Risk Management Associate

Working at PPM America, Inc.

PPM America, Inc. (PPM) is a client-focused investment manager, and our mission is to deliver client-specific solutions and world class service to investors in the pursuit of their unique investment objectives.  PPM prides itself on being a nimble, investment-led organization that is responsive to the opportunities that our teams discover together. Click here for a description of our assets under management and our investment strategies.

PPM was named one of the Best Places to Work in Money Management by Pensions & Investments in 2022. We attract professionals who exhibit humbleness, directness, and dedication. Our communication style is informal, and we encourage collaboration by giving our teams the freedom to speak openly and share new ideas. PPM’s values guide our internal conduct and help define the type of relationships we share with our investors, affiliates, and other valued partners. Above all, PPM is passionate about giving back to our clients, to each other, and to our community. We understand that community and purpose are just as important as the job description when finding your next career, and at PPM you would join a community of employees with a long track record of dedicating their time and support to local nonprofits with the effort of strengthening local families and increasing economic opportunities.

At PPM, we believe that diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of our growth and longevity. PPM is committed to a culture of respect and believe that inclusion is the key to this culture, enabling our ability to innovate, execute, and grow for the benefit of our associates, clients, shareholders, and the communities where we live.

Risk Management Department Description

The Risk Management Department is responsible for overseeing the firm’s investment, operational, and enterprise risk management programs and governance. Within that construct, Risk Management provides a broad spectrum of risk management support to the firm’s departments, including Front Office (Portfolio Management, Trading, and Credit Research), Operations (Portfolio Services and Information Technology), and Legal & Compliance.

Summary of Role

The Risk Management Associate works across three functional areas of PPM’s Risk Management team – Investment Risk, Operational Risk, and Enterprise Risk. The Risk Management Associate is centrally and primarily focused on supporting the Investment Risk function in reviewing the firm’s investment risk across the portfolios (estimated 75% of time). However, the role will include tasks supporting the Operational and Enterprise Risk functions in reviewing investment operations risk, controls, and incidents (estimated 25% of time). The Risk Management Associate works closely with personnel on the Risk Management team and reports directly to the firm’s Chief Risk Officer (CRO).

In the Risk Management role, the Associate assists the following functional Risk areas: Investment Risk team with analysis of investment risk across portfolios/strategies, including Risk Committee reporting and Quarterly CIO/Portfolio Management reviews; Operational Risk team in reviewing and reporting of operational risk incidents, remediation, and timelines; and Enterprise Risk team and CRO in special projects, which may include asset valuation analysis, emerging and topical risk reporting, and project management across risk function.

Role Responsibilities

• Support senior members of the Risk Management team.
• Actively monitor Investment Risk dashboards for risk outliers, data discrepancies, and other escalation issues. Subsequently, translate findings into meaningful conclusions for senior staff.
• Produce and review investment performance reports and related analysis.
• Investment risk data work, including manipulation, cleansing, organization, and formatting for the team’s use.
• Monitor and validate analytics related to SEC Liquidity and Derivatives Risk Management rules.
• Maintain and review Operational Risk data related to operational incidents.
• Aid in the facilitation of the firm’s Risk & Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) program.
• Administration of the firm’s efforts to review asset valuation risk.
• Assist the CRO and staff with special projects, as needed.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong understanding of financial instruments and investment products, preferably through work experience with fixed income.
• Strong understanding of fixed income risk metrics, as well as general statistical concepts, such as standard deviation, correlation, and probability distributions.
• Ability to read, interpret, and generate visual displays of information and translate them into meaningful conclusions/analysis.
• Ability to think critically, to prioritize and manage deadlines, to seek guidance when necessary, and to communicate complex ideas/problems effectively.
• Positive attitude and a collaborative approach. Positive contributor to the team culture.
• Strong proficiency with the entire Microsoft Office suite required, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint..
• Experience with third-party tools used in financial services preferred, such as Bloomberg, Blackrock Aladdin, or other portfolio investment systems.
• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related discipline, required.
• 3+ years of work experience in risk management, financial markets, portfolio management, or related field required.

Desired Skills & Experience

PPM is a team-oriented environment that provides hands-on support and incentives for your professional growth.  The below skills and experience are helpful for this role, but a pro-active learner who meets the role requirements will be able to gain the necessary skills on the job with the support of our team.

• Progress towards or completion of an advanced degree or CFA/FRM qualification.
• Experience with data visualization tools, preferably PowerBI .

Benefits

At PPM, we offer volunteer opportunities to get involved with a diverse network of peers and support the causes that are important to you. Your passion and talents can make a lasting impact on our organization and our community. Additionally, our employees go the extra mile every day and the benefits of working at PPM reflect our commitment to supporting and enhancing their personal and professional lives. The plans and programs listed below are offered in collaboration with our parent company.

• Competitive salary and bonus
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• 401k retirement plan with dollar-for-dollar matching contributions (up to 6% of salary)
• Tuition and professional certification reimbursement
• Paid parental leave
• Adoption assistance
• Holidays and paid time off
• Paid time off to volunteer
• Life insurance
• Gift matching

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Equal Employment Opportunity PPM America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and we base our employment decisions without unlawful regard or consideration of an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, non-job related disability, pregnancy or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.