Head of Trading – US Direct Investments

Mercer; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 310,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based incentives

Total rewards package

Job summary

Mercer in New York is seeking a senior leader to head the US trading desk for the Direct Investment Unit. Based in New York, this hybrid role requires in-office presence at least three days a week and offers a path to influence portfolio execution and growth.

You will oversee a regional trading team, mentor staff, and collaborate with risk, compliance and technology to optimize trading systems and client outcomes while delivering regular performance updates to senior management.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in a multi-asset trading capacity, ideally in an asset management setting.
• Proven success in leading a team.
• Deep experience in trading derivatives (OTC and exchange traded), credit and government bonds, and currency.
• Familiarity with a variety of industry standard trading platforms across asset classes.
• A record of implementing change across new systems, trading partners, and workflows.
• Ability to lead the development of pragmatic solutions to trading challenges and the introduction of new programs and instruments.
• Skills to apply technology for standardization and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control the activities and performance of the regional trading team.
• Lead and mentor the team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Execute trades promptly and accurately across various markets while ensuring adherence to Best Execution principles.
• Analyse and evaluate trading results to ensure optimal client outcomes and communicate them to internal stakeholders.
• Provide updates to the wider investment team regarding market conditions, sentiment, trading volumes, and price movements, highlighting potential investment opportunities.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key market counterparties and stakeholders to facilitate trading operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including risk management, compliance and technology to enhance trading systems and processes.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of the latest developments in financial market regulations and the impact on liquidity and pricing.
• Provide regular reports and updates to senior management on trading performance, market conditions and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Multi-asset trading

Team leadership

Derivatives trading

Trading platforms

Change management

Technology in trading

Education

MBA or CFA

Tools

Charles River OMS

Job description

We are seeking a talented individual to join our Wealth team at Mercer, a Marsh. This role will be based in New York. This is a hybrid role that has a requirement of working at least three days a week in the office.

The Head of the US Trading desk for the Direct Investment Unit (DIU) will be responsible for the management of the regional trading team and meeting the team’s functional objectives. The DIU is a growing unit within Mercer which directly manages portfolios and funds for Mercer clients. You will oversee the members of the trading team with a focus on day-to-day operations of the trading unit. Besides the managerial role you display you will lead by example and play an active role in the business and its growth.

We will count on you to:

• Monitor and control the activities and performance of the regional trading team.

• Lead and mentor the team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Execute trades promptly and accurately across various markets while ensuring adherence to Best Execution principles.

• Analyse and evaluate trading results to ensure optimal client outcomes and communicate them to internal stakeholders.

• Provide updates to the wider investment team regarding market conditions, sentiment, trading volumes, and price movements, highlighting potential investment opportunities.

• Establish and maintain relationships with key market counterparties and stakeholders to facilitate trading operations.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including risk management, compliance and technology to enhance trading systems and processes.

• Maintain up to date knowledge of the latest developments in financial market regulations and the impact on liquidity and pricing.

• Provide regular reports and updates to senior management on trading performance, market conditions and strategic initiatives.

What you need to have:

• At least 10 years’ experience in a multi-asset trading capacity, ideally in an asset management setting

• Proven success in leading a team

• Deep experience in trading derivatives (OTC and exchange traded), credit and government bonds, and currency.

• Familiarity with a variety of industry standard trading platforms across asset classes

• A record of implementing change across new systems, trading partners, and workflows.

• Ability to lead the development of pragmatic solutions to trading challenges and the introduction of new programs and instruments

• Skills to apply technology for standardization and efficiency

What makes you stand out?

• True multi-asset trading experience across treasuries, credit and OTC & exchange traded derivatives (IRS, futures, TRS, FX)

• Familiarity with the Charles River order management system

• Advanced education (e.g. MBA) or industry relevant certifications (e.g. CFA)

• A broad awareness of the technological underpinnings of operational systems

Why join our team:

• We help you be your best through professional development opportunities, interesting work and supportive leaders.

• We foster a vibrant and inclusive culture where you can work with talented colleagues to create new solutions and have an impact on colleagues, clients and communities.

• Our scale enables us to provide a range of career opportunities, as well as benefits and rewards to enhance your well-being.

Marsh (NYSE: MRSH) is a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries. With annual revenue of over $27 billion and more than 95,000 colleagues, Marsh helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information, visit marsh.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X.

Marsh is committed to embracing a diverse, inclusive and flexible work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people and embrace diversity of age background, disability, ethnic origin, family duties, gender orientation or expression, marital status, nationality, parental status, personal or social status, political affiliation, race, religion and beliefs, sex/gender, sexual orientation or expression, skin color, veteran status (including protected veterans), or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting [e-mail].

Marsh is committed to hybrid work, which includes the flexibility of working remotely and the collaboration, connections and professional development benefits of working together in the office. All Marsh colleagues are expected to be in their local office or working onsite with clients at least three days per week. Office-based teams will identify at least one "anchor day" per week on which their full team will be together in person.

The applicable base salary range for this role is $155,000 to $309,500.

The base pay offered will be determined on factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements. Decisions will be determined on a case-by-case basis. In addition to the base salary, this position may be eligible for performance-based incentives.

We are excited to offer a competitive total rewards package which includes health and welfare benefits, tuition assistance, 401K savings and other retirement programs as well as employee assistance programs.