Are you the one Trader who reads the market and the room?
Think you need to be a numbers genius to work at Optiver? Think again. We’re looking for people who are analytically sharp and competitive, but who also have high EQ, strong communication skills and an entrepreneurial mindset — people who know that great decisions are not just about the numbers, but about the people behind them.
This exclusive event gives early-career professionals rare access to Optiver’s Amsterdam trading floor and a direct route into Institutional Trading. Over one Friday afternoon and evening, you’ll join us while markets are open and see how your quantitative foundation and confidence in high-stakes conversations could translate into a role on the desk.
Our Institutional Traders come from backgrounds spanning broking, asset management and technology. Discover how those strengths come together on some of Optiver’s largest orders, combining insight from brokers and direct counterparties with sharp analysis and close collaboration with Screen Traders to negotiate the best possible p
Strong performance may lead to a full-time offer to join Optiver as an Institutional Trader in February 2027.
This exclusive event gives early-career professionals rare access to Optiver’s Amsterdam trading floor and a direct route into Institutional Trading. Over one Friday afternoon and evening, you’ll join us while markets are open and see how your quantitative foundation and confidence in high-stakes conversations could translate into a role on the desk.
Our Institutional Traders come from backgrounds spanning broking, asset management and technology. Discover how those strengths come together on some of Optiver’s largest orders, combining insight from brokers and direct counterparties with sharp analysis and close collaboration with Screen Traders to negotiate the best possible price at speed.
Strong performance may lead to a full-time offer to join Optiver as an Institutional Trader in February 2027.
- When: Friday 13 November 2026, 14:00 – 20:00
- Where: Optiver Amsterdam Headquarters
- Application deadline: Applications close at 17:00 CET on 19th October
What you'll do
An afternoon and evening of learning, decision-making and trading in action. Throughout the event, our Institutional Traders will show you how the role really works and see how you rise to the challenge. Expect to think fast, learn quickly, and get a real feel for the desk.
Learning and skill development:
- Open the black box: Get an inside look at how Optiver's Institutional Trading desk operates, and how we trade large orders with counterparties around the world.
- Get hands-on: Take part in trading exercises and market simulations that mirror real-world scenarios.
- Think under pressure: Sharpen your instincts in fast-paced decision-making games.
- Read the room: Take on relationship, stakeholder and negotiation challenges that test the communication side of the role.
- Compete: Go head-to-head in competitive challenges, in small rotating groups throughout the day.
- Pathway to a career: Demonstrate your potential during the event, and you may receive a direct offer to join Optiver as an Institutional Trader.
Networking and culture:
- Experience Optiver first-hand: Get a feel for our Amsterdam office and the buzz of a live trading floor.
- Spend time with our traders: Meet the Institutional Traders you'd be working alongside and start building connections that could shape your next move.
- Meet like-minded peers: Connect with a select group of professionals from across finance, consulting and beyond, all drawn to the same challenge.
Eligibility
You don't need previous experience in trading to take part. We're more interested in your numerical ability, communication skills and potential to develop in the role.
- 1–5 years of professional working experience
- Minimum of a BSc in a quantitative or technical field
- Currently situated in the Netherlands, UK or Europe
- You are able to demonstrate at the time of application that you have the requisite visa or other travel authorisations in place to allow you to attend the event in person (visa sponsorship and relocation support are available for the role itself)
Who you are
- High EQ and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to positively influence outcomes
- Strong numerical and analytical skills
- Fast decision-making skills under pressure
- Competitive by nature, with an entrepreneurial mindset
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; English fluency is a requirement
- Excellent attention to detail
Who we are
At Optiver, our mission is to constantly improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and acting as a stabilizing force no matter the market conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we participate in the safeguarding of healthy and efficient markets for everyone who participates. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a trusted partner of 70+ exchanges across the globe.
What you'll get
You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, where you’ll be surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues, working collectively to tackle the toughest problems in the financial markets.
In addition, you’ll receive:
- A performance-based bonus structure unmatched anywhere in the industry. We combine our profits across desks, teams and offices into a global profit pool.
- The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 50 different countries.
- 25 paid vacation days in your first year, increasing to 30 from your second year onwards.
- Training opportunities, discounts on health insurance, and fully paid first-class commuting expenses.
- Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, world-class barista coffee, in-house physio and chair massages, organized sports and leisure activities, and Friday afternoon drinks.
- Training and continuous learning opportunities, including access to conferences and tech events.
- Competitive relocation packages and visa sponsorship where necessary for expats.
Apply now
Does this sound like the future you're looking for? Take up the opportunity and apply today!
Please note that applications close on 19th October.
The selection process consists of three stages before the event, and the timeline will broadly be as follows:
Please note that applications close on 19th October.
The selection process consists of three stages before the event, and the timeline will broadly be as follows:
- Online assessment & CV review: A short online assessment sent after you submit your application, alongside a review of your CV.
- Motivation call: A 10-15 minute call with our recruitment team to discuss your motivations and aspirations.
- Role play: A short technical role-play exercise with one of our Institutional Traders.
- Selected candidates are invited to The Trading Floor on Friday 13 November.
Apply directly via the form below. If you have any questions feel free to contact our Recruitment team via our recruitment inquiry form.
Please note:
- We do not require any assistance from third-parties including agencies in the recruitment of this role
- We cannot accept applications via email
Diversity statement
Optiver is committed to diversity and inclusion.