Job DescriptionReferral Level: Level 1Position: Reporting to the Managing Director, Head of FICC Trading, the Associate Trader supports execution across the firm's fixed income, currency and derivatives mandates, including government and corporate bonds, emerging market debt, syndicated bank loans, foreign exchange, and listed and OTC derivatives. The role is based in Toronto.
The desk is small, senior and technology-driven, using electronic execution where it improves outcomes and high-touch execution where markets or complexity require it. The Associate Trader cross-trains across products rather than specializing in one, takes on greater execution responsibility over time, and provides backup coverage across the desk.
The role has a second dimension: advancing the desk's use of data, automation, machine learning and AI across execution analytics, dealer intelligence, research consumption and trading workflows. Prior trading experience is an asset but not required. Quantitative and technical fundamentals, precision, initiative and speed of learning are.
Key ResponsibilitiesTrading and execution- Support and, as experience develops, execute trades across rates, credit, emerging markets, syndicated loans, foreign exchange, and listed and OTC derivatives.
- Conduct pre-trade analysis covering liquidity, relative pricing, transaction costs, guideline constraints, trade feasibility, dealer selection and price discovery.
- Develop proficiency across the desk's execution platforms, including Bloomberg AIM, TSOX/EMSX, FX Connect, MarketAxess, CanDeal, Tradeweb and Trumid.
- Own assigned elements of the trade lifecycle, from execution and allocation through confirmation and settlement.
- Monitor execution outcomes and trade exceptions, resolving issues with internal teams, custodians and counterparties.
Cross-asset coverage, analytics and technology- Cross-train across FICC products to provide backup coverage during absences, peak trading periods, rebalancings and market events, including handoffs with Hong Kong coverage.
- Build analytical tools supporting transaction cost analysis, dealer performance and wallet analytics, liquidity screening, execution benchmarking and exception monitoring.
- Use Python, SQL, APIs and modern data tools to automate manual processes and turn trading and market data into usable information.
- Apply machine learning, natural language processing and large language models to research, market intelligence, workflow automation and decision support.
- Prototype tools against live trading workflows and work with Technology and oversight partners to move successful ones into supported production.
- Maintain desk procedures and documentation so critical trading processes are repeatable and resilient.
Risk, controls and collaboration- Ensure activity complies with applicable regulation, including NI 81-102, and internal trading policies.
- Support best execution analysis, transaction cost reporting, dealer and counterparty reviews, and trading governance.
- Work across Portfolio Management, Product Oversight, Risk Oversight, Legal, Compliance, Operations and Technology.
- Investigate exceptions and recurring issues to root cause and take ownership through resolution.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Finance, Economics or a related field.
- One to three years of relevant experience in trading, capital markets, quantitative analysis, investment technology, trade execution or investment operations. Strong internship or co-op experience will be considered.
- Foundational understanding of fixed income, foreign exchange or derivatives. Coverage of every FICC asset class is not expected on day one; the ability to learn across them is.
- Strong programming and data skills, particularly Python, with exposure to SQL, APIs and data visualization.
- Practical application of automation, machine learning or large language models, professionally, academically or through personal projects, is a meaningful differentiator.
- Strong Excel skills; Bloomberg experience is an asset.
- Progress toward the CFA designation, Canadian Securities Course or other relevant capital markets education is an asset.
Skills and Attributes- Sound judgment and attention to detail under time pressure.
- Quantitative and analytical mindset, with a bias toward building and automating what is manual.
- Clear communicator, comfortable working across seniority levels and functions.
- Ownership and persistence in driving issues to resolution.
- Interest in markets, adaptability across products and technology, and high integrity.
Benefits- Competitive base salary and performance-weighted bonus, education and career support, and access to an Employee Share Purchase Plan with employer matching.
- Competitive health, dental, disability and flexible benefits, plus Group RRSP participation with employer matching.
- Hybrid and flexible work arrangements, competitive time off including wellness and volunteer days, WorkPerks, and an inclusive culture supported by Business Resource Groups and Mackenzie's core values
The expected annual base salary range for this role is $80,000 - $120,000, which is determined based on skills, knowledge and experience. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for annual short-term incentive, health and well-being benefits, retirement and savings plan, paid time off and career development.
Benefits: - COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION & RECOGNITION: competitive base salary, performance-weighted bonus, education/career support, option to join Employee Share Purchase Plan with employer matching component.
- EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & INSURANCE: competitive health and dental coverage, flexible plan for you and your family and short-term & long-term disability plans.
- RETIREMENT SAVINGS PROGRAMS: voluntary Group RRSP enrolment with employer matching component.
- WORK LIFE BALANCE: paid volunteer days, competitive time off including 10 wellness days off, WorkPerks discount program, hybrid & flex work arrangements.
- INCLUSIVE CULTURE AND DIVERSITY: living our core values: Be a Team, Be Accountable, Be Better, engaging with community through Business Resource Groups (BRG communities are volunteer employee-led groups formed around a common interest, identity, or background).
How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience to
https://www.mackenzieinvestments.com/en/careers.
Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment: As part of our Talent Acquisition process, we may use artificial intelligence and automated tools to support activities such as candidate sourcing, application review, and interview scheduling. These tools support the recruitment process; all hiring decisions are made by people.
We thank all applicants for their interest in Mackenzie Investments; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Please apply by September 25 2026.
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