High Yield Credit Analyst - Director

Mesirow Financial; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm is seeking an experienced High Yield Credit Analyst at the Director level to join its London credit trading platform. The successful candidate will lead credit analysis, develop investment recommendations, and monitor credit opportunities. Essential skills include strong financial modeling and communication abilities, coupled with substantial experience in high yield credit analysis. This role demands a proactive approach in a fast-paced trading environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive prior experience in high yield credit analysis, leveraged finance, or investment research.
• Strong analytical skills and market knowledge.
• Proven ability to generate actionable investment ideas.

Responsibilities

• Lead fundamental credit analysis of high yield issuers.
• Develop and present investment recommendations to traders and clients.
• Monitor credits for catalysts and trading opportunities.

Skills

High yield credit analysis

Financial modeling

Valuation expertise

Credit structuring

Strong communication skills

Commercial mindset

Bloomberg proficiency

Excel proficiency

Job description

Mesirow is an independent, employee‑owned financial services firm founded in 1937. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices across the country, Mesirow serves clients through capabilities spanning Private Capital & Currency, Capital Markets and Investment Banking, and Advisory Services.

We are seeking an experienced High Yield Credit Analyst (Director level) to join our London‑based credit trading platform. The successful candidate will play a leadership role in shaping credit views, identifying opportunities, and supporting trading and sales across European and U.S. high yield corporates. The position requires strong analytical skills, market knowledge, and the ability to deliver clear, actionable insights in a fast‑paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead fundamental credit analysis of high yield issuers, including financial statement review, capital structure assessment, and covenant analysis.
• Develop and present investment recommendations to traders, sales, and clients, supported by robust valuation and credit models.
• Monitor credits for upcoming catalysts, new issues, and secondary trading opportunities, highlighting risks and relative value.
• Partner with sales and trading to generate trade ideas, manage risk, and educate clients on credit stories.
• Maintain regular dialogue with management teams, investor relations, rating agencies, and market participants to stay ahead of developments.
• Produce and maintain clear credit reports, models, and concise one-page summaries to inform internal and client decision‑making.

Requirements

• Extensive prior experience in high yield credit analysis, leveraged finance, or investment research (sell‑side or buy‑side).
• Strong financial modeling, valuation, and credit structuring expertise.
• Proven ability to generate actionable investment ideas with a track record of strong credit calls.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to interact directly with senior management and institutional clients.
• Strong commercial mindset and ability to thrive in a trading‑driven environment.
• Proficiency in Bloomberg, Excel, and other financial tools.