At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop trading models and systems for emerging sports markets.
- Company: World-class quantitative trading firm at the forefront of technology and finance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, health insurance, and 33 days annual leave.
- Other info: 12-month programme with potential for permanent position and diverse skill development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fast-paced trading while learning from industry experts.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed; analytical mindset and curiosity are key.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
We are a small, world-class quantitative trading firm where machine learning, neural networks and advanced data engineering drive our algorithmic trading strategies. Our Graduate Programme is an excellent opportunity to start your career at the intersection of technology, mathematics, sport, and financial markets. This year's programme will focus on one particularly exciting challenge: building a new trading operation targeting emerging prediction markets in the UK and the rapidly growing US sports market.
You will join a small group of exceptional graduates working alongside experienced quants, developers, and traders. Together, you will develop the models, technology, and trading processes needed to identify and capture opportunities in new and fast-moving marketplaces. This is not a conventional graduate scheme built around classroom training and short-lived exercises. You will work on a live commercial product from the outset, solving real problems with real consequences.
Programme ContentPrediction markets are creating an entirely new landscape for quantitative trading. New exchanges, products and market structures are appearing rapidly. Prices can move in milliseconds, liquidity can be fragmented, and similar outcomes may trade differently across multiple outlets. We are building systems to understand and trade these markets at scale. You will be given genuine responsibility and a problem to solve from the beginning, such as:
- Process live sports, market, and pricing data
- Build a model to estimate probabilities and identify mispriced contracts
- Design, develop, and optimise high-frequency trading systems
- Analyse strategy performance in testing and live trading
- Implement tools to manage trading risk, capital, and exposure
- Investigate platforms, products, and markets to identify opportunities
There will be enough structure to help you understand the problem, but you will be encouraged to investigate, experiment, and develop your own ideas with support from the wider team.
Programme StructureThe programme lasts 12 months. Your role will be varied and unbound by a narrow description. Developers will need to understand markets. Traders will need to understand data. Quants will need to turn their ideas into functioning systems. The team will combine software development, quantitative research, sports analysis, and trading, with each person contributing according to their strengths while learning how the whole operation fits together. The team shares ideas, solves problems, and builds better systems collectively, and each team member will develop expertise across all disciplines and support others in doing so. As the programme progresses, you will take increasing ownership of the areas where you show the greatest ability and interest. You do not need to arrive knowing exactly what you want to specialise in. Part of the purpose of the programme is to discover your abilities and interests. Following the initial 12 months, successful candidates will have the opportunity to join the team permanently.
RequirementsThere are no specific experience requirements. You might be an exceptional developer, a strong mathematician or quantitative thinker, or a sports fanatic who has spent years analysing prices, stats, and performance. What matters is how you think. You don't need equal strength across software development, mathematics, and sports analysis, but we look for depth in at least one area and the curiosity and flexibility to work across disciplines.
A Successful Candidate Will- Be highly analytical and enjoy solving difficult, unfamiliar problems
- Be comfortable working with large datasets and complex systems
- Have the ability to turn ideas into practical solutions independently
- Be curious and eager to learn how models, technology, and markets interact
- Enjoy working in an environment where speed, accuracy, and reliability matter, and be willing to test ideas and challenge assumptions
Comprehensive benefits, including:
- Competitive salary and significant bonus potential.
- Offer of permanent position to successful candidates.
- Enhanced pension match with salary sacrifice option.
- Health insurance and life assurance.
- 33 days of annual leave (including bank holidays).
Graduate Programme - US Sports employer: TargetJobs UK
At targetjobs UK, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our Graduate Fire Engineer role not only provides competitive benefits such as 25 days holiday and flexible working options but also presents unique opportunities for professional growth in the thriving Cherwell District. Join us to make a meaningful impact in fire safety while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Programme - US Sports
✨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 TargetJobs UK. 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 TargetJobs UK.
✨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 TargetJobs UK. 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 Graduate Programme - US Sports
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 TargetJobs UK 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 TargetJobs UK how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at TargetJobs UK
✨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 TargetJobs UK.
✨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 TargetJobs UK'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!
