Institutional Trading - The Trading Floor

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

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:

• 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.

Diversity statement

Optiver is committed to diversity and inclusion.

We encourage applications from candidates from any and all backgrounds, and we welcome requests for reasonable adjustments during the process to ensure that you can best demonstrate your abilities. Please let us know if you would like to request any reasonable adjustments by contacting the Recruitment team via the contact form, selecting "Reasonable Adjustments" as the subject of your inquiry."