EMEA Head of Client Connectivity Engineering (SVP)

Citi; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

Discretional bonus

Private Medical Care & Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Pension Plan

Paid Parental Leave

Employee discounts

Learning & development resources

Job summary

Citi is seeking an experienced engineering leader for the Equities Electronic-Trading tech team. You will design, lead development, and ensure operational excellence of low‑latency connectivity platforms, including Client Connectivity, Order Management, and DMA components.

You will guide cross‑functional teams across regions, partner with product and research, and drive a culture of innovation, performance, and engineering rigor in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience building low-latency systems in Java, C++ or Rust.
• Led high‑performing, geographically distributed engineering teams.
• Deep experience in electronic trading, DMA, FIX and market data.
• Defined technical strategy and roadmaps for multi‑year initiatives.
• Strong ability to present to executives and influence across teams.
• Familiar with Agile methodologies and CI/CD culture.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead development of Citi's next‑gen low‑latency connectivity platforms.
• Direct cross‑functional teams including product, quant research, and infra.
• Ensure operational excellence and scale across regions in EMEA and beyond.
• Partner with senior leaders to align with global strategy and drive results.

Skills

Low-latency design

Java/C++/Rust

Distributed teams leadership

Electronic trading platforms

Executive stakeholder communication

Agile/CI-CD

Regulatory knowledge

Network protocols

Job description

• Paid Parental Leave

Engineer the future of global finance. At Citi, our Tech team doesn’t just support finance – we are helping to redefine it. Every day, $5 trillion crosses through our network. We do business in 180+ countries operating at a scale few can match. From deploying advanced AI to helping shape global markets, we build systems that matter. Look to join a team where your work helps influence economies, your ideas can drive innovation and outcomes, and your growth is backed by mentorship, continuous learning and flexibility with potential hybrid work opportunities. Help solve real-world challenges that touch millions and get the opportunity to build the future of finance with Citi Tech.

Equities Technology

Equities Technology at Citi is undertaking a bold, multi‑year transformation to build a best‑in‑class global platform across execution, prime, clearing and cross‑product margining. We are re‑engineering our technology estate to achieve world‑leading performance and resiliency, enabling new capabilities in advanced execution, global market connectivity, and modernised post‑trade, clearing and margin processes. Our ambition is to deliver a seamlessly integrated, highly automated platform that drives outstanding client outcomes and accelerates growth across our global franchise. As part of the team, you’ll collaborate closely with high‑calibre engineers and deeply engaged business and product partners - working together to define and deliver the next generation of Equities technology at Citi.

Role Overview

Citi's Equities Technology organization is seeking an experienced, hands‑on engineering leader to join the Equities Electronic-Execution (Electronic Trading) technology team. The person in this role will be responsible for designing, leading the development, and ensuring the operational excellence of Citi's next‑generation low‑latency connectivity platforms. This encompasses critical components including low‑latency Client Connectivity, Order Management, Algo access as well as Direct Market Access (DMA).

The successful candidate will lead a cross‑functional team of engineers and will be the primary technology partner for senior leaders in product development, quantitative research, technology infrastructure, and production support for the EMEA region and beyond. This role requires a leader who can align closely with the global strategy, drive execution across multiple regions within a global team and platform and inspire a culture of innovation and engineering excellence.

Key Skills and Experience required - This section is about the candidate.

• Extensive experience in financial technology, with extensive technical knowledge and expertise in building low‑latency systems in Java, C++, or Rust.
• Proven track record of leading and managing high‑performing, geographically distributed engineering teams in a financial institution or equivalent environment.
• Deep, prior experience in developing and architecting electronic trading and connectivity platforms (e.g., market data, order routing, DMA, FIX).
• Demonstrated experience in setting technical strategy, defining roadmaps, and managing large‑scale, multi‑year technology initiatives.
• Expert‑level understanding of low‑latency system design, including performance optimization, concurrency, high‑throughput architecture, and network protocols.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to prioritize multiple competing initiatives, set strategic goals, and deliver results in a fast‑paced, globally distributed environment.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrable ability to present and influence at the executive level and to articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• In‑depth knowledge of regional exchange microstructure and regulatory regimes.
• Solid understanding of Agile methodologies and a passion for driving CI/CD and DevOps culture.

Any Beneficial / Nice to have skills and experience:

Experience operating within Equities Electronic-Execution (Electronic Trading) technology

What We’ll Provide You

By joining Citi, you will not only be part of a business casual workplace with a hybrid working model (up to 2 days working at home per week), but also receive a competitive base salary (which is annually reviewed), and enjoy a whole host of additional benefits such as:

• 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• A discretional annual performance related bonus
• Private Medical Care & Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pension Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Special discounts for employees, family, and friends
• Access to an array of learning and development resources

Visit our About Us | Culture, Values & Benefits page to learn more.

Alongside these benefits Citi is committed to ensuring our workplace is where everyone feels comfortable coming to work as their whole self, every day. We want the best talent around the world to be energized to join us, motivated to stay and empowered to thrive.

Job Family Group:

Technology

Job Family:

Applications Development

Time Type:

Full time

Most Relevant Skills

Please see the requirements listed above.

Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our search tools and/or apply for a career opportunity review Accessibility at Citi.

View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.