Head of Trading in London

Head of Trading in London

London Full-Time 100000 - 120000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Jupiter Asset Management

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage a dynamic trading desk across multiple asset classes while executing trades hands-on.
  • Company: Join Jupiter, a top UK investment management firm with a vibrant culture and innovative approach.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and a healthy work-life balance in a modern office.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team focused on data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in trading while developing your skills in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in asset management trading with strong leadership and execution skills.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 € per year.

The Value of Active Minds About Jupiter

Jupiter is one of the UK’s leading investment management companies with just under 500 employees and £54 billion worth of assets under management (as at 31st December 2025). Jupiter provides investment services to individual and institutional investors through mutual funds (UK unit trusts, Luxembourg SICAVs and Dublin OEICs), separately managed accounts and sub-advised funds. Jupiter has experienced a period of international growth with offices open in EMEA and APAC.

The majority of our employees are based in our London office located just minutes from Victoria station which provides stair-free access from both the Underground’s Victoria line and National Rail platforms, as well as limited road crossings to the Jupiter office. Our London office was designed to encourage employees to live active, healthy lives with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for greater natural light and the benefit of a private balcony, table tennis room, cycle storage and on-site shower and locker facilities. The short distance to Green Park and St James' Park also provides employees with a natural space to relax during their lunch break and a healthy alternative to office-based meetings.

We offer our UK employees a 3:2 hybrid working arrangement where Tuesdays, Thursdays and a third day of your choice are worked from the office. The other two days may be worked from home. This facilitates collaboration and allows employees to maximise productivity whilst maintaining a healthy work/life balance.

Background

Over recent years, Jupiter has invested in transforming the front office through automation, data integration and the development of in-house analytical capabilities, with a focus on scalability and data-led decision making rather than large-scale external procurement. The trading desk has been central to that work, building tools that draw on sources including Aladdin Data Cloud, TCA providers and proprietary data pipelines to give traders a richer picture of execution quality and market activity.

The Head of Trading will build on these foundations, providing day-to-day leadership of the desk while remaining hands-on in executing trades when required. The role sits within the Investment Platform function and works closely with portfolio managers, risk, compliance, operations and technology.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the execution-only trading desk across all asset classes, including equities, fixed income, foreign exchange and derivatives, setting clear objectives and performance expectations for all traders.
  • Execute trades across asset classes as required, stepping in to provide hands-on coverage during periods of high volume, absence or market stress, while maintaining the standards expected of the desk.
  • Own the execution quality framework, defining and enforcing best execution standards, pre-trade and post-trade analysis, and transaction cost analysis (TCA) across all asset classes.
  • Drive the continued development of data-led trading capabilities, including the desk's use of internally built analytical tools, TCA integrations, Aladdin Data Cloud and third-party data sources, to improve execution insight and decision-making.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for portfolio managers on all execution matters, communicating clearly on market conditions, liquidity constraints and the practical implications of trading decisions, and supporting the systematic franchise with the scalable execution infrastructure it requires.
  • Manage the broker panel, conducting periodic reviews, and ensuring Jupiter meets its regulatory obligations in respect of best execution and related disclosures.
  • Ensure the desk operates within Jupiter's risk, compliance and regulatory framework, including MiFID II, FCA requirements and internal governance standards.
  • Work closely with the Investment Platform, Technology and Operations teams to evaluate and implement improvements to trading systems, OMS/EMS tooling and automation, with a preference for building on existing capabilities and upskilling the team over large-scale external procurement.
  • Provide leadership and professional development to the trading team, ensuring appropriate coverage, succession planning and a clear performance management framework.
  • Collaborate with Risk, Compliance and Operations to support effective oversight of trading activity, including contribution to relevant governance forums and internal reporting.
  • Monitor market structure developments and regulatory changes, translating these into practical updates to trading processes, systems or policies as required.
  • Represent the trading function within the Investment Platform and in wider internal forums, contributing to the ongoing development of the platform's capabilities.

Desired Skills / Experience

  • 10+ years' experience in an asset management trading environment across multiple asset classes, with a track record of operating at a senior level on an execution-only desk.
  • Hands-on execution capability across equities and fixed income, with the confidence and market knowledge to trade directly when required.
  • Deep understanding of best execution obligations, market microstructure and liquidity dynamics across equities, fixed income, FX and derivatives.
  • Proven ability to lead and develop a trading team, with experience managing performance, workload and professional development across a diverse desk.
  • Experience owning and governing a broker panel, including periodic reviews and oversight commission and related arrangements.
  • Strong understanding of transaction cost analysis and execution quality measurement, with practical experience using TCA tools and data integrations to identify and act on improvement opportunities.
  • Familiarity with order management systems (OMS) and execution management systems (EMS), Aladdin Data Cloud or similar data platforms, and the ability to engage constructively with technology and vendor relationships.
  • Bloomberg, Aladdin, FX All, PowerBI and Virtu Triton/TCA experience desirable.
  • An interest in building data-led capabilities on the desk, whether through in-house analytical tools, API integrations or third-party data providers, and the ability to work with data and technology colleagues to realise these.
  • Good working knowledge of FCA requirements and MiFID II best execution rules, with experience operating within a regulated environment.
  • Effective communicator with the credibility to engage portfolio managers, senior stakeholders and external counterparties with clarity and confidence.
  • Organised and decisive under pressure, with the ability to manage multiple priorities across fast-moving market conditions.

This role is subject to the Conduct Rules set by the FCA. This role is a certified position.

Don’t meet every requirement? At Jupiter we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you are interested in this role, but don’t think your experience aligns perfectly with every listed requirement in the job description, we would encourage you to apply. You may be the right person for this role.

Head of Trading in London employer: Jupiter Asset Management

Jupiter is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a modern London office designed for collaboration and health, employees enjoy a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside opportunities to develop their skills in a dynamic investment management environment. The company's commitment to innovation and data-led decision-making ensures that team members are at the forefront of industry advancements, making it a rewarding place to build a career.

Jupiter Asset Management

Contact Detail:

Jupiter Asset Management Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Trading in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Trading role.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your hands-on trading experience and how you've led teams in the past. Make sure they see you as the go-to person for execution quality and market insights.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! If you spot a company like Jupiter that excites you, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly, express your interest, and share how your experience aligns with their needs. We love seeing enthusiasm!

Tip Number 4

Keep learning! Stay updated on market trends, regulatory changes, and new trading technologies. This not only boosts your knowledge but also shows potential employers that you're committed to continuous improvement and innovation in trading.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Trading in London

Leadership Skills
Hands-on Execution Capability
Best Execution Knowledge
Market Microstructure Understanding
Liquidity Dynamics Knowledge
Transaction Cost Analysis (TCA)
Order Management Systems (OMS) Familiarity

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Trading role. Highlight your experience in asset management and any hands-on trading you've done. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about trading and how you can contribute to our team at Jupiter. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!

Showcase Your Data Skills:Since we're all about data-led decision making, make sure to highlight any experience you have with analytical tools or TCA. We want to know how you can help us improve execution quality and trading capabilities.

Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!

How to prepare for a job interview at Jupiter Asset Management

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of asset classes, trading strategies, and market dynamics. Familiarise yourself with Jupiter's approach to data-led decision making and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their execution quality framework.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As the Head of Trading, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've developed and managed trading teams in the past. Highlight your ability to set clear objectives and manage performance, as well as any experience you have with succession planning.

Be Hands-On

Jupiter values a hands-on approach, especially during high-volume periods. Be prepared to discuss your direct trading experience and how you've stepped in during critical times. This will demonstrate your capability to execute trades across various asset classes when needed.

Communicate Clearly

Effective communication is key in this role. Think about how you would explain complex trading concepts to portfolio managers or stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts on market conditions and liquidity constraints, ensuring you can convey your insights clearly and confidently.