Quantitative Derivatives Analyst

Challenger Limited is an ASX-listed investment management firm managing $123.9 billion in assets (as at 30 June Life with us is fast moving and always exciting. Together we're driving to deliver our vision to provide our customers with financial security for a better retirement.

We achieve this goal by providing a work environment where people from diverse backgrounds, with a range of skills and experiences can contribute and succeed.

• You'll be joining a vibrant and collaborative team where you'll get the perfect balance of autonomy and collaborative working

• A solutions focused and friendly team, you'll gain experience with all asset classes.

• Exciting opportunity to flex your quantitative analysis, modelling and pricing skills and see the immediate impact of your work

• This position has the potential to grow into a portfolio manager role over time for the right candidate

• Hybrid work arrangements available

About the role

As our Quantitative Derivatives Analyst you'll be responsible for the maintenance and development of the Python code libraries which form the foundation of the Investment Solutions team's research and investment process. The role will include researching, coding and back-testing systematic and other derivatives-based investment strategies and sharing results with team members and clients.

Typical investment strategies include medium-to-low frequency systematic strategies across all asset classes, systematic hedging strategies as well as more idiosyncratic derivatives-based trading opportunities. The various strategies can be implemented directly by the Solutions team through inclusion in the Spectrum Systematic Alpha Fund or alternatively utilised by one of the Solutions team's super fund clients.

Secondary responsibilities include automating day-to-day processes, collaborating with portfolio managers to execute and book transactions and the creation of client marketing materials.

Other day to day responsibilities will include (but aren't limited to)

• Developing and maintaining the proprietary Python libraries used by the team

• Managing the Solutions team database used for both client reporting and data analysis

• Researching and presenting new investment strategies   

About the team & environment

The Solutions team provides investment advice and execution services to Australian asset owners and designs and creates investment products for both institutional and retail investors. The team also manage the Challenger Solutions Spectrum Systematic Alpha Fund, a multi-strategy, cross asset systematic hedge fund.

You'll enjoy the blend of working in an environment which is both collaborative and working towards broader team goals together, whilst day to day having the autonomy to manage your own portfolio of work, using your initiative and being responsible for your own tasks within a small but perfectly formed team.

The skills you'll need

To be successful in role you'll already have at least 2-3 years' experience in a quantitative role at a bank, fund manager or similar institution and you'll have familiarity with financial markets and financial instruments across multiple asset classes including derivatives.

It's essential that you have a strong working knowledge of Python as well as.

• Tertiary education with strong GPA in a quantitative field and/or computer science

• Experience with SQL and ability to efficiently handle large datasets

• Strong knowledge of Excel, Power BI (or other data visualisation tools)

• With strong quantitative skills – you'll have a track record of being able to analyse data and summarise and share results with team members and clients.

Highly desirable to also have;

• Familiarity with systematic investment strategies

• A post-graduate qualification is preferred (Masters or PhD)

Why Challenger?

At Challenger, we're small enough to be agile, but big enough to accelerate bold ideas. We support your growth and development, offering flexibility and a culture that values your unique contributions.

• Discretionary bonus scheme

• 18 weeks paid parental leave for all new parents

• Challenger Day – one extra day off every year in recognition of the effort our people make. 

• Additional support leave (fertility, gender affirmation)

• Extra superannuation contributions

• Employee share plan

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Subsidised on-site café and central location near Martin Place Metro

• Access to free onsite yoga, mindfulness and Pilates classes.

• Access to annual free flu shots.

Explore our benefits further:

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Challenger's employee value proposition guides how we work: Grow and realise your potential, supporting each other, stronger together and making things happen. Our culture encourages curiosity, considered thinking and meaningful contribution, with opportunities to build a broad and rewarding career.

We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace where people of all backgrounds, identities and ways of thinking can thrive, and promoting flexible working to support work-life balance. 

Challenger is proud to be a Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, a Family Friendly Workplace and recognised as a Bronze Employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), the national benchmark for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.

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