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Commodity Trading Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PIMCO Europe Ltd.

Associate, Pricing

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

... trades, including fixed income products like corporate bonds, municipal bonds, CMOs, and ABS, as ... and commodity prices* Monitor, execute, enhance, and create new daily price quality assurance ...

PIMCO

Associate, Pricing

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

... commodity index swaps/forwards, FX options/swaps, forward rate agreements, interest rate swaps/swaptions, total return swaps) is strongly preferred. * Experience with pricing vendors, PM/trading desk ...

PIMCO

Associate, Pricing

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

... commodity index swaps/forwards, FX options/swaps, forward rate agreements, interest rate swaps/swaptions, total return swaps) is strongly preferred. * Experience with pricing vendors, PM/trading desk ...

Jobot

Healthcare Litigation Attorney

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$195K - $325K/yr

... trade, litigation, intellectual property, transportation, and sophisticated financial transactions ... Unlike firms that focus primarily on traditional corporate M&A or commodity litigation work, this ...

All JobsCommodity Trading Associate JobsCommodity Trading Associate Jobs in California

Commodity Trading Associate information

What does a commodity trading associate do?

A Commodity Trading Associate supports the buying and selling of physical commodities such as oil, metals, or agricultural products. They assist traders with market research, data analysis, trade execution, and administrative tasks to help ensure smooth transactions. Additionally, they monitor market trends, prepare reports, and liaise with clients and other departments to facilitate trading operations. This role is often an entry point into a trading career, providing valuable exposure to commodity markets and trading strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a commodity trading associate?

To thrive as a Commodity Trading Associate, you need a solid understanding of financial markets, quantitative analysis, and a relevant degree such as finance, economics, or business. Familiarity with trading platforms, risk management systems, and certifications such as Series 3 or CFA Level I are often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for success in this fast-paced environment. These competencies ensure accurate trade execution, risk mitigation, and effective collaboration with clients and colleagues.

What are some common challenges commodity trading associates face when managing market volatility?

Commodity Trading Associates often navigate rapidly changing markets, which can make it challenging to execute trades at optimal prices and manage risk effectively. Staying updated on global events, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating demand requires strong analytical skills and quick decision-making. Collaborating closely with senior traders and risk management teams is essential to develop strategies that minimize losses and capitalize on market opportunities. Building resilience and adaptability is key to thriving in this fast-paced environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Commodity Trading jobs in California?

The most popular types of Commodity Trading jobs in California are:

Category Business Manager - Commodity & Building Materials

Napa, CA • On-site

Central Valley
Construction Materials Wholesalers • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Central Valleyexternal

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Central Valley is a leading family-owned and operated building supply company with eight locations throughout Northern California. We have been in business since 1955 and have grown to become one of the largest regional suppliers of building and agricultural products in the United States. Central Valley has been voted among the Best Places to work in the North Bay by the North Bay Business Journal. We are currently seeking a Category Business Manager, based out of our administrative office in Napa, CA.
The Category Business Manager (CBM) is responsible for driving sales, profitability, inventory performance, and category strategy for commodity lumber, building materials, and fasteners across Central Valley retail locations. The CBM develops and executes category plans through assortment management, sourcing, merchandising, pricing, promotions, and supplier partnerships while delivering sales, margin, inventory, and return objectives. This role directly manages and develops team members and partners closely with Operations, Sales, and suppliers to achieve business growth and exceptional customer service.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
People Leadership & Talent Development
  • Directly manage, coach, and develop direct reports, setting clear goals and holding the team accountable for results.
  • Provide day-to-day guidance on category strategy, sourcing, and replenishment decisions, elevating the team's analytical and negotiation capabilities.
  • Support the ongoing development of direct reports and foster an engaged, people-focused culture.

Category Management
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of the softwood lumber and commodity building-materials markets, anticipating and communicating significant market changes that influence availability and pricing.
  • Assume full ownership of, and accountability for, assigned commodity lumber, building materials, and fastener categories.
  • Deliver financial metrics of agreed upon annual plan.
  • Be the subject-matter expert for the assigned category within Central Valley, establishing category role, strategic objectives and tactics for achievement of category sales and net margin.
  • Continually update understanding of customer requirements, product trends, vendor dynamics, market conditions and the competitive environment for each category.
  • Develop and implement category plans including product assortment, performance criteria (sales revenue, gross margin, return on inventory), and pricing strategy relative to competition. Identify new product directions, areas for expansion, and rationalization.
  • Ensure inventory rotation, and rotation of non-performing inventory.
  • Develop merchandising planograms.
  • Direct and oversee all product knowledge training for store associates (executed with the team). Monitor category performance versus budget and implement plans to address variances.

Vendor Management
  • Elevate relationships with vendors to partnership status, not just transactional.
  • Plan, execute and deliver the line review process against agreed timelines.
  • Lead supplier sourcing and negotiations to ensure total lower cost, incorporating vendor support revenues, preferred arrangements, service levels, and product quality.
  • Maintain relationships with all vendors and potential vendors to enhance opportunistic and spot-buy opportunities.

Marketing
  • Support the Director by contributing category-specific input and supporting execution for the assigned categories.
  • Support Sales associates with relevant marketing collateral and market intelligence to serve target customers.
  • Support category and merchandising excitement through in-store events, trade shows, promotions, and vendor product demonstrations.

Additional Responsibilities
  • Build consensus and partner cross-functionally to develop and execute strategy and achieve established goals.
  • Attend industry and buying shows as applicable.
  • Maintain knowledge of Central Valley warehouse/store executional requirements and nuances.
  • Regularly inspect all Standard Operating Procedures for accuracy and efficiency and enforce compliance among direct reports.
  • Other tasks and responsibilities as determined by their manager.

Requirements
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong understanding of lumber and building materials markets.
  • Experience with category management, merchandising, pricing, and sourcing.
  • Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency in ERP/inventory systems and Microsoft Excel.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership abilities.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience in the lumber / building materials (LBM), millwork, or construction-products industry strongly preferred.
  • University degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 5-8+ years in purchasing, merchandising, category management, or supply chain, including experience managing or developing direct reports.
  • Experience in negotiations and strong business acumen.
  • Ability to calculate discounts, proportions, percentages, area, and volume, and must know dimensional lumber units of measure.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Walking: Occasionally (up to 3 hours per day)
  • Standing: Occasionally (up to 3 hours per day)
  • Sitting: Frequently (3-6 hours per day)
  • Bending/Twisting: Occasionally (up to 3 hours per day)
  • Squatting/Stooping: Occasionally (up to 3 hours per day)
  • Climbing: Occasionally (up to 3 hours per day)
  • Pushing/Pulling: Occasionally (up to 3 hours per day)
  • Lifting 0-25 lbs.: Occasionally
  • Lifting 26-50 lbs.: Occasionally
  • Carrying 0-25 lbs.: Occasionally
  • Carrying 26-50 lbs.: Occasionally
  • Ability to travel to stores, vendor meetings, and industry events as required.

Central Valley is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
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