Seeking Advice on Focus Areas for Recruitment in TradeOps, Quantitative, and Software Roles

Seeking Guidance on Recruitment Focus Areas for TradeOps, Quantitative, and Software Positions

Hello everyone,

I’m an external recruiter with a technical background in trading support, and I’m reaching out for some guidance. Here’s a brief overview of my experience and current situation:

Background:
– Two years of experience in external recruitment.
– Developed a network of trading support engineers, primarily placing them in buy-side trading firms, which is the exclusive focus of my company.
– My specialization is in TradeOps roles, but I’ve been advised to steer clear of infrastructure (DevOps, networking, cloud), Windows, and desktop positions.

The Challenge:
I find myself uncertain about which area to target next in recruitment.

I’m contemplating:
– Quantitative roles: Research, development, trading?
– Software Engineering roles: Data, AI, algorithm development, FPGAs?

Are there significant overlaps between quantitative and software positions that I should consider?

Other Areas of Interest:
– Trading-related positions such as trading analysts, traders (in volatility, macro, equity, FX, credit), business analysts, exchange connectivity, as well as middle and back office roles.
– With the growing interest in crypto, should I direct my focus towards roles in that sector?

Should I prioritize software or quantitative roles moving forward, or is there a more advantageous path?

My Objectives:
I’m currently billing approximately £200K annually but aim to double that next year. Commission ranges from 17.5% to 22.5% based on quarterly performance, with a target of £50K each quarter.

Concerns:
Is the market for quantitative and software roles becoming overcrowded?

I appreciate any insights or advice you can provide. Thank you!

One thought on “Seeking Advice on Focus Areas for Recruitment in TradeOps, Quantitative, and Software Roles”

RCadmin

March 8, 2025 at 12:00 pm

Hi there!

It sounds like you’re at an exciting crossroads in your recruitment career. Given your background and the current trends in the industry, it’s clear you’re thinking strategically about where to focus your efforts. Here are some insights that might help you make your decision:

1. Quantitative Roles:

Opportunity: The demand for quants has been strong, especially as firms seek to leverage data for trading strategies. Quantitative research and development roles often require a unique blend of statistical knowledge and programming skills (Python, R, C++), which can make the talent pool somewhat niche.
Considerations: While these roles can be lucrative, competition is fierce. However, firms are also looking for candidates with innovative ideas and the ability to adapt to changing markets, which might give you an edge in sourcing top talent.

2. Software Engineering:

Opportunity: Software roles, particularly in data science, AI, and algo trading, are on the rise. The intersection of software engineering and trading is often very lucrative and can lead to high commissions.
Overlap with Quant: There’s significant overlap between quantitative and software engineering roles — many quants today are expected to have strong coding skills. Knowing this can help you identify candidates who excel in both areas.

3. Trading-Related Roles:

Variety: Your idea to expand into trading analysts, business analysts, and various trading roles can diversify your portfolio. These roles might have a steadier demand compared to the software and quant areas, providing you with a broader client base.
Crypto Roles: With crypto gaining traction, roles focused on blockchain technology, crypto trading, and even compliance related to digital assets could be a great niche to explore. However, it’s crucial to gauge the stability of this sector and the specific skill sets firms are seeking.

4. Market Saturation:

Quant and Software Roles: Yes, parts of the market are competitive, especially in major financial hubs. However, there’s always a constant demand for highly skilled individuals, particularly as firms look for innovation. Focusing on niche skills (like advanced machine learning algorithms for trading) can help you stand out.
Future Trends: Consider keeping an eye on emerging technologies like machine learning applications in trading or the integration of AI in hedge fund strategies — candidates with expertise in these areas might fetch high interest.

5. Strategy Going Forward:

Targeted Networking: Engage with your current network and expand it within quant, software, and crypto spaces. Attending relevant conferences or webinars can also enhance your contacts.
Market Research: Stay updated on industry news to understand where firms are focusing their hiring efforts. This could inform your recruitment strategy and ensure you’re offering relevant candidates.
Flexibility: Be prepared to pivot your approach based on how the market evolves. Balancing your recruitment targets between several roles can provide security against market fluctuations.

6. Doubling Your Billings:

Focus on High-Value Roles: As you aim to increase your earnings, focus on high-demand, high-value roles where you can charge premium fees. Networking in these niches will also help you connect with decision-makers directly.
Expanding Client Base: Beyond just considering trading firms, think about other financial entities who might need your services in these areas.

Overall, there’s a wealth of opportunity in both quant and software engineering roles that complement your existing network in trading support. Assess your existing connections, market trends, and where you feel most confident to help you decide. Good luck with your endeavors — doubling your billings is an ambitious but achievable goal!

Best,
[Your Name]