JOIN US ON OUR MISSION TO BECOME THE #1 RETAIL TRADING PLATFORM IN THE WORLD
Welcome to the dynamic world of NinjaTrader! As an industry-leading trading platform and futures broker, we're on a mission to empower traders to take control of their financial destiny. How do we do it? We provide cutting-edge products and services that enhance the trading journey. Whether a seasoned pro or just starting out, NinjaTrader equips traders with award-winning software and brokerage services to navigate the world's leading financial markets with confidence.
Our growth story is nothing short of exhilarating. Over the last 20 years, NinjaTrader has been dedicated to understanding and supporting traders on their journey toward trading triumph. In the last five years alone, our user base has grown by 400% to over 1.9 million users and we have become the number one rated futures brokerage worldwide.
But we're not stopping there. We're constantly evolving, pushing boundaries, and modernizing the futures industry. Our commitment to innovation means users will always have access to dynamic tools, real-time support, and a community of like-minded traders.
So, why work at NinjaTrader? Here, you're not just part of a team; you're part of a movement. We empower employees to reach new heights in their careers by providing a dynamic culture focused on social connection, professional development, and employee recognition initiatives. Sounds too good to be true? Take it from our employees.
Join us as we redefine what's possible in trading, advocate for our customers, and continue our journey toward becoming the world's top retail-focused trading platform in the world.
What you'll do:
Are you a strategic leader with deep expertise in trading operations, pre-trade and post trade margin risk, customer engagement, and liquidity management as it relates to the specific products our customers trade? As Sr. Trade Desk Manager at NinjaTrader, you will play a critical role in shaping our Futures Commission Merchant (FCM), overseeing margin risk exposure, trade surveillance, and support exchange and regulatory inquiries while driving operational efficiency. Reporting to the President/Chief Clearing Officer, you will lead a high-performing team, optimize margin risk management strategies, and ensure seamless coordination across key business functions. This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of our trading operations and make a significant impact on the firm’s growth.
In this role, you will:
Leadership & Strategy
- Develop and execute Trading Operations strategies aligned with company goals
- Stay updated on industry trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Support budget planning and monitor financial variances
- Oversee workflows for Margin Risk Management (Order Desk), Trade Surveillance and driving with IT operational improvements
- Optimize team processes, implement improvements, and track key performance indicators (KPIs)
Operations & Risk Management
- Manage daily risk oversight, ensuring sufficient liquidity and market exposure control
- Oversee trade surveillance, margin enforcement, and regulatory compliance
- Partner with internal teams to drive efficiency and minimize operational risks
- Investigate and resolve trade discrepancies, system outages, and reporting issues
- Ensure secure trading systems and data protection in collaboration with IT and cybersecurity teams
Analytics & Governance
- Deliver risk reports and operational metrics to senior leadership
- Manage external vendor relationships to ensure quality service
What you'll need:
- 7–10 years of experience managing Trading Operations for Exchange Traded Derivatives
- Hands-on expertise with CQG and Eventus/Validus
- Strong knowledge of FCM regulations and risk management practices
- Proven ability to lead diverse teams and implement process improvements
Bonus points for:
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to drive innovation
- Ability to manage escalations and advocate for customer needs
- Experience leading projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams
Compensation:
The salary range for this role will be $130,000 - $160,000 USD. In addition, this position will also receive an annual target bonus of 15%. Bonus pay at NinjaTrader is based on individual performance (50%) as well as company/team performance (50%).
Salary and bonus earnings are only two components of the total compensation package offered by NinjaTrader. NinjaTrader offers a 401K plan through ADP under which the company will match up to 3.5% of employee contributions. Annual paid time off allowance accrues at a rate of 18 days per year (some positions may qualify for more) plus seven paid holidays. Additional details on our total compensation package and benefits are listed below.
Our Core Benefits Include:
- Hybrid Schedule with Extra Remote Flexibility (Totaling over 55% remote time)
- Generous PTO
- 7 Paid Holidays Annually + 5 Conditional Holidays Annually
- 1 Service Day Annually
- 401k with 3.5% Company Match
- Health, Vision, Dental Coverage
- Life and Disability Insurance Covered 100% by NinjaTrader
- Flexible Spending Accounts for Transit and Parking
- Gym Membership
Location: This role is based in Chicago, IL. There may be remote flexibility for exceptional candidates in the following states: California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Pennsylvania.
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
Top Skills
What the Team is Saying
What We Do
More than 1.8 million futures traders trust NinjaTrader's award-winning software and brokerage services to help them trade smarter. Since 2003, we've been building better futures for all traders by making futures trading more accessible, scalable, and user-friendly.
As a bold, innovative thought leader in the trading space, we build products and services that empower active futures traders to easily analyze and react to data from the world's leading financial markets. Veteran and new futures traders alike look to us for our always-on support, daily free education and analysis, access to developer apps, and much more.
We believe in the power of innovation to drive futures trading forward. Together, we continue to redefine what's possible in trading, advocate for our customers, and provide the best tools, support, and experiences to the fast-growing retail futures trading community.
Located in Chicago, our entrepreneurial, employee-centric culture is inspiring, innovative, and inviting. We're committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity, so our team members feel at ease to be themselves and empowered to deliver the work they do best.
Why Work With Us
Our team members are our #1 asset and the signature ingredient to our success. When you join NinjaTrader, you become part of an innovative, forward-looking community that encourages creativity, collaboration and camaraderie to deliver the best futures trading experience possible to our more than 1.8 million users. See why better futures start here.
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NinjaTrader Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
