Credit HF seat vs. analyst at a Credit Pod within a Multi Strat Fund
I’m currently working at a large credit hedge fund as an experienced analyst (3 years). I’ve received an offer from a new credit pod (within a multi strat) with a publics-focused mandate, clear profit-sharing terms, and a potential path to becoming a PM.Should I take the opportunity with the credit pod or remain in my current position?
Would you mind sharing what the comp levels are like?
I think you are probably undershooting your ability to move back to a single manger credit hedge fund though might be a bit smaller sized than you currently are at. Obviously it won't be super linear but also if you get blown out of a multi-manager you probably will have at least 6 months on the beach to look. I know a few guys who have made this move and yo-yoed back in credit land.
Also would do adequate due diligence on your PM especially if you are coming from an IC type set up. A few of the credit multi-manager PMs out there have been searching for ages for good reason.
EDIT: Just saw this said new credit pod. Is this a guy / gal who has been a PM before or a 1st time PM themselves? Advice changes alot if its the latter.
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Got it should be a good set up though would recommend doing a ref check with one of their former analysts. If you are tight with any bank desks can ask them who used to be in the seat if you don’t know any of them.
take pod gig. clearer and usually better $ than large opaque comp model funds.
Some people do well at large opaque shops but if it doesn't go by contribution to PnL means that comp/promotions get very political. They are aware of market vs off-market comp packages and they are not incentived to overpay. Decent comp packages offered initially, but over years, sans upward mobility, your responsibilities at the firm increase but your comp increases are less than commensurate with additional coverage/workload. So the firm will be getting a good deal on you. At junior/mid level, sans upward mobility, you'll need to "level-up" at another large HF to earn what you are worth. Also Firm A will speak with a search firm to see what large competitors at Firm B & Firm C (call it Ares & BX) are paying and index accordingly. Transparency into labor pricing at larger alts firms is actually detrimental to lateral job market opportunists at junior/mid-level and creates less frequent comp adjustments across industry unless a firm decides to disrupt equilibrium. Clearly defined profit share is contractual however, and I'd prefer to eat what I kill vs. ego stroke/fondle for a extra $k at YE.
You have 4yr public/privates. If you make it 4yrs at pod focusing on publics 1) you've made good $, but if you get blown out 2) as noted above you can pivot back to smaller SM and negotiate clear profit share / go back to privates.
Thank you - this is very helpful. Any thoughts on the typical guarantee I should focus on negotiating?
Guarantees have come down for the credit seats and often are effectively an earn-out on your share of P&L (effectively if you don't put up enough P&L to cover your guarantee your P&L the next year goes towards getting to that comp high water mark). I would focus more on the P&L share unless you are fortunate enough to be in a spot where they are willing to guarantee 2 years at high-6 to low-7 figures.
Thank you - this is helpful. What's the typical p&l share for experienced analysts in these set ups? What's the range I should push for?
Very dependent on seniority but 3%-5% is not uncommon and can go higher.
How good/reputable is your existing shop? Is the MM comp guaranteed better or just a carrot? Credit pods have a pretty good history of blowing up fairly often. Yes, you can move back to SM but depending how good your current seat is you may have to risk moving to a worse one. Why not just stay until a better opp comes up at another SM?
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How old are you? I’d say if you’re youngish and don’t have kids you need to feed or a lifestyle you can’t support if you’re out of work for 6-12 months you might as well go for it.
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