Buy-Side Equities Trader

The Equus Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Equus Group, a Chicago-based investment management firm, is seeking a Buy-Side Equities Trader to join its focused investment team. The role involves executing equity trades across domestic and international markets, collaborating with portfolio managers to implement strategies and optimize execution quality.

The ideal candidate has 2–5 years of equity trading experience on the buy-side, solid market knowledge, and a disciplined, detail-oriented approach to trade execution in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience in equities trading within a buy-side investment firm, hedge fund, asset manager, or comparable financial institution.
• Strong understanding of equity markets, market structure, order types, and execution strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to execute trades efficiently while balancing liquidity, timing, and market impact.
• Familiarity with electronic trading platforms, order management systems, and market data tools.

Responsibilities

• Execute equity trades across domestic and international markets, with a focus on execution quality and minimizing market impact.
• Partner with portfolio managers and investment teams to implement investment strategies and manage trading activity.
• Monitor market conditions, liquidity, volatility, and order flow to identify optimal execution opportunities.
• Evaluate execution performance, transaction costs, and market impact to continuously improve trading outcomes.
• Maintain strong relationships with sell-side trading desks, brokers, and other market participants.
• Leverage trading systems, market data, and analytical tools to support informed execution decisions.
• Monitor trade allocations, confirmations, and related operational processes to ensure accuracy and compliance with firm policies.
• Stay informed on market developments, trading technologies, and evolving execution strategies.

Skills

Equities trading

Buy-side experience

Market knowledge

Execution risk management

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, or related

Tools

Electronic trading platforms

Order management systems

Market data tools

Job description

Our client is a well-established investment management firm with a strong track record across public markets and a disciplined, research-driven investment approach. The firm offers a collaborative, intellectually curious environment where investment professionals work closely together to execute strategies and generate attractive risk-adjusted returns.

About the Role

The firm is seeking a Buy-Side Equities Trader to join its investment team in Chicago. This individual will play an important role in executing equity trades across a range of strategies, partnering closely with portfolio managers and investment professionals to ensure efficient execution and optimal trading outcomes.

The ideal candidate has 2–5 years of experience in equity trading, preferably within a buy-side investment management or hedge fund environment, and brings strong market knowledge, sound judgment, and a detail-oriented approach to execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute equity trades across domestic and international markets, as applicable, with a focus on execution quality and minimizing market impact
• Partner with portfolio managers and investment teams to implement investment strategies and manage trading activity
• Monitor market conditions, liquidity, volatility, and order flow to identify optimal execution opportunities
• Evaluate execution performance, transaction costs, and market impact to continuously improve trading outcomes
• Maintain strong relationships with sell-side trading desks, brokers, and other market participants
• Leverage trading systems, market data, and analytical tools to support informed execution decisions
• Monitor trade allocations, confirmations, and related operational processes to ensure accuracy and compliance with firm policies
• Stay informed on market developments, trading technologies, and evolving execution strategies

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience in equities trading within a buy-side investment firm, hedge fund, asset manager, or comparable financial institution
• Strong understanding of equity markets, market structure, order types, and execution strategies
• Demonstrated ability to execute trades efficiently while balancing liquidity, timing, and market impact
• Familiarity with electronic trading platforms, order management systems, and market data tools
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to perform in a fast-paced investment environment
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with portfolio managers and investment professionals
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, or a related discipline preferred

The Equus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.