Lead Quantitative Analyst (Quant)

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Retirement savings plan

Equity participation

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth seeks a Lead Quantitative Analyst to spearhead quantitative research and development for trading, risk management, and portfolio optimization. You will lead a team of quants, collaborate closely with traders and tech teams, and drive rigorous methodological standards.

The role requires a PhD or MSc in a quantitative field, 8+ years in finance, proficiency in C++, Python, or R, and a track record of deploying live models.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, CS or Financial Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience as a Quant in investment banking, asset management, or hedge funds.
• Proven track record deploying quantitative models in live trading environments.
• Expertise in C++, Python, or R programming.
• Deep knowledge of stochastic calculus, time series, statistics, and ML.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, testing and deployment of quantitative models for trading, risk management and portfolio allocation.
• Mentor and manage a team of quantitative analysts, providing guidance and feedback.
• Conduct cutting-edge research into new modeling techniques and market insights.
• Collaborate with traders and PMs to translate needs into quantitative solutions.
• Develop and maintain high-performance computing systems for model execution and backtesting.
• Ensure robustness and efficiency of all developed models.
• Contribute to strategic decision-making through quantitative insights.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Quantitative research

Mathematical modeling

Education

PhD or MSc in quantitative field

Tools

C++

Python

R

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected investment firm located in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, is seeking a Lead Quantitative Analyst (Quant) to spearhead their quantitative research and development efforts. This senior role is instrumental in designing, developing, and implementing sophisticated mathematical models for trading strategies, risk management, and portfolio optimization. The successful candidate will lead a team of talented quants, driving innovation and ensuring the rigor of our quantitative methodologies. This is a critical, office-based position, enabling close collaboration with traders, portfolio managers, and technology teams within our client's Port Elizabeth headquarters. If you have a passion for complex problem-solving and a deep understanding of financial markets and advanced mathematics, this is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in the Banking & Finance industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, testing, and implementation of quantitative models for trading, risk management, and portfolio allocation.
• Mentor and manage a team of quantitative analysts, providing technical guidance and performance feedback.
• Conduct cutting-edge research into new modeling techniques and market insights.
• Collaborate with traders and portfolio managers to understand their needs and translate them into quantitative solutions.
• Develop and maintain high-performance computing systems for model execution and backtesting.
• Ensure the robustness, accuracy, and efficiency of all developed models.
• Contribute to the firm's strategic decision-making through quantitative insights.
• Stay abreast of academic research and industry trends in quantitative finance.
• Oversee model validation and documentation processes.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in a quantitative field such as Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Computer Science, or Financial Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience as a Quantitative Analyst in investment banking, asset management, or hedge funds.
• Proven track record of developing and deploying successful quantitative models in live trading environments.
• Expertise in programming languages such as C++, Python, or R.
• Deep understanding of stochastic calculus, time series analysis, statistical modeling, and machine learning.
• Experience with large datasets and high-frequency trading systems is a plus.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a rigorous, scientific approach.
• Superior communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Port Elizabeth .

Benefits

Our client offers an exceptionally competitive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, significant bonus potential, and potential for equity participation. Benefits include comprehensive private medical insurance, a leading retirement savings plan, and generous annual leave. Employees have access to advanced research tools and resources. The role is based at our client's state-of-the-art facilities in Port Elizabeth , providing a challenging and rewarding work environment within the elite Banking & Finance sector.