Junior Futures Trader

Junior Futures Trader

Entry level 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Life Trading

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team to trade futures and optimise strategies in a fast-paced environment.
  • Company: Life Trading, a growing proprietary trading firm with a relaxed yet high-performing culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible work-life balance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Enjoy social events and recognition for your contributions in a flat organisational structure.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on trading outcomes while collaborating with experienced professionals.
  • Qualifications: 1-3 years in futures trading or related fields, strong analytical skills, and Python interest.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Life Trading is a growing proprietary trading company with offices in London and Sydney. We combine disciplined execution, quantitative research, and technology-driven trading across global futures markets. Our culture is relaxed but high-performing, with a flat structure that values accountability, collaboration, and work-life balance.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Junior Futures Trader to join our London office. This is a hands-on role combining live futures trading, quantitative research, and strategy optimisation within a fast-moving and collaborative environment. You’ll work closely with traders, developers, and quantitative researchers to improve trading systems, analyse market behaviour, and contribute to new trading ideas and execution improvements.

Your Mission at Life Trading

  • Trading
    • Manage risk as part of a 24-hour global trading team
    • Monitor and adjust parameters across proprietary trading systems
    • Support live trading operations and desk coverage
    • Contribute to trading performance and execution quality
  • Research & Strategy Development
    • Research macroeconomic themes and market-moving events
    • Participate in market briefings and idea generation discussions
    • Perform data analysis using Python and Microsoft Office tools
    • Conduct market microstructure analysis using proprietary backtesting frameworks
    • Assist in improving trading systems and strategies
    • Analyse strategy performance metrics and support software UAT
    • Collaborate with developers and quantitative researchers on new tools and features

Other Responsibilities

  • Follow company values, policies, and operational standards
  • Adhere to exchange rules, risk frameworks, and compliance obligations
  • Support operational and administrative tasks as required

What We’re Looking For

  • 1–3 years’ experience trading futures markets or working within a trading environment
  • Strong interest in global macro and futures markets
  • Strong numerical and analytical skills
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
  • Python capability or strong interest in developing these skills
  • Ability to multitask in fast-moving market environments
  • Clear communication skills and strong attention to detail

Bonus Points For

  • Experience within a proprietary trading or quantitative trading environment
  • Exposure to systematic or algorithmic trading strategies
  • Experience with market microstructure analysis
  • Basic C++ knowledge or willingness to learn
  • Interest in improving trading tools, systems, or processes

Benefits

At Life Trading, we recognise that our people are our most valuable asset. We offer:

  • Competitive Compensation: Reflecting your experience and contribution
  • Flat Structure: Direct access to decision-makers and real influence
  • Collaborative Environment: Work directly with experienced traders and developers
  • Work-Life Balance: Flexible and supportive culture
  • Professional Development: Ongoing learning and growth opportunities
  • High Impact: Ability to directly influence trading outcomes and strategy development
  • Social Events: Team activities and company events
  • Employee Recognition: Celebrating individual and team success

Junior Futures Trader employer: Life Trading

Life Trading is an exceptional employer that fosters a relaxed yet high-performing culture in its London office, where collaboration and accountability are at the forefront. With a flat structure that allows for direct access to decision-makers, employees enjoy meaningful professional development opportunities and a strong work-life balance, all while contributing to impactful trading strategies in a dynamic environment.

Life Trading

Contact Details:

Life Trading Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Junior Futures Trader

Get Involved with Campus Finance Societies

Join your university's finance or investment society — they're a goldmine for networking, guest lectures, and career fairs. These societies often host employers looking for entry-level talent like you, so get involved and make yourself known!

Attend Industry Workshops and Webinars

Look for workshops and webinars focused on banking and financial services. These events not only boost your knowledge but also let you connect with industry professionals who could help you land that entry-level role at places like Life Trading.

Leverage LinkedIn for Informational Interviews

Take advantage of LinkedIn to reach out to professionals working in banking, especially those who've started in entry-level positions. Politely ask for a quick chat about their experience and any advice they might have on breaking into the field.

Apply Directly through Company Websites

Don't just rely on job boards. Head directly to Life Trading's careers page and look for their entry-level openings. They might have opportunities that aren’t advertised widely, so keep checking back for new listings!

We think you need these skills to ace Junior Futures Trader

Futures Trading
Quantitative Research
Risk Management
Data Analysis
Python
Microsoft Office Tools
Market Microstructure Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Splash Your Skills on Your CV:In the banking and financial services realm, it's all about numbers and analysis. Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, internships, or projects where you've used skills like financial modelling, data analysis, or risk assessment. Show us you can crunch those numbers!

Educational Achievements Matter:For an entry-level role, your grades and academic accomplishments are key. If you have any certifications, like CFA Level 1 or something similar, don’t forget to include them. We love seeing ambition and commitment to the industry, so flaunt those achievements!

Craft a Personal Touch in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to show us your enthusiasm for banking and finance! Share why you're passionate about the industry and how your studies or previous experiences have prepared you for this role. We want to see that spark and motivation!

Use the Right Format and Language:In banking, clarity is king. Use a clean, professional format for your CV and cover letter. Make sure to avoid jargon, but don’t shy away from technical terms where appropriate – just keep it all clear and easy to read. Let’s see your professionalism shine through!

How to prepare for a job interview at Life Trading

Brush Up on Your Financial Knowledge

Since you're diving into the banking and financial services industry, make sure you're up to speed with current market trends and financial concepts. Be prepared to discuss things like interest rates and investment strategies, as you might get some technical questions that gauge your understanding.

Show Off Your Analytical Skills

Analytical skills are key in banking, so be ready to showcase how you've used them in your studies or any relevant projects. Prepare to tackle case studies or hypothetical financial scenarios during the interview that require you to analyse data and make informed decisions.

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

As this is an entry-level role, they’ll likely look for how well you can collaborate and fit into their team. Think of examples from group projects or internships where you successfully worked with others. It'll help show that you're keen to learn and grow in a team-oriented environment.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Approach your interview with curiosity! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your knowledge of the industry, such as asking about the latest technology being implemented in their services. It shows you're genuinely interested in the company's operations and future.