VP, Equity Execution Algorithms & Smart Order Routing

VP, Equity Execution Algorithms & Smart Order Routing

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Citi

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead product management for cutting-edge Equity Execution Algorithms and Smart Order Routing solutions.
  • Company: Join Citi, a global leader in financial products and solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, private medical care, and a hybrid working model.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of electronic trading and make a real impact in finance.
  • Qualifications: Experience in electronic trading product management and strong technical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

Citi's Markets business is one of the world's leading providers of financial products and solutions, serving clients across equities, fixed income, currencies, commodities, and prime finance. Within this franchise, Citi's Equities division is undergoing a significant multi-year transformation to build a next-generation global low latency trading platform. This evolution is designed to deliver world-class performance, resiliency, and advanced capabilities, positioning Citi at the forefront of electronic execution globally.

This Vice President-level role sits within Citi's Equities Electronic Product team, embedded at the intersection of technology, markets, and client strategy. The position focuses on the product management of the Equity Execution Algorithms and Smart Order Routing (SOR) solutions, a strategically critical area as Citi continues to invest in its electronic trading franchise. The successful candidate will play a meaningful role in shaping the design, delivery, and evolution of products that clients, including asset managers, hedge funds, and quantitative funds, rely on daily for execution quality and market access.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Contribute to and drive the execution of the product roadmap for Equity Execution Algorithms and Smart Order Router platforms end-to-end, from ideation and requirements definition through development, launch and ongoing performance management, ensuring alignment with both client demand and evolving market structure dynamics.
  • Lead cross-functional delivery by coordinating closely with Quantitative Research, Technology, Trading, Sales, Legal, and Compliance teams to translate complex business and client requirements into actionable technical outcomes.
  • Drive product innovation by conducting rigorous market microstructure analysis, identifying liquidity trends and latency optimisation opportunities, developing data-driven specifications and KPIs that measure and continuously improve execution quality.
  • Continue to innovate within Citi’s Electronic Execution platform, developing and tailoring algorithmic strategies to evolving market structure dynamics and client demand.
  • Ensure adherence to risk and governance policies across the electronic trading product lifecycle, upholding robust policy, regulatory compliance, and control frameworks in accordance with global electronic trading requirements.
  • Engage with external partners, managing relationships with execution venues, and evaluating emerging solutions to inform product strategy and drive competitive advantage.
What We Need From You
  • Demonstrable experience in electronic trading product management or a closely related function (e.g. algorithmic development, quantitative research, execution advisory, algorithmic trading), with deep subject matter expertise across Equity Execution Algorithms, Smart Order Routing, internalisation and execution venues.
  • Strong understanding of market microstructure and latency-sensitive trading architectures, including the ability to analyse trading logic, interpret venue behaviour, and make data-informed decisions that drive measurable improvements in execution performance.
  • Deep understanding of trading platform architectures and technologies, particularly for low latency solutions.
  • Technical proficiency sufficient to engage credibly with engineering and quantitative teams; hands-on experience with q/KDB is advantageous, as is familiarity with FIX protocol and trade lifecycle.
  • Proven track record of managing complex, cross-functional programmes in a global investment banking environment, with the ability to prioritise effectively, resolve blockers, and drive delivery across distributed stakeholder groups.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate highly technical concepts into clear, actionable messaging for both technical and non-technical audiences including senior management, Sales and external partners.
  • A strong understanding of regulatory requirements governing electronic trading in cash equities markets.
  • A degree in a quantitative or technical discipline (e.g., Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Finance, or a related field).
What Citi Can Offer You
  • By joining Citi London, you will not only be part of a business casual workplace with a hybrid working model (up to 2 days working at home per week), but also receive a competitive base salary (which is annually reviewed), and enjoy a whole host of additional benefits such as:
  • 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
  • A discretionary annual performance related bonus
  • Private Medical Care & Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Pension Plan
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Special discounts for employees, family, and friends
  • Access to an array of learning and development resources

Alongside these benefits, Citi is committed to ensuring our workplace is where everyone feels comfortable coming to work as their whole self, every day. We want the best talent around the world to be energized to join us, motivated to stay, and empowered to thrive. If you are passionate about cutting-edge algorithmic trading, possess deep technical expertise, and are driven to deliver impactful solutions within a global franchise - then apply today.

VP, Equity Execution Algorithms & Smart Order Routing employer: Citi

Citi London offers an exceptional work environment for professionals in the financial sector, particularly those passionate about electronic trading and algorithmic solutions. With a commitment to employee well-being, the company provides a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and comprehensive benefits including private medical care and a robust pension plan. The culture promotes innovation and collaboration, ensuring that employees have access to extensive learning and development resources while working in a hybrid model that supports work-life balance.

Citi

Contact Details:

Citi Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land VP, Equity Execution Algorithms & Smart Order Routing

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and tech sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work at Citi or similar firms. A personal introduction can make all the difference!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Citi's recent projects and innovations in electronic trading. Show us that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about how you can contribute to their next-gen trading platform.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in electronic trading product management clearly and confidently. We want to hear how your skills align with the needs of the Equity Execution Algorithms and Smart Order Routing team.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Citi and being part of their exciting transformation journey.

We think you need these skills to ace VP, Equity Execution Algorithms & Smart Order Routing

Product Management
Equity Execution Algorithms
Smart Order Routing
Market Microstructure Analysis
Latency Optimisation
Data Analysis
Cross-Functional Coordination

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of VP, Equity Execution Algorithms & Smart Order Routing. Highlight your experience in electronic trading product management and any relevant technical skills that align with the job description.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about algorithmic trading and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of market microstructure!

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong technical proficiency, be sure to include any hands-on experience with q/KDB or familiarity with FIX protocol. This will help us see how you can engage with our engineering and quantitative teams.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!

How to prepare for a job interview at Citi

Know Your Algorithms

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Equity Execution Algorithms and Smart Order Routing. Be ready to discuss specific algorithms you've worked with, their performance metrics, and how they adapt to market changes. This will show your deep subject matter expertise.

Understand Market Microstructure

Familiarise yourself with market microstructure concepts and latency-sensitive trading architectures. Prepare to explain how you've analysed trading logic in the past and how that has informed your decision-making. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and understanding of the trading environment.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Be prepared to talk about your experience leading cross-functional teams. Share examples of how you've coordinated with various departments like Quantitative Research, Technology, and Compliance to deliver complex projects. Highlight your ability to resolve blockers and drive delivery across diverse stakeholder groups.

Communicate Clearly

Practice translating technical jargon into clear, actionable insights for non-technical audiences. You might be asked to explain complex concepts to senior management or external partners, so showcasing your communication skills is key. Think of examples where you've successfully done this in the past.