Intermediate Trader

American Equity•Des Moines, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Intermediate Trader is responsible, under direction, for executing authorized derivatives trades on behalf of American Equity in accordance with approved investment strategies, risk parameters, and trading guidelines. This role supports the derivatives function by monitoring assigned markets, assisting with trade execution activities, maintaining dealer relationships, and providing timely information regarding market sentiment, trading activity, volume, liquidity, and price volatility. The Intermediate Trader is expected to continue developing knowledge of assigned asset classes, including equity options and other derivative instruments, and to apply analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills to support accurate and timely trade execution. This position typically works under the guidance of Senior Traders or the Head of Derivatives and has less experience and more limited knowledge of assigned asset classes and markets than Senior Traders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, mathematics, statistics, business, accounting, or a related field; plus three (3) or more years of trading, derivatives, investment, capital markets, risk management, or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience executing trades or supporting trade execution in a fast-paced, risk-sensitive financial markets environment.
Experience using Bloomberg for market data, pricing, analytics, monitoring, or trade-related research.
Advanced Excel experience, including macros, Power Query, complex formulas, data analysis, and working with large or complex data sets.
Demonstrated ability to learn complex asset classes, trading processes, and market conventions.
Working knowledge of assigned asset classes, trading characteristics, market conventions, pricing considerations, and factors influencing price trends, with continued development expected.
Working understanding of derivatives, including equity options, and the risks, terminology, valuation drivers, and execution considerations associated with complex financial instruments.
Analytical, quantitative, and critical thinking skills with the ability to evaluate information, understand underlying drivers, ask appropriate questions, and solve problems with guidance as needed.
Ability to execute trades accurately while remaining mindful of risk, controls, and the financial impact of trading activity.
Advanced proficiency with Excel, including Power Query, macros, data modeling, complex formulas, and automation; working knowledge of SQL, Python, or AI-enabled tools preferred.
Proficiency with Bloomberg and ability to use market data, trading analytics, and related tools to support trading decisions and execution.
Strong communication skills with the ability to share market observations, trading updates, and technical information clearly with leaders and business partners.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment requiring accuracy, judgment, confidentiality, collaboration, and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting or executing trades involving equity options or other derivative instruments is preferred.
Progress toward or completion of the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
Insurance, asset management, investment management, or institutional trading experience.
Chartered Financial Analyst designation or active progress toward the designation preferred.
Working knowledge of SQL, Python, or AI-enabled tools.

Responsibilities

Executes authorized derivatives trades under direction in accordance with approved strategies, trading guidelines, risk limits, and internal controls.
Trades with external dealers and market participants on behalf of American Equity, in alignment with direction provided by Senior Traders or the Head of Derivatives.
Develops and maintains effective working relationships with derivatives dealers, counterparties, brokers, and other market participants.
Provides the Head of Derivatives, Managing Senior Traders, and other stakeholders with ongoing information regarding market sentiment, trading environment, trading volume, liquidity, and price volatility.
Monitors assigned asset classes and related markets to understand trading characteristics, price trends, valuation drivers, and execution considerations.
Supports trade analysis, pricing review, scenario evaluation, and other pre- and post-trade activities using Bloomberg, Excel, SQL, Power Query, macros, Python, or other approved tools.
Applies strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to evaluate market information, identify issues, ask appropriate follow-up questions, and support timely trading execution.
Maintains accurate trade-related documentation and supports compliance with applicable policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and internal control expectations.
Collaborates with derivatives, investment, risk, operations, legal, compliance, technology, and other business partners to support effective trade execution and lifecycle processes.
Receives direction, guidance, and feedback from Senior Traders, Managing Senior Traders, or the Head of Derivatives to support continued development in trade execution and assigned markets.
Performs other related duties as assigned.