Director, Options

Our Krakenites are a world-class team with crypto conviction, united by our desire to discover and unlock the potential of crypto and blockchain technology.

What makes us different?

Kraken is a mission-focused company rooted in crypto values. As a Krakenite, you’ll join us on our mission to accelerate the global adoption of crypto, so that everyone can achieve financial freedom and inclusion. For over a decade, Kraken’s focus on our mission and crypto ethos has attracted many of the most talented crypto experts in the world.

Before you apply, please read the Kraken Culture page to learn more about our internal culture, values, and mission. We also expect candidates to familiarize themselves with the Kraken app. Learn how to create a Kraken account here.

As a fully remote company, we have Krakenites in 70+ countries who speak over 50 languages. Krakenites are industry pioneers who develop premium crypto products for experienced traders, institutions, and newcomers to the space. Kraken is committed to industry-leading security, crypto education, and world-class client support through our products like Kraken Pro, Desktop, Wallet, and Kraken Futures.

Become a Krakenite and build the future of crypto!

The team

Kraken’s OTC desk is a market leader in one of the most innovative and fast-growing industries in the world. Renowned for our white-glove service, we provide market-making to clients globally, 24/7. Offering deep liquidity for tighter spreads, we deliver a private and personalized service for institutional clients and high-net-worth individuals executing large orders. Our OTC desk ensures discreet, secure, and ultra-competitive execution and settlement services.

We’ve established ourselves as a dominant OTC desk for spot trading, built an options desk to service institutional clients, and recently launched structured products. Now, we’re on the hunt for a new Director, Options who is passionate about advancing the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency and the technology behind it. That’s where you come in!

As leader of the OTC Options desk, you will help grow our OTC Options business by interfacing with clients and working cross functionally with Sales, Account Management, and Legal/Compliance.  You will also guide the team in pricing and risk-managing options trades, and cover operational aspects of settlement.

The opportunity

• Lead and Grow the Options Trading Desk: Oversee all aspects of the options trading operations, including strategy development, business development, execution, and risk management, all while ensuring the desk is positioned for long-term success.

• Develop and Manage High-Performance Teams: Build and mentor a high-performing team of traders, driving both individual and team growth through effective leadership and training.

• Client Relationship Management and Business Development: Cultivate and maintain relationships with high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), institutional clients, and other stakeholders. Drive business expansion within HNWI as well as the  institutional segment.

• Strategic Risk Management: Implement and oversee advanced risk management practices, ensuring safe and efficient trading operations across crypto options and other derivative products.

• Innovate and Lead on Trading Infrastructure: Collaborate with tech teams to optimize and innovate the electronic trading infrastructure, from pricing engines to execution and back-office systems.

• Cross-Desk Collaboration: Work closely with other trading desks (spot, OTC, etc.) to align strategies, enhance liquidity, and drive synergies within the broader trading ecosystem.

• Work alongside other Kraken traders and cryptocurrency researchers to enhance market knowledge and expertise.

• Market Insights and Product Innovation: Stay ahead of market trends and leverage new opportunities in the fast-evolving cryptocurrency landscape to ensure the desk remains competitive.

Skills you should HODL

• 5+ years of Trading Experience: At least 5 years of experience in trading, with a minimum of 3 years focused specifically on options trading within financial services or crypto markets.

• Leadership and Team Building: Proven track record of building, leading, and motivating high-performing teams in a fast-paced trading environment.

• Expert in Options Pricing, Execution, and Risk: Deep understanding of options pricing, trade execution, and risk management strategies. Expertise with crypto-specific products and derivatives is essential.

• Strategic Thinking and Execution: Ability to drive the long-term growth of the options desk through strategic planning, business development, and the optimization of trading operations.

• Quantitative and Analytical Expertise: Strong quantitative and analytical skills; familiarity with financial modeling and the ability to develop and implement complex trading strategies.

• Institutional Sales Experience: Demonstrated ability to cultivate and expand relationships with institutional clients, drive sales, and grow business within the HNWI and institutional segments.

• Operational Excellence: In-depth experience with operational processes and safeguards, ensuring trade compliance, smooth execution, and effective risk management throughout the trade lifecycle.

• Passion for Crypto and Innovation: A deep passion for the crypto industry, including staying at the forefront of new trends, technologies, and developments. A learning attitude and willingness to innovate are crucial.

#LI-Remote #US #CANUS #LI-AG1

This job is accepting ongoing applications and there is no application deadline.

Please note, applicants are permitted to redact or remove information on their resume that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment on our team, assessing candidates in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Kraken is powered by people from around the world and we celebrate all Krakenites for their diverse talents, backgrounds, contributions and unique perspectives. We hire strictly based on merit, meaning we seek out the candidates with the right abilities, knowledge, and skills considered the most suitable for the job. We encourage you to apply for roles where you don't fully meet the listed requirements, especially if you're passionate or knowledgable about crypto!

As an equal opportunity employer, we don’t tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Whether that’s based on race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, citizenship, religion, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state or local laws. 

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