IED - Equity Derivatives Strat - ED

Morgan Stanley’s Equities Division is seeking an experienced Strategist / Quantitative Analyst to join its Flow Optimization team in London, focusing on the development of analytical frameworks and strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing trading efficiency, quantitative decision‑making, and data‑driven capabilities across equity derivatives markets. This role sits at the intersection of trading, quantitative research, and technology, and requires a highly collaborative individual capable of driving complex initiatives across multiple teams and stakeholders.

The successful candidate will play a leading role in shaping the team’s analytical direction, expanding platform capabilities, and identifying opportunities to improve trading and risk management processes through quantitative methods and scalable infrastructure.

What will you be doing?

• Lead the design and execution of strategic quantitative initiatives focused on trading optimization, flow analytics, and decision‑support capabilities across the business.
• Drive the development of analytical models, research frameworks, and scalable tools supporting pricing, execution, risk management, and trading workflows.
• Partner closely with trading, sales, quantitative, and technology teams to identify areas for improvement and coordinate the delivery of cross‑functional initiatives.
• Oversee the analysis of large market and transaction datasets to uncover actionable insights and enhance trading performance and operational efficiency.
• Guide the research and evaluation of trading and hedging methodologies through statistical analysis, simulation, and backtesting techniques.
• Contribute to the evolution of the team’s data infrastructure and research platforms, helping establish scalable and sustainable analytical capabilities.
• Act as a key stakeholder in defining the strategic direction of the team’s quantitative efforts and broader business capabilities.
• Mentor junior team members and help foster a collaborative and innovation‑driven environment across functions.

What we’re looking for:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Significant experience in a quantitative, trading, strategy, or data‑driven role within financial markets, preferably in an electronic or derivatives trading environment.
• Strong understanding of financial markets, trading dynamics, and quantitative methodologies applied to trading and risk management.
• Proven experience leading complex projects and coordinating initiatives across multiple business and technology teams.
• Strong statistical modelling, analytical, and problem‑solving capabilities, with experience working on large‑scale datasets.
• Advanced programming skills in Python; experience with distributed systems, data engineering, or high‑performance analytical environments is advantageous.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders, translating quantitative insights into business impact.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced and evolving environment.

Certified Persons Regulatory Requirements: If this role is deemed a Certified role and may require the role holder to hold mandatory regulatory qualifications or the minimum qualifications to meet internal company benchmarks.

Flexible work statement: Morgan Stanley empowers employees to have greater freedom of choice through flexible working arrangements. Speak to our recruitment team to find out more.

Morgan Stanley is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workforce that is diverse in experience and background. Our recruiting efforts reflect our strong commitment to a culture of inclusion, where individuals are hired, developed, and advanced based on their skills and talents. Our workforce reflects a broad cross‑section of the global communities in which we operate, bringing a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives, and experiences.