Explore a world of opportunity with Head of Equity Forwards Trading jobs, a senior-level executive role at the heart of global financial markets. Professionals in this position are pivotal leaders, responsible for overseeing a trading desk that specializes in equity forwards, a critical over-the-counter (OTC) derivative. These roles are central to an investment bank's or financial institution's profitability and risk management framework. The Head of Equity Forwards Trading is not merely a senior trader but a strategic business leader, tasked with building, monetizing, and enhancing the trading platform while steering the desk's overall direction. The typical responsibilities for this profession are extensive and multifaceted. A core function is the active management of a complex trading book, which involves executing trades to generate revenue while meticulously monitoring and hedging associated risks. This includes trading a variety of equity derivative products and capitalizing on market opportunities. Daily and precise Profit & Loss (P&L) reporting is a fundamental duty, requiring a deep understanding of the book's exposures. Leadership is a key component, as these individuals often have managerial responsibilities for junior traders and must guide the desk's strategic development. They work in close partnership with sales teams to develop the franchise, anticipate client demand, and grow the client portfolio. Furthermore, they collaborate extensively with technology and quantitative analytics teams to guide the build-out and enhancement of trading systems and dashboards, which are crucial for superior risk management and identifying new opportunities. A significant part of the role also involves ensuring strict adherence to all regulatory requirements and maintaining a robust governance and control infrastructure in partnership with control functions. The skills and requirements for these high-level jobs are demanding. Candidates are universally expected to have a proven track record of delivering substantial trading revenues and a deep, practical history of trading equity derivatives, particularly forwards. A strong understanding of market dynamics, trading protocols, and essential systems like Bloomberg and booking platforms is mandatory. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are vital for effective liaison with global trading desks, sales, research, and other internal stakeholders. While not always mandatory, proficiency in programming languages like Python or VBA, alongside advanced Excel skills, is increasingly seen as a significant advantage for automating processes and analyzing complex data. Finally, all candidates must be assessed as fit and proper under relevant financial regulatory regimes, underscoring the role's importance and accountability. For those with the requisite experience and strategic vision, Head of Equity Forwards Trading jobs represent the pinnacle of a trading career, offering the chance to lead a desk and directly impact a firm's bottom line.
