Senior Trader, Sydney

At Mako, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive innovation in pursuit of our collective ambition; excellence in trading. Our diverse community is connected through a commitment to being the best we can be with the highest standards of integrity.

Join the Proprietary Trading team, responsible for developing and executing proprietary trading strategies across global listed derivatives markets while working collaboratively with Risk, Technology and Operations to deliver sustainable trading performance.

You will be responsible for building and managing Mako's listed volatility relative value trading strategy, with accountability for trading performance, portfolio risk and model development.

What you’ll be involved in:

• Developing, implementing and managing listed volatility relative value trading strategies across VIX futures, VIX options, SPX options and related listed derivatives.
• Managing portfolio risk and trading performance within approved risk limits and capital parameters.
• Developing and enhancing pricing models, volatility analytics and execution methodologies to support trading decisions.
• Designing, implementing and continuously improving the strategy's risk management framework.
• Partnering with Risk, Technology, Operations and Finance to establish and optimise trading infrastructure, processes and controls.
• Monitoring portfolio performance and preparing transparent P&L attribution and risk reporting.
• Identifying opportunities to expand the strategy across additional listed volatility markets and products, including international equity volatility indices and fixed income volatility markets as listed products develop.
• Contributing to the ongoing development of Mako's proprietary trading capability and broader trading initiatives.

What we need from you:

• Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) trading options and listed derivatives within a proprietary trading firm, market maker, hedge fund or investment bank, including direct experience trading VIX futures & options and SPX futures & options.
• A demonstrable, multi-year track record managing volatility relative value strategies with consistent, verifiable risk-adjusted performance
• Advanced knowledge of VIX futures, VIX options, SPX options and listed volatility markets.
• Strong quantitative and analytical capability, underpinned by a postgraduate degree in mathematics or another quantitative discipline (or equivalent), including experience developing and applying pricing, volatility fair-value and relative-value models.
• A disciplined approach to portfolio risk management, margin management and hedging strategies.
• Experience running a trading book, pod or desk with sole accountability for P&L and risk — for example at a multi-manager platform, relative value fund or as head of an options trading desk.
• Excellent commercial judgement and decision-making skills in fast-paced trading environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate trading strategies and risk exposures.
• A collaborative approach with experience working effectively across Trading, Risk, Technology and Operations.
• Experience using Python or similar analytical tools for research and model development is advantageous.
• Experience in Asia-Pacific derivatives markets and familiarity with regional exchanges and trading sessions is desirable.

We are Mako

At Mako, we are welcoming, inclusive and collaborative. We work fast and smart in a supportive and dress-down environment that allows colleagues to be themselves and achieve great things. We uphold the principles of a flat structure that offers unrivalled engagement with senior leadership and career development opportunities. We have a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Flexible leave
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Healthcare allowance
• Comprehensive insurance benefits for life and salary continuance
• Employee wellbeing guidance and support
• Novated car leasing
• Generous paid parental leave scheme
• Opportunity to become involved in the rewarding work of the Mako Foundation

About Mako

Mako is a leading options market maker with a global trading footprint. It has been at the forefront of options market making since 1999, from the open outcry trading pits to screen trading and automated algorithmic execution strategies that are driving the future of the industry.

From offices in London, Dublin, Amsterdam, Singapore, Sydney, Brisbane and Chengdu, Mako offers best-in-class liquidity solutions across Equities, Fixed Income, Commodities and FX derivatives markets and prides itself on its entrepreneurial, collaborative and philanthropic culture.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or assistance during the recruitment process, please email hrsydney@mako.com and we will arrange this.

For further information on the Mako Group please refer to www.mako.com.

Mako does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruiters or search firms and will not pay any fees to such firms without a signed agreement.