Trader (North America)

Job Title

Trader (North America)

Department

Trading-North America-USA

Overview of Department

The Trading team execute orders on the instructions of the investment teams. Across the life cycle of a trade, ensure we are doing our best to protect our clients’ assets by enhancing performance and mitigating operating risk. 

Purpose of Role

We are seeking an experienced Trader with 5-10 years’ US equity and ETF experience who combines technical excellence with outstanding relationship-building skills and an entrepreneurial mindset. This role will report to the Head of Trading and work closely with the Director, ETF Capital Markets. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of equity and ETF market structure, execution strategies, and risk management, with additional exposure to fixed income markets. This role requires a disciplined, detail-oriented professional, with a change mindset, who can collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders across all departments of the firm.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Trading of cash instruments and derivatives, putting the interests of our clients first
• Challenge existing processes and preconceptions and put forward new ways of doing things. Keep a keen interest in the development of our trading systems
• Support and contribute to the long-term strategic vision for the firm’s trading function
• Undertake continued personal development to meet the Trading teams’ CPD program. Proactively mentor and train others
• Deliver the best execution and ensure that the Investor’s underlying objectives are implemented in a cost-effective and timely manner
• Develop and maintain strong communication channels with Investors and other internal stakeholders to ensure an appropriate two-way flow of information
• Keep Investors up to date with the progress of orders and aware of market information that might inform their broader view of liquidity conditions
• Maintain close links with trading counterparts to facilitate a high standard of execution and good market communication
• Take responsibility for all aspects of risk management, ensuring the trading desk continually meets the highest regulatory standards. Escalate and help manage any trading related incidents to protect our clients and the business.
• Maintain up-to-date dealing procedures and adhere to industry and in-house regulations and standards to ensure compliance with regulations
• Be data literate. Actively engage in the review of trading analytics, including liquidity analysis and challenge the status quo
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with brokers, counterparties, market participants, and internal investment teams
• Act as a proactive partner to investors and colleagues, identifying opportunities to improve execution, workflows, and communication
• Take ownership of initiatives beyond core trading responsibilities that help strengthen the North American trading function
• Contribute to a collaborative, entrepreneurial team culture where continuous improvement and innovation are encouraged

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience

Experience and knowledge:

• 5-10 years of trading experience, with a focus on U.S. Equities and ETF’s
• Experience trading across different liquidity environments, including large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap securities
• Strong understanding of equity market structure, order types, algorithmic strategies, and execution analytics.
• Knowledge of fixed income (investment grade, high yield, or rates) and FX trading preferred but not required
• Strong understanding of risk management principles and portfolio construction considerations.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in volatile and fast-moving markets
• Proficiency with trading systems, EMS/OMS platforms, and Bloomberg

The Type of Candidate We’re Looking For

We're looking for someone who combines strong technical trading expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset. This individual enjoys building relationships, takes ownership, and is motivated by the opportunity to help shape a growing local trading desk with the support of the global team.

Critical Skills

• Team Working
• Nurture Relationships
• Storytelling
• Adaptability
• Digital Effectiveness

The good-faith expected base salary range for this role is $175,000-$225,000 per year, depending on factors including but not limited to the individual’s experience, skills and qualifications.  In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and a comprehensive employer-paid benefits package including medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability coverage, 401(k) plan and paid time off.

Closing Date

September 10, 2026

Should you choose to use AI tools to support your application, we ask that you do this thoughtfully. We encourage you to ensure your application reflects your own voice, experience, and motivations. We value authenticity and want to understand your individual strengths and perspectives.

At Baillie Gifford, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful culture in which each of our colleagues can thrive and develop. We believe that our clients are best served by a diverse workforce with the experiences, ideas and perspectives that this brings.

If you are currently working at Baillie Gifford as an employee or contractor please apply to this job from the firm's Workday internal career site.