Job Description - Head of Trading
Reports To CEO
Location Dubai, UAE (DIFC)
Asset Classes Multi-Asset: Equities, Fixed Income, FX, Derivatives, Commodities, Alternatives
Employment Type Full-time, Permanent
Client Details
Our client is a Dubai based investment and trading firm operating across global markets. They combine institutional-grade execution capabilities with agile portfolio management across multiple asset classes. With a growing presence in the UAE and active relationships across European financial centres, they are building a world-class trading desk to support our expanding strategies and client base.
Role Overview
Our client is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Trading to lead their trading desk and drive execution excellence across all asset classes. This is a hands-on leadership role — you will be an active trader yourself while simultaneously managing, mentoring, and building the trading team. The ideal candidate brings deep experience across European and UAE/GCC markets, a strong network with prime brokers and liquidity providers, and the credibility to represent STP Partners externally.
Key Responsibilities
Trading & Execution
- Execute and manage trading across a multi-asset portfolio including equities, fixed income, FX, derivatives, commodities, and alternative instruments
- Maintain direct market access and manage relationships with prime brokers, ECNs, and liquidity providers across European and MENA markets
- Develop, refine, and implement best-execution strategies across all asset classes
- Monitor market microstructure, liquidity conditions, and execution quality; continuously improve execution frameworks
- Trade directly across live books, maintaining personal P&L accountability alongside oversight responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing trading team, including junior traders and analysts
- Set the culture, standards, and trading discipline across the desk
- Define desk-level KPIs, monitor individual performance, and provide structured coaching and development
- Collaborate closely with portfolio managers, risk, and compliance to ensure desk activity aligns with firm-wide mandates
Risk & Compliance
- Operate within defined risk parameters; escalate and manage limit breaches appropriately
- Ensure full adherence to regulatory requirements across relevant jurisdictions
- Work with the risk team to review and improve VaR, stress testing, and position limit frameworks
- Maintain awareness of relevant regulatory developments in the UAE and European markets
Strategy & Commercial Development
- Contribute to the firm's overall investment strategy, particularly with respect to market timing, liquidity planning, and tactical positioning
- Identify new trading opportunities, instruments, venues, and relationships that enhance the firm's capabilities
- Represent our client in conversations with counterparties, brokers, and industry forums
- Support product development and new strategy launch from a trading and execution perspective
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years of trading experience within institutional buy-side or sell-side environments
- Proven track record as a multi-asset trader with direct P&L responsibility
- Prior experience in a senior or lead trading role with team management responsibilities
- Hands-on experience trading across both European markets (London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or similar) and UAE/GCC markets
- Strong understanding of FX, equities, and derivatives markets; fixed income and commodities exposure advantageous
- Familiarity with DFSA regulations and UAE financial market structure; knowledge of FCA/ESMA frameworks highly valued
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or a related field; CFA, FRM, or equivalent professional qualification preferred
Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional execution and market instincts — able to trade with confidence under pressure
- Strong leadership presence: able to set direction, inspire a team, and hold people accountable
- Analytically rigorous with the ability to interpret and act on market data quickly
- Excellent communicator — able to brief senior management and engage counterparties credibly
- Proficiency with trading platforms, OMS/EMS systems, and market data tools (Bloomberg, Reuters/Refinitiv, or equivalent)
- Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment with evolving mandates
