Quant Trader - Execution

Job Title

Quant Trader - Execution

Job Description

So, who are we?

Hello, we're IG Group. We are a publicly-traded FTSE250 FinTech company who run mobile, web and desktop platforms that help our clients trade stocks & shares, leveraged products, Futures & Options and Crypto.

We are ambitious. Over 340,000 people already use our platforms. We're global with offices in 18 countries and products in 16 regions. We're hungry to move faster, ship better product for our customers and grow our user base. We believe in high autonomy, and we want people who are looking to do things differently in order to create better experiences for our customers.

We work in cross-functional teams and are laser focused on increasing the number of active clients we serve to drive sustainable growth.

Position Overview 

The Quant Trader - Execution will be responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing execution algorithms and strategies for our firm's systematic trading and market making activities. Reporting to the Head of Quantitative Trading, this role combines deep technical expertise in trade execution methodologies with market microstructure knowledge to minimize trading costs, market impact, and slippage while maximizing the efficiency of our trading operations across multiple asset classes. 

Key Responsibilities 

Research & Development 

• Develop and enhance proprietary execution algorithms for various market conditions and trading strategies 

• Research market microstructure across venues and asset classes to identify optimal execution approaches 

• Design and implement intelligent order routing approaches and smart order types 

• Collaborate with researchers and developers to translate execution models into production-ready algorithms 

• Stay current with academic and industry developments in execution methodologies, market microstructure, and exchange rules 

Trading & Execution 

• Monitor and optimize real-time performance of execution algorithms 

• Analyse transaction cost analysis (TCA) metrics and implement improvements to execution quality 

• Develop strategies to minimize market impact and information leakage 

• Contribute to the integration of execution algorithms into the broader portfolio of trading strategies 

• Identify and capitalize on liquidity patterns across different market conditions 

Risk Management 

• Implement pre-trade and post-trade execution risk controls 

• Ensure proper testing of execution algorithms under various market scenarios 

• Identify and mitigate operational risks in execution processes 

• Work closely with the risk team to establish appropriate risk parameters for execution strategies 

• Monitor and manage execution quality metrics across different market conditions 

Collaboration & Communication 

• Partner with technology teams to implement and optimize execution infrastructure 

• Report on execution performance and provide insights to the Head of Quantitative Trading 

• Mentor junior quantitative researchers and analysts on execution methodologies 

Qualifications 

Education & Experience 

• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Computer Science, Financial Engineering, or related quantitative field 

• 3+ years of experience in execution algorithms, electronic trading, or related quantitative finance roles 

• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful execution strategies 

• Experience in multiple asset classes with depth in at least one major market 

• Strong understanding of market microstructure and order book dynamics 

Technical Skills 

• Proficiency in programming languages used in quantitative finance (Python, C++, Java, etc.) 

• Deep knowledge of exchange protocols, FIX messaging, and order types 

• Understanding of low-latency systems and high-frequency trading techniques 

• Experience with transaction cost analysis and execution quality measurement 

• Familiarity with high-performance computing and real-time data processing 

Personal Qualities 

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities 

• Detail-oriented with strong technical intuition 

• Intellectual curiosity and innovation mindset 

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment 

• Resilience and performance under pressure 

• Integrity and ethical conduct in all aspects of trading 

How we work

We try to take a thoughtful approach to our ways of working as a company. We follow a hybrid working model with 3 days in the office -- which we think balances the need to collaborate effectively and connect with each other. When it comes to how we deliver, there are 5 things we want everyone to do to drive high performance, better learning and career satisfaction:

• Lead and Inspire: Drives trust, alignment, and enthusiasm
• Think Big: Focus on the problems that most impact commercial outcomes
• Champion the client: Understand and prioritise client's needs
• Deliver at pace: Push for fast, sustainable growth;
• Raise the bar: Take ownership, be accountable and share feedback

We believe that diversity is vital to success, it fuels creativity, drives innovation and sets us up for global success. We're committed to building teams with a variety of perspectives and skills to help us realise our vision and strategy, that's why we encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to join us on this journey. Learn more about our D&I approach here.

The Perks

Your growth fuels our success! Thrive with tailored development programs, mentoring opportunities with leaders, and clear career progression. Expand your network through committees, sports and social clubs. Enjoy extra time off for volunteering and community work.

Thrive with tailored development programs, mentoring opportunities with leaders, and clear career progression. Expand your network through committees, sports and social clubs. Enjoy extra time off for volunteering and community work.

• Competitive salary
• Flexible Benefits Package on top of your salary (12%)
• Private medical cover for you and your family
• Life insurance
• Contribution to gym memberships
• 25 Days holiday, with 1 additional day off to celebrate your Birthday & 2 additional days off a year for voluntary work (28 in total
• The option to buy or sell holiday days.
• Unlimited access to the LinkedIn Learning Platform
• A comprehensive global and local onboarding process
• Employee-led LGBTQ+, Women’s, Black and Parents & Carers networks with an annual budget for organising events & projects that foster an open, diverse and inclusive culture
• Option to participate and create ESG initiatives based on IG Brighter Future Fund
• Enhanced primary (maternity), secondary (paternity), and shared parental pay and leave, as well as a range of support and benefits for parents

Learn more about the Perks here!

Number of openings

1