Platform Lead (eTrading Technology Services) at RMB - Rand Merchant Bank

Job Description

The Platform Lead is focused on navigating technological shifts, cost management and operational challenges to ensure a seamless trading experience for Global Markets, particularly focused on Electronic Trading (eTrading) across all asset classes.

The purpose of this role is to manage a talented team involved in the configuration, implementation and day to day operational management and support of high-quality and mission critical electronic pricing and trading platforms. The Platform Lead also owns and is accountable for all delivery commitments and active stakeholder management.

This is a great opportunity to join our eTrading Technology Team based in Sandton, Johannesburg and become an important and valued player in designing and implementing industry-leading eTrading technology, whilst giving you key experience and exposure to build your career and personal brand.

• Navigate technological shifts, economic realities, regulatory compliance and operational challenges to ensure a seamless yet cost effective trading experience.
• Builds and maintains effective relationship with business management and stakeholders.
• Ensure implementation of the business transformation plan and creation of an inclusive culture for employees.
• Design and deliver customer service solutions, systems and interactions aligned to organisational values and service standards that build the brand.
• Draw up a budget aligned to tactical delivery plans to facilitate the provision of adequate financial resources.
• Manage team or teams in areas of responsibility in delivery against performance targets and achievement of wider human capital objectives.
• Develop tactical strategy and delivery plans in support of functional strategic objectives in partnership with leadership.
• Analyse information and reports to identify trends, discrepancies and inconsistencies for decision making purposes.
• Oversees IT Governance, Risk and Compliance.
• Accountable for stability and maintenance of all platforms in the eTrading Domain.
• Manages and maintains the monitoring toolsets.
• Contributes towards the development and implementation of the business unit’s information technology strategy.
• Identify, drive and implement ideas, policies, procedures, standards and frameworks to enhance sales and increase profit and manage future fit practice.
• Monitor Key Performance Indicators and metrics affecting the organization's technology assets; engage technical team as needed to meet goals or address issues.
• Provide thought leadership within the organization; research and evaluate cutting-edge practices and enabling technologies for internal adoption; assess potential partnerships and acquisitions.
• Respond to feedback from stakeholders and use it to make improvements or adjustments to technology.
• Select technology suppliers, vendors, and third-party integrations to design the organization's architecture and the technology stack.
• Establish and nurture effective relationships with collaborators, eTrading technology specialists, product managers, and designers to make appropriate architectural and build vs. buy decisions.
• Own all technology and product to external stakeholders, partners, investors and future recruitment.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualification: Degree in Information Systems or Computer Science or a related Technology Management discipline and/or relevant experience

Experience and Skills

• Must have excellent electronic trading knowledge – Trading on Exchange and Over the Counter (OTC).
• Understanding the trade life cycle and Straight Through Processing (STP).
• Have a particularly good knowledge and understanding of Execution Management and Order Management Systems (EMS & OMS) and Smart Order Routers (SOR) associated with electronic trading. Viz The Valdi Suite of software, The IRESS suite of software, AxeTrader, smartTrade, BTCS etc.
• Very good understanding of the protocols, interfaces and concepts associated with electronic Trading Viz FIX and the variants of it, API’s, Multicast, Market Data, Transactional Data, Drop Copy etc.
• Understand the importance and the impact of latency in the eTrading environment.
• Particularly good experience with proactive monitoring and alerting tools.
• Very good experience working with traders and understanding of the different asset classes.
• Experience in ensuring the Services Professionals in the team keep pace with the new tools, protocols, and platforms.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and relevant engagement.
• 8 -10 years’ experience in a similar environment, of which 2 - 3 years ideally at a Leadership / Management level.