Director Investment Grade Research

BASIC FUNCTION:

The primary responsibility of this role will be to conduct credit research in designated sectors and recommend investment grade corporate bond investments consistent with portfolio strategy and return objectives.  This role will work closely with the Head of Credit Research and the Investment Credit Research team, Portfolio Managers and Traders in collaboration with the Investment Strategy, Investment Risk & Operations, Compliance and Law departments.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITES: 

• Monitor and opine on industry and sector dynamics for the Financials industry, including the banking and other financial sub-sectors.  Understand drivers of revenue and profitability.
• Conduct thorough fundamental credit analysis on investments in the Financials industry/sectors.  This includes a complete assessment of quantitative and qualitative factors, including financial statement analysis, financial policy, management track record of individual credits and credit ratings profile.
• Determine relative value of specific issuers and bonds vs. comparable issuers.
• Provide investment recommendations on coverage universe based on a risk/return context, current portfolio strategy, fundamental credit view and relative value.  Adapt recommendations to specific portfolio return objectives.
• Produce concise written research and verbally articulate credit strengths and risks to portfolio managers and traders.
• Develop and maintain external relationships with Wall Street analysts and strategists, credit rating agencies and independent research firms as well as company management. 
• Assist with administrative and reporting priorities.

REQUIREMENTS:

• At least five years of relevant work experience conducting credit analysis.  Experience in the Financials industry, particularly banking, is highly desired.
• Strong focus on total return mandates with demonstrated command of relative value is critical.
• Master of Science or Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis on finance, accounting, economics, statistics or other related areas or Bachelor’s degree with CFA designation or progress towards attaining the CFA designation required
• Strong analytical skills, particularly in performing financial statement analysis, evaluating cross-sector relative value and presenting credit recommendations for potential investment opportunities.
• Proven leadership skills and a high-level of initiative and motivation.
• Effective oral and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to prioritize work.
• Works well independently, while promoting and contributing to a strong team dynamic.
• Proficiency with Bloomberg/BQuant and Microsoft Office.