JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier global investment bank in their search for a dynamic and visionary Senior Vice President (SVP), Head of Trading. This executive-level position, based in the financial heart of the world, New York City, represents a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned trading professional to lead a high-performing division. The successful candidate will be responsible for the entirety of the firm’s trading operations, shaping strategy, driving profitability, and fostering a culture of excellence and rigorous risk management. This role requires an individual with exceptional market acumen, proven leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of the complex global financial landscape. You will be at the helm of a critical revenue-generating unit, directly influencing the bank’s market position and financial success. We are seeking a strategic thinker who can navigate volatile markets, inspire a team of elite traders, and leverage cutting-edge technology to maintain a competitive edge. This is more than a job; it is a chance to leave an indelible mark on a leading financial institution.
Role Overview for SVP, Head of Trading with a Global Investment Bank – New York, NY
As the SVP, Head of Trading, you will hold ultimate responsibility for the strategic direction, operational execution, and financial performance of the bank’s trading desks. Operating from the New York headquarters, you will oversee a diverse portfolio of trading activities spanning multiple asset classes, including equities, fixed income, currencies, and commodities (FICC), and derivatives. Your primary objective will be to maximize trading revenue while operating within the firm’s established risk appetite and ensuring strict adherence to all regulatory frameworks. You will serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, collaborating closely with heads of other divisions such as Sales, Risk Management, Technology, and Compliance to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to market operations. This role demands a forward-thinking leader who can not only manage the day-to-day complexities of the trading floor but also anticipate market shifts, identify emerging opportunities, and position the firm for long-term, sustainable growth. Your leadership will be pivotal in cultivating talent, promoting innovation, and upholding the highest standards of integrity and performance across the trading division.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Head of Trading with a Global Investment Bank – New York, NY
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop and articulate a clear, compelling vision and multi-year strategy for the trading division. This includes setting ambitious revenue targets, defining market penetration strategies, and identifying key growth areas across different asset classes and geographies. You will be expected to present this strategy to the executive committee and board, ensuring alignment with the bank’s overall corporate objectives.
P&L Management
Assume full ownership of the trading division’s Profit and Loss (P&L). This involves daily monitoring of trading performance, analyzing profitability drivers, managing operational costs, and implementing strategies to enhance financial results. You will provide regular, detailed performance reports to senior management, offering insights and actionable recommendations.
Risk Management Oversight
Champion a culture of robust risk management. You will be responsible for establishing and enforcing risk limits, policies, and procedures across all trading desks. This includes overseeing market risk, credit risk, and operational risk, and working hand-in-hand with the Chief Risk Officer to ensure the firm’s exposure is continuously monitored, measured, and managed effectively.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a large team of traders, quants, and support staff. Your role is to foster a collaborative, high-performance environment that attracts and retains top-tier talent. This includes setting performance expectations, providing constructive feedback, managing compensation, and designing career development pathways for your team members.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure all trading activities are conducted in strict compliance with applicable laws and regulations. You will be the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies regarding trading matters and must stay current on evolving regulatory landscapes, such as those governed by FINRA regulations, SEC rules, and Dodd-Frank provisions, implementing necessary changes to maintain full compliance.
Technology & Innovation
Drive the technological evolution of the trading platform. Collaborate with the Chief Technology Officer to identify, evaluate, and implement new trading technologies, data analytics tools, and algorithmic strategies. The goal is to enhance execution efficiency, improve analytical capabilities, and maintain a competitive advantage in an increasingly automated market.
Market Intelligence & Strategy Formulation
Serve as the firm’s leading expert on market dynamics. Continuously analyze global macroeconomic trends, geopolitical events, and market sentiment to inform and adapt trading strategies. You must be able to synthesize vast amounts of information into coherent, actionable strategies that capitalize on market opportunities while mitigating potential threats.
Senior Stakeholder Collaboration
Act as a key partner to other senior leaders within the bank. You will work closely with the Head of Sales to align trading and distribution strategies, with Quantitative Analytics to develop new models, and with Treasury to manage funding and liquidity, ensuring seamless integration across the organization.
Requirements for the SVP, Head of Trading with a Global Investment Bank – New York, NY
Extensive Industry Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of experience in capital markets trading, with at least 7-10 years in a significant leadership capacity managing a large trading desk or division at a global investment bank or top-tier financial institution.
Proven Track Record of Success
Demonstrable history of generating consistent and significant P&L in various market conditions. Candidates must be able to provide evidence of successful strategy development, execution, and risk management that led to measurable financial success.
Deep Asset Class Expertise
Comprehensive knowledge across a broad range of asset classes (e.g., equities, rates, credit, FX, commodities) and their associated derivative products. While specialization is valued, a holistic understanding of how different markets interact is crucial for this leadership role.
Exceptional Leadership and Management Skills
Proven ability to lead, inspire, and manage large, diverse teams. Must possess strong interpersonal skills, the ability to communicate a clear vision, and a track record of developing talent and building a positive and productive team culture.
Advanced Quantitative and Analytical Abilities
A strong quantitative background with the ability to understand and critique complex financial models, algorithmic strategies, and risk analytics. You should be comfortable dissecting large datasets to derive strategic insights.
In-depth Regulatory Knowledge
A thorough understanding of the global financial regulatory environment is mandatory. This includes deep familiarity with rules and guidelines set forth by the SEC, FINRA, CFTC, and other relevant international regulatory bodies.
Educational Background
An advanced degree (MBA, PhD, or Master’s) in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field is highly preferred. A CFA charter is a significant asset.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think strategically and long-term, moving beyond daily market fluctuations to position the business for future success. This includes identifying structural market changes and potential disruptive forces.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to rewarding top talent with a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation and benefits package. This reflects the seniority and critical importance of the SVP, Head of Trading role.
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant, performance-driven annual bonus structure tied to individual and divisional P&L.
Long-Term Incentives
Participation in executive long-term incentive plans, including deferred cash, stock options, and restricted stock units, to align your success with the long-term growth of the firm.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. The package also includes access to executive wellness programs, mental health resources, and a state-of-the-art on-site fitness center.
Retirement & Financial Planning
A generous 401(k) plan with a substantial company match, alongside access to personalized financial planning and wealth management services.
Generous Paid Time Off
A competitive paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, personal days, and company holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and leadership development programs.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary trading leader with the experience and drive to excel in this demanding role, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and strategic vision. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly by a senior recruiter from JRG Partners’ Financial Services Practice for a preliminary discussion. Our client is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
