Experienced Equity Options Discretionary Trader

Gelbergroup; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Traditional and Roth 401(k) retirement program

Comprehensive health benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts

Generous vacation and paid parental leave

Catered lunch on select days

Employee referral bonus program

Casual dress code

Job summary

Gelbergroup is seeking an Experienced Equity Options Discretionary Trader to manage a trading book focused on US and Global Equities from our Chicago office. This role requires strong risk management and collaboration within teams to drive trading goals while adhering to firm standards.

The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of verified profitability, excellent communication skills, and the ability to analyze market trends. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including health coverage and a 401(k) plan, are offered.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of verified risk-adjusted profitability required.
• Ability to manage and communicate risk in line with firm policies.
• Proficiency with execution algorithms and market analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage your own trading book focused on US and Global Equities.
• Analyze market trends and identify trading opportunities.
• Collaborate with teams to execute trading goals while managing risk.

Skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Excellent communication skills

Self-starter with trading methodology

Risk management

Proficiency with trading platforms

Adaptability

Continuous improvement mentality

3+ years verified profitability

Job description

As an Experienced Equity Options Discretionary Trader on one of our largest desks, you will have a real opportunity to have a huge impact on the firm.

This position will require a strong emphasis on in‑person presence in our Chicago office, located in River North right next to the Merchandise Mart and convenient to public transportation.

What you’ll do

• Manage your own trading book with a focus on the US and Global Equities market
• Manage your own risk of a portfolio of active strategies and drive trading decisions
• Collaborate across your trading desk to execute teams’ goals while ensuring core risk standards are met
• Analyze market trends, order flow, and technical patterns to identify trading opportunities
• Develop, test, and refine your trading strategies using historical data and real‑time market conditions
• Continuously monitor market conditions, news, and macroeconomic events impacting equities
• Conduct research to develop new strategies and improve the performance of your existing strategies
• Monitor material changes in levels of risk and variance in PnL, especially focused around deviation from your plans, and proactively communicate those changes to leadership
• Grow your own business through mentorships

What we’d like to see

• Entrepreneurial mindset with competitive nature
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work autonomously and as a team player
• Proven self‑starter with exceptional product knowledge, trading methodology, and market insight
• Ability to manage and communicate risk in accordance with the policies and limits set forth by the Firm
• Proficiency with trading platforms, execution algorithms, and market data analysis tools
• Openness to feedback and willingness to adapt your trading style with changes in market conditions
• Strong work ethic, and understanding that the more you put into your craft, the more you’ll get out of it
• Mentality of continuous improvement
• 3 years or more of verified risk‑adjusted profitability

The approximate annual base compensation range for this position in Chicago, IL is $72,000 to $120,000. The actual offer, reflecting the total compensation package plus benefits, will be determined by a number of factors which include but are not limited to the applicant’s experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities; geographic location; and internal equity. In addition to your salary, our total rewards package includes health benefits, a 401(k) plan, PTO, parental leave, professional development, tuition reimbursement and discretionary bonus, enhancing your overall total rewards package.

Benefits Highlights

• Traditional and Roth 401(k) retirement program
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical coverage provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield (PPO and HDHP/HSA) and dental coverage
• Tuition reimbursement for Graduate courses (taken after employment begins)
• Flexible Spending Accounts for health care and dependent care; pre-tax commuter benefits for parking and transit expenses
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Brand new office in the heart of Chicago’s River North neighborhood, attached to the Merchandise Mart and “EL” stop and a short walk from both Ogilvie and Union Train Stations
• Health club membership with on‑site facilities (and reciprocal memberships)
• Generous vacation time, paid holidays, and paid parental leave
• Catered lunch provided Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursdays and stocked pantry daily and monthly continental breakfasts
• Social events including sponsored 5k races and annual company party
• Enjoyable collaborative and open work environment including a golf simulator and pool table
• Employee referral bonus program
• Charitable giving and company matching opportunities
• Casual, relaxed dress code

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read the Gelber Privacy Notice for California Employees and Applicants, here.