C++ Tech Lead (Algorithmic Development)

C++ Technical Lead – Algorithmic / Electronic Trading Systems

Location: London – Hybrid (3 days in-office, 2 days remote)
Role: INSIDE IR35
Contract Length: 12 months, renewable
Start Date: ASAP
Interview Process:

• Initial Interview
• Codility Technical Test
• Final In-Person Interview

Overview:

My client is seeking a highly skilled and hands-on C++ Technical Lead to join their Systematic Trading and Commodities team in London. This is a contract role embedded within one of my clients premier software development initiatives, focused on building the next-generation electronic and algorithmic trading platform. You\’ll lead a small, elite team of developers, working at the intersection of IT and the trading business to deliver high-performance, real-time trading solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the technical lead for a core team of 3-6 developers, providing mentorship, leadership, and technical direction.
• Drive the design and development of low-latency, high-performance algorithmic and electronic trading systems.
• Collaborate directly with trading desks, business stakeholders, and IT teams to translate business requirements into functional, scalable solutions.
• Build components such as order placement, routing, pricing engines, exchange connectivity, and market data ingestion pipelines.
• Lead code reviews, promote best engineering practices, and foster a culture of technical excellence.
• Ensure the stability and reliability of the trading platform, addressing operational issues swiftly and effectively.
• Manage team priorities and shield developers from external distractions, maintaining focus and velocity.
• Navigate and resolve interpersonal or technical conflicts within the team, ensuring collaboration and productivity.

Technical Requirements:

• Expert-level C++ development experience (10+ years) with strong grasp of modern C++ standards, object-oriented design, data structures, and algorithmic performance optimisation.
• Proven track record building real-time, low-latency, multi-threaded trading systems.
• Experience with exchange connectivity protocols (e.g., ICE, CME)
• Experience with FIX protocol / Connections (including FIX session and application layer development).
• Deep understanding of market data systems – acquiring, parsing, and manipulating data in real time.
• Experience working on Linux-based platforms in a high-performance distributed systems environment.
• Familiarity with version control (Git), CI/CD tools, and modern development workflows.
• Proficiency in Python is a plus, especially for scripting, automation, or data tasks.

Domain Experience:

• Direct experience working on a trading floor (essential).
• Background in commodities trading (especially oil and refined products) is preferred, however broader experience in FICC (Fixed Income, Currency & Commodities ) asset classes is acceptable.
• Strong understanding of financial markets, trading workflows, and electronic execution systems.
• Previous experience in hedge funds, investment banks, proprietary trading firms, or energy trading organisations is highly desirable.

Leadership & Interpersonal Requirements:

• Minimum 5+ years in a technical leadership role, managing and mentoring software engineers.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills – able to engage credibly with traders, quants, and senior management.
• Conflict resolution skills and ability to manage team dynamics in high-pressure trading environments.
• Proven ability to prioritise team workload and protect team focus from shifting business demands.
• Agile mindset, open to feedback, with a strong collaborative approach to problem-solving.

Academic & Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor\’s or Master\’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Excellent academic track record and a continuous learning mindset.

Team Environment & Culture:

• The broader programme consists of ~60 people, with this specific role leading a focused, self-contained team of 3-6 developers.
• Close collaboration with the business in London – this is a high-visibility, high-impact role with scope for individual recognition.