Desk Strats

Role Description

The role is for a VP level Desk Strat supporting the Interest Rate Options team, with a focus on rates-related products, pricing methodology, risk analysis, and desk workflow support. The individual will work closely with traders and other front office users, as well as Model Validation, the technology team, and Middle Office, to develop and maintain pricing tools, investigate issues, improve desk processes, and support the ongoing enhancement of analytics and infrastructure. The role requires strong technical ability, sound product and risk knowledge, and the confidence to engage directly with users and partner teams.

Role Objectives

• Support the options desk by developing, maintaining, and improving pricing and risk tools used in daily trading and risk management.
• Deliver reliable solutions across spreadsheet- and application-based workflows, troubleshoot production issues efficiently, and help ensure model changes and releases are tested and implemented in line with desk and governance standards.
• Contribute to the enhancement of desk infrastructure and automation to improve control, efficiency, and scalability.
• The individual should be comfortable speaking directly with traders, model validators, technology teams, and control functions, and be able to describe problems clearly and drive issues to resolution.
• Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to gather requirements, explain technical topics in a practical way, and work effectively across teams.
• The role also requires effective engagement with Model Validation and other governance stakeholders when discussing model changes, controls, testing, and documentation.

Qualifications and Skills

• The successful candidate should have a good understanding of rates-related products, especially options, together with working knowledge of pricing methodology and risk.
• They should be able to analyze product behavior, understand valuation and sensitivity drivers, and apply that understanding when building or enhancing desk tools.
• The role is well suited to someone who has experience in a front-office pricing environment and is continuing to deepen their technical and product expertise.
• Relevant experience in quantitative desk strat, front-office development, or a related role supporting rates or options businesses.
• Good understanding of rates products, options pricing, and risk concepts is required.
• The candidate should be proficient in Excel and Excel VBA, with working to solid programming ability in Java and Python.
• They should also demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to investigate issues independently, and the judgment to balance business needs with control requirements.
• It is not necessary to be an expert in every programming language, but the candidate should have sufficient technical depth to contribute effectively across the desk’s core tool set while continuing to grow in the role.
• The candidate should be proactive, user-focused, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced front-office environment.
• They should be able to manage multiple priorities, work across teams, and maintain a high standard of accuracy and responsiveness.
• Experience interacting with model governance, testing, and validation processes is highly desirable, as is the ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Additional Requirements