Director - Structured Derivatives & Capital Markets 80-100%

Do you want to contribute to Zurich's Global Investment Management organization, its business strategy, projects and to pursue innovation and continuous improvement? Investment Management is Zurich’s center of competence for managing over USD 160bn of insurance assets.

This role combines senior derivatives investment expertise with end‑to‑end implementation ownership, quantitative tooling leadership, and strong governance accountability. It sits at the intersection of strategy, execution, risk, and operations, requiring both deep technical skills and the ability to drive cross‑functional alignment in a regulated insurance asset management environment.

What you will do

Derivatives Implementation, Infrastructure & Monitoring

• Assist the Head of Financial Engineering in the management of team mandates, ensuring effective utilization of resources and adherence to strategic goals
• Own the end‑to‑end implementation of derivatives programmes across local, regional levels, from structuring and pricing through execution, monitoring, and lifecycle management.
• Design, enhance, and maintain derivatives pricing, analytics tools, and structured payoffs, ensuring robustness, documentation, and calibration governance.
• Lead the development of market and risk monitoring dashboards, providing timely and actionable insights on rates, credit spreads, volatility, equity factors, and counterparty risk.

OTC Derivatives Operations & Collateral Management

• Coordinate the full non‑cleared derivatives value chain, ensuring alignment between Legal, Middle Office, Treasury Operations, Risk, Custodian, and external counterparties.
• Provide senior oversight of initial and variation margin frameworks, ensuring appropriate collateral standards, operational alignment, and effective issue resolution across stakeholders.
• Support and lead discussions on initial margin frameworks, clearing versus non‑clearing choices, custodial arrangements, and regulatory thresholds

Cross‑Asset Advisory & Portfolio Support

• Contribute to governance and analytical oversight of complex asset classes adjacent to derivatives, including CLOs, asset‑backed investments, and mortgage programmes.
• Strengthen analytics, reporting, and benchmarking frameworks across asset classes, supporting informed investment and risk decisions.

What you bring

Education

• Master’s degree in mathematics, Physics, Quantitative Finance, Financial Engineering or Economics with a strong quantitative focus

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in derivatives and capital markets, gained in front‑office investment or structuring roles within asset management, insurance investment management, or investment banking, with exposure to complex OTC derivatives, structured products, and pricing models. 
• Experience with other investment areas beyond derivatives (e.g. fixed income, structured credit, or mortgage‑related investments) is considered a strong advantage
• The role is intended for candidates with an investment‑driven background rather than careers primarily focused on risk control, sales, or business development

Technical & Quantitative Expertise

• Deep hands‑on experience designing and validating pricing models and risk analytics for OTC derivatives (rates, credit, options, structured payoffs).
• Strong capability in building investment decision and monitoring tools, including stress testing, scenario analysis, and back‑testing under real‑world constraints.
• Proven ability to translate complex quantitative concepts into clear, decision‑ready outputs for senior stakeholders.

Derivatives Operations & Governance Experience

• Demonstrated experience managing non‑cleared derivatives frameworks, including documentation, margining, collateral eligibility, and operational coordination.
• Track record of designing, improving, and governing end‑to‑end derivatives processes in a regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements (FINMA / equivalent), and experience leading or supporting their implementation at Group level.

Stakeholder & Leadership Skills

• Ability to operate effectively at Director / senior expert level, influencing outcomes without formal authority.
• Proven strength in coordinating across multiple internal functions and external counterparties.
• High standard of written documentation suitable for governance, audit, and regulatory review

You belong here.

 
Imagine working in one of the world’s most sustainable workplaces. At Quai Zurich Campus, you’ll enjoy an environment designed to help you thrive, with benefits that support your well-being and impact, and opportunities to perform at your best, surrounded by top talent and supportive colleagues.  

You’ll have access to healthy food options, fitness facilities, and bright, collaborative spaces that spark creativity. Located in the heart of Zurich on the shores of Lake Zurich, the campus offers excellent public transportation links, making your commute simple. 

Grow with us through access to learning resources, on-the-job development, and continuous empowerment and support. Be part of a team that is creating a brighter future together. 
 

About Us 

Zurich is a leading multi-line insurer, serving over 82 million customers in more than 200 countries and territories with more than 65,000 employees.
For over 150 years, Zurich has been transforming insurance – offering not just protection, but also prevention services that promote well-being and climate resilience.
Guided by our purpose to ‘create a brighter future together,’ we aim to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world. 

We look forward to receiving your online application today!

Information for recruitment agencies

Zurich does not accept any applications from recruitment agencies for this position. We refuse any responsibility for unsolicited applications, as well as any associated fees. 

Why Zurich

At Zurich, we like to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. We take an optimistic approach by focusing on the positives and constantly asking What can go right? 

We are an equal opportunity employer who knows that each employee is unique - that’s what makes our team so great! 
Join us as we constantly explore new ways to protect our customers and the planet.
 

• Location(s):  CH - Zürich 
• Remote working: No
• Schedule: Full Time
• Recruiter name: Mélina Carnal