broker-dealers, clearing firms, and independent investment advisors.
• Infrastructure & Scaling: Drive strategic initiatives and manage new product/platform launches, building robust, scalable operational processes for SMA distribution.
• Risk & Control Management: Identify and mitigate operational risks associated with client relationships, ensuring strict adherence to process controls and regulatory landscapes.
• Project & Initiative Leadership: Own internal and client-driven projects from conception to completion, tracking deliverables and preparing critical business reporting.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as a central bridge between external distribution partners and internal Goldman Sachs teams to resolve complex inquiries and enhance the overall client experience.

What We Are Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Minimum of 4+ years of professional experience within the asset management, wealth management, or financial services industry.
• Demonstrated background in Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs), intermediary distribution, or global shareholder services.
• Exceptional project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a high sense of urgency.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to navigate a fast-paced, collaborative corporate environment.