Description

Python Quant Developer (Contract)

Excel to Enterprise Python Transformation | Hedge Fund | Inside IR35 | 3 Days Onsite

A technology-driven hedge fund is seeking an experienced Python Quant Developer to join a major front-office transformation programme focused on rebuilding its quantitative modelling infrastructure.

This is an initial 6-month contract (inside IR35) forming part of a 24-month strategic programme, with extensions highly likely. The role requires 3 days per week onsite.

Role Overview

You will lead the conversion of complex, legacy Excel/VBA-based financial models into a modern, enterprise-grade Python framework.
The existing models span Rates and Equities (linear and derivatives) and are heavily embedded in front-office workflows. Many spreadsheets are complex and organically developed, requiring strong analytical ability to interpret, rationalise, and modernise.

This is not a simple translation exercise - you will be expected to architect robust, scalable Python libraries that improve workflow efficiency, maintainability, and model governance.

The fund operates in a cloud-based environment (Azure currently, though broader cloud experience is welcome) and the team is actively leveraging AI tools within development and research workflows. Candidates comfortable working alongside AI-assisted development processes will be highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse and interpret complex, legacy Excel/VBA financial models
• Convert spreadsheet logic into clean, maintainable, enterprise-grade Python code
• Architect and design a scalable Python analytics library to replace legacy systems
• Work closely with Rates and Equities teams to validate, enhance, and sign off models
• Face off directly with quants and traders to gather requirements and explain outputs
• Improve model workflows and proactively identify process enhancements
• Operate within a cloud-based infrastructure (Azure environment)
• Maintain high coding standards, documentation, and testing practices
• Report progress and business impact clearly to stakeholders

Required Experience & Skills

• Strong Python development experience within a quantitative or front-office environment
• Proven experience rebuilding or industrialising financial models
• Solid understanding of:
  
  • Rates products
  • Equities
  • Linear instruments
  • Derivatives pricing concepts
• Excel VBA experience with the ability to interpret complex legacy spreadsheets
• Experience working directly with quants and/or traders
• Ability to architect frameworks - not just translate Excel into Python
• Familiarity with cloud environments (Azure preferred; AWS/GCP acceptable)
• Excellent communication skills and stakeholder management capability

Nice to Have

• Experience on large-scale Excel-to-Python migration programmes
• Exposure to AI-assisted development workflows
• Experience building client-facing or enterprise analytics libraries
• Background in financial mathematics or quantitative modelling

Contract Details

• Inside IR35
• 6-month initial contract
• 24-month transformation programme (extension highly likely)
• 3 days per week onsite