At a Glance
- Tasks: Monitor and improve automated trading systems while collaborating on volatility strategies.
- Company: High-performing quantitative hedge fund with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Gain exposure to strategy design and deployment in a collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Combine coding skills with market intuition to make an impact in trading.
- Qualifications: 1-3+ years in derivatives trading or options system development; strong Python skills.
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
Options Trader employer: Grainstone Lee
Contact Detail:
Grainstone Lee Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Options Trader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry through LinkedIn or local meetups. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your coding projects, especially those related to trading or quantitative analysis. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and market trends. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends to build 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 Options Trader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of a Quantitative Options Trader. Highlight your experience in derivatives trading and Python programming, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant projects or achievements that demonstrate your market intuition.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about volatility trading and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our collaborative environment. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Coding Skills: Since strong Python skills are a must, consider including a link to a GitHub repository or any coding projects you've worked on. This gives us a glimpse into your coding style and problem-solving abilities, which is super important for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates from us. Plus, it’s just easier for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Grainstone Lee
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your quantitative skills and be ready to discuss your numerical intuition. Expect questions that test your mental maths ability, so practice solving problems quickly and accurately.
✨Show Off Your Coding Skills
Since strong Python programming skills are a must, prepare to demonstrate your coding abilities. Bring examples of past projects or tools you've developed, and be ready to explain your thought process behind them.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with current trends in volatility trading and derivatives markets. Be prepared to discuss recent market movements and how they might impact trading strategies, showing that you have a genuine interest in the field.
✨Collaborative Mindset
This role involves working closely with researchers and developers, so highlight your teamwork skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, especially in high-pressure environments.