How to hire a fixed income portfolio manager

How to hire a fixed income portfolio manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step fixed income portfolio manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a fixed income portfolio manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new fixed income portfolio manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a fixed income portfolio manager do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the fixed income portfolio manager you need to hire. Certain fixed income portfolio manager roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A fixed income portfolio manager's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, fixed income portfolio managers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of fixed income portfolio managers.

   Type of Fixed Income Portfolio Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Fixed Income Portfolio Manager	Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of an organization. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization.	$28-100
   Manager Finance Planning And Analysis	A manager finance planning and analysis oversees the daily operations of a company's financial planning department. They typically have administrative duties such as setting goals and guidelines, establishing timelines and budgets, delegating tasks among teams and staff, and reviewing financial reports regularly... Show more	$36-71
   Cash Manager	A cash manager is responsible for monitoring cash flow, analyzing financial transactions, and allocating adequate budget and resources for every department's operations. Cash managers conduct data and statistical analysis to determine the company's expenses and financial loss and strategize techniques in minimizing those risks... Show more	$31-62

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Fixed Income
   • Macro
   • Risk Management
   • Income Portfolio
   • Securities
   • Portfolio Construction
   • Asset Classes
   • Investment Strategies
   • Multi-Asset
   • Capital Markets
   • Bonds
   • Investment Grade
   • Relative Value Analysis
   • Portfolio Risk

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage governance, engage stakeholders and communicate budget impact to senior management.
   • Source bonds from primary/secondary markets, allocate across multiple credit portfolios and oversee trade execution.
   • Analyze and provide relative value assessments for industry specific securities and overall market.
   • Serve as liaison between product development and clients to improve coverage and accuracy for asset-backed securities
   • Conduct daily trading in bonds / foreign exchange and monitor political and economic events that influence international bond markets.
   • Spearhead the enterprise Server/Network equipment room governance program lowering risk exposure to the firm to satisfy an external audit deliverable.

   More fixed income portfolio manager duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your fixed income portfolio manager job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A fixed income portfolio manager can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, fixed income portfolio managers' average salary in nebraska is 52% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level fixed income portfolio managers 72% less than senior-level fixed income portfolio managers.
   • Certifications. A fixed income portfolio manager with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a fixed income portfolio manager's salary.

   Average fixed income portfolio manager salary

   $111,730yearly

   $53.72 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level fixed income portfolio manager salary

   $59,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 5, 2025

   Average fixed income portfolio manager salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$141,013	$68
   2	Washington	$129,906	$62
   3	Massachusetts	$127,207	$61
   4	New York	$122,619	$59
   5	District of Columbia	$119,881	$58
   6	Michigan	$105,591	$51
   7	Georgia	$102,362	$49

   Average fixed income portfolio manager salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	MUFG EMEA	$187,449	$90.12
   2	Meag	$180,575	$86.81
   3	Goldman Sachs	$161,932	$77.85	4
   4	ICM Asset Management	$129,608	$62.31
   5	Voya Financial	$116,638	$56.08	5
   6	Shore Group Associates	$114,125	$54.87
   7	Caxton	$112,764	$54.21	6
   8	Wellington Management	$112,761	$54.21	2
   9	*n/a*	$111,887	$53.79
   10	National Life Group	$103,821	$49.91
   11	Fifth Third Bank	$98,526	$47.37	4
   12	Citizens Alliance	$89,784	$43.17	46
   13	Citizens Financial Group	$73,776	$35.47	67
   14	Citizens Bank of Amsterdam	$66,315	$31.88

4. Writing a fixed income portfolio manager job description

   A fixed income portfolio manager job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a fixed income portfolio manager job description:

   Fixed income portfolio manager job description example

   We are seeking a Fixed Income Associate Portfolio Manager to join our Team in Nashville, TN.
   
   The AllianceBernstein Fixed Income Investment Management structure has evolved over time, moving from a set of investment teams that were vertically integrated to a model were portfolio management is supported by functional groups that have specialized skill sets and responsibilities. These changes reflect a need to build a scalable business capable of servicing a growing set of accounts, a wider diversity of account offerings, and increased complexity of products and strategies.
   
   Fixed Income Associate Portfolio Managers are responsible for supporting our global Portfolio Management teams through accurate and efficient implementation of portfolio decisions. They support all asset classes and work closely with teams across the AB enterprise, including investment management, operations, technology, sales and trading. Associate Portfolio Managers should show an interest in financial markets and will develop a deep understanding of our products, operational policies and procedures.
   
   KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
   Ensure the efficient implementation of fixed income trades, including reviewing compliance with guidelines, currency management and order building Continually monitor portfolios to ensure guideline compliance, portfolio and security data accuracy, performance reporting and analysis for ad hoc requests Identify and control operational risk associated with implementation activities Support overall account management by facilitating successful account opening / closings and liaising with Sales and Portfolio Management to address client requests such as local market openings and custodial transitions Identify opportunities and partner with technologists to re-engineer and automate processes which will increase operational efficiency, improve client service and enhance risk controls Provide support to Portfolio Managers, Portfolio Analysts, Sales, Trading and Operations to deliver against client requirements
   
   Describe the applications and business or enterprise functions the role supports:
   
   The Associate Portfolio Manager role offers high visibility to the Fixed Income Investment as well as other areas of the firm-Sales, Product Development, Middle Office, Compliance, and Technology and Operations. This role enables and individual to experience all aspects of the asset management business.
   
   The key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
   Ensure the efficient implementation of fixed income trades, including reviewing compliance with guidelines, currency management and order building Continually monitor portfolios to ensure guideline compliance, portfolio and security data accuracy, performance reporting and analysis for ad-hoc requests Facilitate successful account opening/closings and liaise with sales and portfolio management to address client requests Identify opportunities and partner with technologists to re-engineer and automate processes to increase operational efficiency, improve client service and enhance risk controls Provide support to Portfolio Managers, PAs, Sales, Trading and Operations to deliver against client requirements
   
   What makes this role unique or interesting?
   
   The role is critical to the success of the AB Portfolio Management team as they exercise their daily activities to deliver for their clients. Associate Portfolio Managers get broad exposure as they support all asset classes and work closely with teams across the AB enterprise -- including Investment Management, Operations, Technology, Sales and Trading. Associate Portfolio Managers should show an interest in financial markets and will develop a deep understanding of our products, operational policies and procedures.
   
   What is the professional development value of this role, i.e. what learning and professional growth does the role offer the candidate?
   
   The candidate will have exposure to activities across the full Fixed Income organization. In addition, we have a vast array of product types which allows the candidate to learn over time and be eligible for internal promotions in areas as diverse as Operations, Compliance, Audit, Business Analyst, Derivatives, Business Valuations and Pricing.
   
   Job Qualifications (The ideal candidate should have the following):
   
   Candidates must have outstanding attention to detail, coupled with a proven ability to think logically and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment, often under time pressure and across multiple tasks.
   
   Specific requirements include:
   Motivated self-starter with a passion for process improvement and leveraging technology to solve complex business problems Strong interest / experience in financial markets, notably asset management Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills Effective communication skills paired with a strong desire to work in a team-oriented organization Exceptional understanding of risk management and overall control environment Proficiency in Microsoft suite Strong soft skills such as adaptability and creativity
   
   Location: Nashville, TN
   
   We are a leading global investment management firm offering high-quality research and diversified investment services to institutional clients, retail investors, and private-wealth clients in major markets around the globe. With over 4,000 employees across 51 locations operating in 25 countries and jurisdictions, our ambition is simple: to be the most trusted investment firm in the world. We realize that it's our people who give us a competitive advantage and drive success in the market, and our goal is to create an inclusive culture that rewards hard work.
   
   Our culture of intellectual curiosity and collaboration creates an environment where you can thrive and do your best work. Whether you're producing thought-provoking research, identifying compelling investment opportunities, infusing new technologies into our business or providing thoughtful advice to our clients, we are fully invested in you. If you're ready to challenge your limits and empower your career, join us!
   
   People of color, women, and those who identify as LGBTQ people are encouraged to apply. AB does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status or any other basis that is prohibited by applicable law. AB's policies, as well as practices, seek to ensure that employment opportunities are available to all employees and applicants, based solely on job-related criteria.
   
   Please be advised that AB does not solicit confidential information from job applicants during the screening process, nor extend job offers without the candidate participating in a series of interviews to be properly considered for an open role. If you receive requests for confidential information, outside of the formal interviewing process even if the person asserts that they represent AB, we encourage you not to reply.
   Nashville, Tennessee

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5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find fixed income portfolio managers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your fixed income portfolio manager job on Zippia to find and recruit fixed income portfolio manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting fixed income portfolio managers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new fixed income portfolio manager

   Once you've decided on a perfect fixed income portfolio manager candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new fixed income portfolio manager first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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