Senior IT Business Analyst — Trading Systems (Exchange‑Traded Derivatives, Oil & Gas)(Contract)

Job Title: Senior IT Business Analyst — Trading Systems (Exchange‑Traded Derivatives, Oil & Gas)

Location: On-Site Houston, Texas

Employment Type: Contract

Role Summary

You will bridge business and technology, mapping complex RFQ, order, and trade lifecycles; shaping scalable, compliant algorithmic trading solutions; and partnering closely with traders, developers, QA, infrastructure, and production support teams.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced trading environment, brings deep industry knowledge, and can translate business needs into robust, efficient, and compliant technology delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Analysis & Delivery
• Elicit, document, and translate business requirements into technical solutions across front/middle office trading workflows.
• Analyse and map RFQ, order, allocation, and settlement lifecycles; identify gaps and recommend improvements to quality, efficiency, and control.
• Partner with development, QA, infrastructure, and support to ensure end‑to‑end delivery and operational readiness.
• Subject Matter Expertise
• Act as SME for ETD trading systems, instrument static data, market data, and connectivity (EMS/OMS).
• Guide solution design for algorithmic trading ensuring MiFID II/RTS 6 compliance; support audits and evidence gathering.
• Platform & Connectivity
• Contribute to FIX engineering (sessions, message schemas, certification, monitoring).
• Support exchange certification, application deployment, and production support processes.
• Collaborate with vendors and third‑party networks (e.g., TT, NYFIX, Bloomberg, TradingScreen) for connectivity, upgrades, and incident resolution.
• Regulatory & Controls
• Analyse and implement regulatory initiatives (MiFID II, EMIR, MAD/MAR, FCA guidelines).
• Ensure controls are embedded across order capture, execution, allocation, settlement, surveillance, and compliance workflows.
• Troubleshooting & Optimization
• Assist with production issue triage; debug messaging systems and network protocols (e.g., TCP, multicast).
• Drive continuous improvements in resiliency, scalability, and latency across trading platforms.

Required Industry Knowledge

• Understanding of all major global futures exchanges and ETD workflows.
• Knowledge of the full exchange‑traded derivatives trade lifecycle.
• 8+ years’ experience in Commodity Trading & Price Risk Management or Capital Markets/Investment Banking, with the ability to bring an external, cost‑value competitive mindset.
• Familiarity with market data providers (e.g., Bloomberg, Refinitiv) and liquidity aggregation platforms.
• Strong grasp of MiFID II, EMIR, FCA guidelines and related regulatory frameworks.

Must‑Have Skills

• Proven experience as an IT Business Analyst in a trading environment (Front Office / Middle Office preferred).
• Deep understanding of Exchange‑Traded Derivatives.
• Domain knowledge in Commodity Trading (Oil & Gas).
• Comprehensive trade lifecycle expertise.
• Collaborative team player with cross‑functional communication skills.

Key Skills & Experience

• Knowledge of Third‑Party Networks and EMS/OMS vendors (e.g., TT, NYFIX, Bloomberg, TradingScreen).
• Experience with instrument static data and/or other market data systems & protocols.
• Operating proficiency in Windows and Linux environments.
• Hands‑on in analysing and implementing regulatory initiatives (MiFID II, MAD/MAR, and related).
• Solid, relevant experience in FIX Engineering (connectivity, certification, troubleshooting).
• Strong analytical skills; ability to interpret complex datasets and propose innovative solutions.
• End‑to‑end trading lifecycle understanding: order capture & execution, allocation workflow, settlement, and compliance requirements.
• Experience in application support and vendor management.
• Strong experience in exchange certification, application deployment, and production support.
• Technical proficiency in scripting and programming (e.g., Python, PowerShell, C#, SQL).
• Exposure to messaging systems and debugging network protocols (e.g., TCP, multicast).

Soft Skills

• Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills; able to interact confidently with traders, developers, and stakeholders.
• Comfortable in a high‑pressure, fast‑moving trading room environment.
• Proactive, self‑motivated, flexible, and positively oriented.
• Strong time management; able to deliver under demanding deadlines with shifting priorities.

What You’ll Influence

• Quality, efficiency, and compliance of trading system workflows.
• Stability and scalability of algorithmic trading technology.
• Vendor relationships and exchange connectivity roadmaps.
• Regulatory readiness and audit traceability across ETD trading.

Education & Credentials (Preferred)

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Finance, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Relevant certifications (e.g., FRM, CFA, MiFID II/RegTech programs) are a plus.

Pay Rate: $75hr - $105hr (Depending on experience)

nextSource is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure, and life experiences or for any other reason.

nextSource is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talent@nextSource.com.

What nextSource Provides:

• Healthcare Benefits including Medical, Prescription, Vision & Dental Coverage | United Healthcare
• Voluntary STD & LTD | New York Life
• 401(k) Retirement Planning | Fidelity
• Discount Program

*You are Eligible to participate in the benefits program if you are considered a full-time employee of nextSource, working at least 30 hours per week on a consistent basis. Your coverage will be effective on the 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.