Focus Partners Wealth→
Hedged Equity Trader at Focus Partners Wealth in Chicago, IL
Skills
Job Description
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly analytical and disciplined Trader to execute and manage long only and hedged equity strategies in separately managed accounts (SMAs). The equities strategies include the utilization of options and/or short positions. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of options pricing, volatility, risk management, and execution, along with a solid grasp of how these strategies are applied within broader portfolios. This includes an understanding of underlying equity positions, position sizing, sector exposures, and how options impact overall portfolio construction. This role also demands strong quantitative skills, real-time decision-making ability, and a consistent track record of disciplined execution.
Focus provides team members the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule. Our hybrid model is defined as 3 days in office work required per week, while giving team members the option to work remotely 2 days per week, or as assigned by their team leader.
Primary Responsibilities
- Execute and monitor the individual stock (long only and hedged) trading strategies across Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs).
- Maintain a strong understanding of underlying portfolios, including individual holdings, position weights, target allocations, and sector exposures, and how these inputs inform options strategy implementation.
- Execute tax-loss harvesting trades within the confines of the aforementioned strategies.
- Manage trade execution, client allocations, and performance reporting processes.
- Provide feedback and insight to the Portfolio Management and investment teams to inform and refine investment strategies.
- Maintain and manage risk exposures in real-time, adhering to firm and regulatory limits.
- Use proprietary and third-party tools to model trade outcomes and assess risk/reward profiles.
- Collaborate with sell-side firms, portfolio managers, research, operations, and technology teams to ensure accuracy across trade allocations and performance reporting.
- Generate performance reports and contribute to post-trade analysis and strategy improvement.
- Stay up to date on market developments, trading regulations, and industry best practices.
- Manage multiple workflows and projects simultaneously while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and accountability.
- Communicate to stakeholders, including firm advisors and clients (as needed).
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
- 3+ years of trading experience, preferably with individual equities and listed options.
- Strong knowledge of derivatives pricing models (Black-Scholes, Greeks, volatility skew/smile).
- Proficiency in trading platforms (e.g., Bloomberg, ThinkOrSwim, TradeStation, Eikon) and analytical tools (Python, Excel/VBA, R, or similar).
- Ability to communicate clearly and collaborate across teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent risk management discipline and ability to make decisions under pressure.
- Detail oriented with the ability to develop and manage checks and balances to ensure accuracy of trades and allocations to client accounts.
The annualized base pay range for this role is expected to be $125,000 - $150,000 per year. Actual base pay could vary based on factors including but not limited to experience, subject matter expertise, geographic location where work will be performed, and the applicant's skill set. The base pay is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include an annual cash bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.
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Focus Partners Wealth is an organization of wealth, asset, and business management resources that brings strength, innovation, and partnership to client relationships. Through a comprehensive range of services, Focus Partners Wealth supports clients at every stage of life, helping them manage their financial future. With over $180 billion in regulatory assets under management, Focus Partners Wealth uses research-backed investment strategies to create custom-built portfolios and delivers personalized wealth planning solutions to clients in all 50 states. Focus Partners Wealth is part of Focus Financial Partners, a leading financial services firm comprised of wealth management, family office, and business management services. To learn more about Focus Partners Wealth, visit focuspartners.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.
Focus is an equal opportunity employer and bases its employment decisions on the employee or candidate’s skillset, and without regard to an employee or candidate’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state and/or federal law.
Focus complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact careers@focuspartners.com.
For Indiana Applicants: It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a prospective employee on the basis of status as a veteran by refusing to employ an applicant on the basis that they are a veteran of the armed forces of the United States, a member of the Indiana National Guard or a member of a reserve component.
For Maryland Applicants: I UNDERSTAND THAT UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A POLYGRAP OR SIMILAR TEST. AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100.
For California Applicants: Information on your California privacy rights can be found here
For Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
For Montana Applicants: If hired, the employment relationship is governed by the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act. Mont. Code Ann. Section 39-2-901.
For Rhode Island Applicants: Focus is subject to Chapters 29-38 of Title 28 of the General Laws of Rhode Island and is therefore covered by the state’s workers’ compensation law. If you willfully provide false information about your ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, you may be barred from filing a claim under the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act of the State of Rhode Island if the false information is directly related to the personal injury that is the basis for the new claim for compensation. The Company complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act.