Junior Trader Assistant (Alternance) F/M - Job Opportunity at CANDRIAM

Paris, France
Internship
Entry-level
Posted: June 3, 2025
On-site
€35,000-45,000 per year for apprenticeship positions in Parisian asset management firms, with potential for €50,000-65,000 upon conversion to full-time junior trader or analyst roles post-graduation

Benefits

Access to comprehensive apprenticeship program combining theoretical learning with practical trading floor experience
Exposure to multi-asset class trading environment including equities, fixed income, derivatives, and currencies
Mentorship from experienced trading professionals in a recognized sustainable investment leader
Professional development in cutting-edge trading analytics and automation technologies
International work environment with diverse team backgrounds and perspectives
Work-life balance support and inclusive workplace culture as part of responsible employer commitment

Key Responsibilities

Drive critical pre-trade analysis and execution support that directly impacts trading desk profitability and client satisfaction
Lead trade booking monitoring and cross-functional collaboration with Middle and Back Office teams to ensure operational excellence
Spearhead automation initiatives for small order execution across FX, government bonds, and investment-grade credit markets
Champion the development and enhancement of pricing and pre-trade analytical tools that optimize trading decisions
Serve as strategic liaison between trading desk and IT teams to drive technological innovation and resolve operational challenges
Produce comprehensive Transaction Cost Analysis reports across all asset classes that inform best execution strategies and regulatory compliance
Analyze and optimize execution factors including speed, order types, and broker relationships to enhance trading performance
Automate standard reporting processes and develop trading statistics tools that improve operational efficiency
Deliver detailed trading activity reports to internal stakeholders, broker review committees, and regulatory bodies
Support institutional client relationships through complex TCA reporting for pension funds and other sophisticated investors
Manage data requests and communications with brokers, counterparties, and execution platforms

Requirements

Education

Master's degree (or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, or a related quantitative field

Experience

Less than 2 years

Required Skills

Solid knowledge of finance and financial markets Strong coding skills, particularly in Python and VBA Advanced proficiency in Power BI for data visualization and reporting Autonomous, creative, and proactive mindset Strong problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment French (C1 - Fluent) English (C1 - Fluent)
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The asset management industry is experiencing unprecedented growth in sustainable investing, with ESG assets projected to reach $50 trillion globally by 2025, creating significant opportunities for firms like Candriam that have been pioneers in this space for over 25 years. This trend is driving increased demand for sophisticated trading analytics and reporting capabilities to demonstrate responsible investment practices to institutional clients. Fixed income trading is undergoing massive technological transformation driven by regulatory requirements such as MiFID II and increasing client demands for transparency and best execution reporting. The shift toward electronic trading platforms and algorithmic execution in bond markets is creating new roles that combine traditional trading support with advanced data analytics capabilities. Regulatory reporting requirements are becoming increasingly complex across European markets, particularly with SFDR implementation and enhanced transaction reporting obligations. This is driving demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between trading operations and compliance reporting, making roles like this particularly valuable in the current market environment.

Role Significance

Typically working within a Multi-Asset Trading team of 8-12 professionals including senior traders, portfolio managers, and trading analysts, with direct reporting relationships to senior trading desk personnel and regular interaction with middle office, compliance, and IT teams.
This is a strategic entry-level position that provides direct exposure to senior trading professionals and critical trading operations, offering significantly more responsibility than typical internships due to the apprenticeship structure and the firm's growth trajectory in fixed income trading volumes.

Key Projects

Implementation of automated TCA reporting systems that will serve institutional clients with assets under management in the billions Development of best execution analytics that directly impact trading costs and regulatory compliance across multiple asset classes Creation of sophisticated pricing tools that enhance the trading desk's competitive advantage in fixed income markets Regulatory reporting initiatives that ensure compliance with evolving European financial regulations

Success Factors

Developing deep technical proficiency in Python and advanced analytics to become indispensable in the increasingly data-driven trading environment. The ability to automate complex processes and generate actionable insights from large datasets will distinguish top performers in this role and create clear pathways to senior positions. Building strong relationships across the organization, particularly with senior traders, IT teams, and compliance professionals. Success in this role depends heavily on effective cross-functional collaboration and the ability to translate complex technical requirements into practical solutions. Maintaining exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in all reporting and analysis activities, as errors in trading support or regulatory reporting can have significant financial and compliance implications for the firm. Demonstrating proactive problem-solving abilities and taking ownership of process improvements. The most successful candidates will identify inefficiencies and propose solutions rather than simply executing assigned tasks.

Market Demand

High demand driven by digital transformation in trading operations, increased regulatory reporting requirements, and growing sustainable investment focus requiring specialized analytics capabilities

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Python programming skills are absolutely essential as the role requires automation of reporting processes and development of analytical tools. The ability to work with large datasets, create automated workflows, and build data visualization solutions will determine success in this position and future career advancement in quantitative finance roles. Advanced Power BI proficiency is critical for creating sophisticated reporting dashboards that serve both internal stakeholders and external clients. As data visualization becomes increasingly important in client communications and regulatory reporting, these skills provide significant competitive advantage. Deep understanding of financial markets and trading operations is fundamental to providing effective support to senior traders and contributing meaningfully to trading decisions. This knowledge base must be continuously expanded to keep pace with evolving market structures and new financial instruments.

Beneficial Skills

VBA skills complement Python capabilities and are particularly valuable for integrating with existing Excel-based workflows and legacy systems commonly used in trading operations. This combination of programming languages provides flexibility in solving diverse technical challenges. Strong communication abilities in both French and English are increasingly important as Candriam serves international clients and operates across multiple European markets. The ability to clearly explain complex analytical concepts to diverse audiences enhances career prospects. Project management and process improvement skills will become increasingly valuable as the role involves leading automation initiatives and working across multiple teams to implement new systems and procedures.

Unique Aspects

This apprenticeship provides rare direct exposure to multi-asset class trading operations within a sustainable investment pioneer, offering insights into how ESG considerations are integrated into trading decisions and client reporting. This combination of traditional trading skills with sustainable finance expertise is increasingly valuable in the evolving asset management landscape.
The role uniquely combines hands-on trading support with advanced analytics and automation development, providing both operational trading experience and technical skills development that are typically acquired separately. This dual focus creates a distinctive skill set that is highly sought after in modern trading operations.
Working at Candriam during a period of significant growth in fixed income trading volumes provides exposure to scaling challenges and process optimization opportunities that may not be available at more established or slower-growth firms. This dynamic environment accelerates learning and professional development.
The position offers direct involvement in regulatory reporting and compliance activities at a time when these requirements are rapidly evolving, providing valuable expertise in an area of growing importance across the financial services industry.

Career Growth

Progression to junior trader or analyst roles typically occurs within 18-24 months post-apprenticeship completion, with advancement to mid-level positions possible within 3-4 years given strong performance and continued skill development

Potential Next Roles

Junior Trader or Associate Trader positions within Candriam's trading desk with responsibility for executing trades in specific asset classes Quantitative Analyst roles focusing on portfolio construction, risk management, or trading strategy development Trading Operations Specialist positions with broader responsibility for trading infrastructure and process optimization Compliance Analyst roles specializing in trading regulations and best execution analysis Client Reporting Analyst positions serving institutional clients with sophisticated reporting requirements

Company Overview

CANDRIAM

Candriam is a well-established European asset management firm with over €140 billion in assets under management and a strong reputation as a pioneer in sustainable investing since 1996. The firm operates across multiple countries with significant presence in Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and the UK, serving institutional and retail clients with diversified investment solutions across fixed income, equities, absolute return, and alternative investments.

Candriam holds a strong competitive position in the European asset management market, particularly in ESG and sustainable investing where they are recognized as thought leaders and early adopters. The firm's multi-specialist approach and focus on innovation in sustainable finance provides competitive advantages in attracting institutional mandates from pension funds, insurance companies, and other sophisticated investors.
The Paris office serves as a key European hub for Candriam's operations, benefiting from France's position as a major financial center and the firm's need to serve French institutional clients. This location provides excellent exposure to European capital markets and regulatory environment while offering networking opportunities within the broader French asset management industry.
Candriam emphasizes responsible employment practices and inclusive workplace culture, which aligns with their sustainable investment philosophy. The firm's commitment to work-life balance, diversity, and professional development creates an environment conducive to learning and career growth, particularly valuable for apprentices and early-career professionals.
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.