At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a cutting-edge exchange infrastructure for a leading crypto platform.
- Company: Join Payward, the parent company of Kraken, shaping the future of open finance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace a dynamic environment that values diversity and encourages passion for crypto.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the crypto space while leading an innovative team.
- Qualifications: Senior product leader with experience in trading or high-performance platforms.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Building the Future of Open Finance. Payward - the parent company behind Kraken, NinjaTrader, Breakout, xStocks, Payward Services and CF Benchmarks - has spent the last 15 years building one of the most modern and globally accessible financial infrastructure platforms in the industry, built to advance an open, global financial system.
The team Founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the world's longest-standing crypto platforms, trusted by over 10 million individuals and institutions across the globe. It offers spot trading, margin, futures, staking, and OTC services, with products built for both individual investors and institutional clients.
We're looking for a Head of Exchange Infrastructure to own the layer every Kraken product is built on: the matching engine, core infrastructure, third-party custody, the algo engine and the API engine. Kraken grew up as a set of vertically integrated products, each with its own engine and its own APIs. This role consolidates them into a single exchange stack that serves every product and every interface. You will lead a team of four to five product managers, partnered with an engineering manager. It is a senior, independent team, which means you get leverage quickly and you are expected to stay close to the work.
The opportunity
- Own the product vision and roadmap for the exchange layer: matching engine, core infrastructure, third-party custody, algo engine and API engine.
- Lead and grow a team of four to five product managers, and set the bar for product craft across the layer.
- Lead the consolidation of multiple matching engines into one, starting with US derivatives, then international derivatives, then spot.
- Build interface-agnostic, so every product team and every interface can build on the same platform rather than their own.
- Define success metrics (p99 latency, throughput, uptime, resiliency) and hold teams accountable to them.
- Partner with engineering leaders across exchange and core infrastructure to sequence the migration without disrupting live markets.
- Partner with Risk and Credit Infrastructure so a client can hold one account and trade every product against it.
- Anticipate industry shifts and shape our platform to stay ahead.
- Align cross-functional teams (product, engineering, risk, compliance) around the exchange strategy.
What you bring
- Senior product leader with experience in exchange, trading, or high-performance platforms.
- Experience managing and developing product managers, on a team senior enough to run without you in the room.
- Happy to be a player-coach. This team is independent, so you will own roadmaps and write specs yourself at times, not only review them.
- Proven ability to set product vision and translate it into a long-term roadmap.
- Strong understanding of matching engine and market data architecture, and the tradeoffs low latency forces.
- Experience building platforms for internal customers, with the judgment to tell a platform from a series of bespoke builds.
- Excellent communication skills — can influence technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- A passion for crypto markets, market structure, and building the next generation of infrastructure.
Nice to haves
- Engineering background before moving into product, so you've built or operated high-performance systems yourself and not just specced them.
- Experience across both spot and derivatives venues, with the market structure differences that come with each.
- Time at a crypto exchange operating at comparable scale, volume and uptime expectations.
- Track record building platform roadmaps that interlock with adjacent product orgs rather than running in isolation.
Unless a specific application deadline is stated in the job posting, applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Our commitment Payward is powered by people from around the world and we celebrate the diverse talents, backgrounds, contributions, and unique perspectives that everyone brings to the table. We hire based on merit, seeking out people with the right abilities, knowledge, and skills for the job. We encourage you to apply for roles where you don't fully meet the listed requirements, especially if you're passionate or knowledgeable about crypto.
We may ask candidates to complete job-related skills or work-style assessments as part of our hiring process. These assessments evaluate competencies relevant to the role and are applied consistently across candidates for similar positions. Results are considered alongside experience and interviews, and are not the sole basis for any employment decision.
As an equal opportunity employer, we don't tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind, whether based on race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, citizenship, religion, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
Head of Exchange Infrastructure employer: Kraken International
At Payward, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the fast-paced world of open finance. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored career progression frameworks and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that every team member can thrive and advance their skills. Located in a vibrant tech hub, we celebrate diversity and inclusivity, making it a rewarding place for passionate individuals to contribute to the future of finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Exchange Infrastructure
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Kraken International. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Kraken International.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Kraken International. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Exchange Infrastructure
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Kraken International and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Kraken International how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kraken International
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Kraken International.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Kraken International's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
