Commodity Product Manager Jobs

Position Summary
The Commodity Product Manager will provide specific support to TCW’s client-facing sales and servicing personnel relative to TCW’s Enhanced Commodity Strategy and other commodity strategies that may be developed. This will include an ongoing dialogue with TCW’s commodity portfolio managers to maintain a thorough understanding of their strategies and positions as they manage commodity accounts. That in turn requires a deep understanding of commodity markets as well as current activities in those markets. In addition, a good understanding of fixed income investing is required since commodity investing also includes management of collateral that supports commodity derivatives. An ability to discuss macroeconomic themes, including inflation and relationship of commodities to other asset classes, is required. The position requires strong teamwork within TCW and also excellent communication skills. A key metric will be the growth in AUM of TCW’s overall commodity business.
Essential Duties

• Maintain a close relationship with the commodity portfolio team so that you can convey their views and positions to TCW’s existing and prospective commodity investors. You will be expected to use your knowledge and experience in commodity markets to offer ideas which the portfolio team might consider, while being mindful that the portfolio team has the authority and responsibility for investment decisions.
• Provide periodic (monthly, quarterly, annual) commentary on commodity markets in general and the performance of TCW’s Enhanced Commodity Strategy in particular.
• Develop a relationship of trust and support with TCW’s marketing team, so they view you as an ally in their efforts to gain AUM from their clients. This will include joining TCW’s client-facing personnel in sales and servicing calls with their clients.
• On an ongoing basis provide marketing information and support for TCW sales personnel who are seeking to gain commodity mandates from existing and new clients of the firm.
• Maintain an awareness of competitive products in the market. Use that awareness not only to support TCW sales teams as they compete for business, but also to identify other commodity products and strategies that may be beneficial to TCW.
• Project TCW’s commodity capability by participation in conferences and industry events where prospective clients and consultants may be in attendance.
• Provide written materials which can be used by the TCW marketing team to demonstrate TCW’s competence and long term performance in commodity asset management. This will include presentation books, white papers, and relevant FAQs.
• The position will be based in TCW’s Los Angeles headquarters in order to develop the necessary relationships with marketers, client-facing management, portfolio managers, and senior management. Travel, primarily in support of the sales teams but also to industry events, will be required (approximately 10-20%).

Required Qualifications

• An ability to engage in discussion of macroeconomics and of investment strategy and portfolio theory is required. This includes an ability to talk about fixed income investing as well
• Experience in actually trading commodities is a plus, but is not mandatory
• Deep knowledge of commodity markets and commodity investing is essential
• MBA or CFA is desirable
• At least 3 years of experience in commodity-related business

Professional Skills Qualifications

• The successful candidate will demonstrate entrepreneurial initiative as well as an understanding of how to build a business unit within our larger enterprise
• Cooperative teamwork is essential for success in this position
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary in order to discuss clearly and concisely our portfolio positions as well as activities in commodity markets

Estimated Compensation
Base Salary: $200k - $225k
Other Compensation: Discretionary bonus eligible