PGIM Custom Harvest - Director, SMA Fixed Income Operations

Job Classification:
Investment Management - Investment Operations

PGIM Custom Harvest, a division of PGIM Global Wealth, is a pioneer in the development of tax‑beneficial investment strategies using exchange‑traded funds (ETFs) for clients seeking improved after‑tax outcomes. We provide full exposure to a client‑selected benchmark while generating tax alpha through customized SMA portfolios of ETFs. PGIM Custom Harvest manages $7.1 billion on behalf of a wide range of RIAs and wealth managers.

The Director is responsible for leading the operational strategy, infrastructure, controls, and day‑to‑day support model for the firm’s Fixed Income Separately Managed Account (SMA) business. This leadership role will help develop and oversee the end‑to‑end operating environment supporting fixed income portfolios, ensuring that the platform is scalable, controlled, efficient, and capable of supporting continued business growth and product expansion.

The Director of SMA Fixed Income Operations will partner closely with the Head of Operations, Head of SMA Platform, Fixed Income Portfolio Management, SMA Implementation and Trading, Client Service, Technology, Product, Compliance, Risk, and other operational and business teams to align priorities, clarify ownership, and deliver a coordinated investment and client experience across the platform.

The successful candidate will combine deep fixed income and SMA operational expertise with strong leadership, risk management, process design, and strategic transformation capabilities.

Lead the operational function supporting the Fixed Income SMA business, establishing the operating model, priorities, service standards, controls, and organizational structure required to support growth.

Partner closely with the Head of SMA Fixed Income Implementation and the Fixed Income investment and trading teams to ensure effective execution of portfolio activity across the SMA platform.

Oversee operational readiness for new SMA accounts and ensure accounts are established accurately and efficiently across internal systems, custodians, and trading platforms.

Ensure appropriate controls around trade capture, allocation, confirmation, settlement, and reconciliation.

Identify operational risks associated with growth, new products, new custodians, technology changes, and evolving investment processes.

Identify opportunities to automate manual processes, reduce operational risk, improve scalability, and enhance the client and investment‑team experience.

Partner with Client Service and distribution teams to resolve complex operational matters affecting clients, advisors, and intermediaries.

Build, lead, develop, and retain a high‑performing Fixed Income SMA Operations organization.

10+ years of experience supporting separately managed accounts and/or fixed income investment products.

Strong understanding of the operational lifecycle of fixed income securities and separately managed accounts.

Experience leading investment operations teams, processes, and operating models.

Strong understanding of trade lifecycle, settlement, reconciliation, cash management, custodial relationships, account onboarding, and operational controls.

Experience working closely with portfolio management, trading, implementation, client service, technology, compliance, and risk teams.

Ability to contribute to the design and scaling of operating models supporting business growth.

Experience contributing to technology, automation, process improvement, or operational transformation initiatives.

Hands‑on experience with, or strong familiarity with, Archer.

Strong risk‑management orientation with experience supporting effective controls and governance.

Excellent leadership,…