At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop and optimise trading strategies in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: High-performing quantitative hedge fund with a strong reputation in London and New York.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative culture, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Gain exposure to strategy design and execution with clear paths to senior roles.
- Why this job: Combine coding skills with market intuition to make an impact in volatility trading.
- Qualifications: 1-3+ years in derivatives trading or options development, strong Python skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are working with a high-performing, 200-person quantitative hedge fund that is expanding its footprint across London and New York. The firm has built a reputation for combining rigorous quantitative research with disciplined execution, operating across global cash and derivatives markets. As part of continued growth, they are seeking to hire a quant dev/trader to join a collaborative trading environment focused on managing systematic strategies across vol markets.
The Role
You will sit between trading, research, and technology, working closely with developers and quantitative researchers to implement and optimise derivatives strategies. This is a great opportunity for individuals who combine strong coding ability with market intuition and want to deepen their understanding of volatility trading in a systematic environment.
Key responsibilities include:
- Monitoring and improving automated trading systems
- Supporting and, in some cases, executing derivatives trades
- Collaborating with researchers to refine and enhance volatility strategies
- Analysing performance and identifying opportunities for optimisation
- Developing tools and workflows in Python to support trading activities
Over time, you will gain increasing exposure to how strategies are designed, tested, and deployed, with clear progression into more senior trading responsibility.
Required experience
- ~1–3+ years’ experience in derivatives trading or options system development
- ~ Strong Python programming skills
- ~ Solid academic background in a quantitative discipline (Maths, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, etc.)
- ~ Strong numerical intuition and mental maths ability
- ~ Interest in volatility trading and derivatives markets
Preferred Background
Candidates with experience across the following asset classes are particularly relevant:
- Equities (single name or index options)
- Commodities
- Fixed Income derivatives
Trader (m/w/d) in London employer: Grainstone Lee
Contact Detail:
Grainstone Lee Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trader (m/w/d) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your Python projects related to trading strategies. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your quantitative skills and be ready to discuss your thought process behind trading decisions. We recommend practising with mock interviews to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Trader (m/w/d) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Trader role. Highlight your experience in derivatives trading and Python programming, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements in quantitative environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're passionate about volatility trading and how your background aligns with our needs. Keep it concise but engaging, and don’t forget to show off your personality!
Showcase Your Coding Skills: Since strong Python skills are a must, consider including a link to a GitHub profile or any relevant projects you've worked on. This gives us a glimpse of your coding style and problem-solving abilities in action.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Grainstone Lee
✨Know Your Quantitative Stuff
Brush up on your quantitative skills and be ready to discuss your academic background in Maths, Physics, or Computer Science. Make sure you can explain complex concepts clearly, as this will show your depth of understanding and ability to communicate effectively with both traders and researchers.
✨Show Off Your Python Skills
Since strong Python programming skills are a must, prepare to demonstrate your coding abilities. You might be asked to solve a problem on the spot, so practice writing clean, efficient code and be ready to discuss your previous projects or tools you've developed that relate to trading.
✨Understand Volatility Trading
Familiarise yourself with volatility trading strategies and derivatives markets. Be prepared to discuss recent trends or news in these areas, and think about how they could impact trading decisions. This shows your genuine interest and helps you connect with the interviewers.
✨Collaborative Mindset
This role involves working closely with developers and researchers, so highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of past collaborations where you contributed to a project’s success, especially in a trading or quantitative context. This will demonstrate that you’re a good fit for their collaborative environment.