Senior CMBS Structured Finance Director (Chicago)

Fitch; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Leadership development

Tuition reimbursement

Comprehensive healthcare

Parental leave

Employee resource groups

Job summary

Fitch Ratings is seeking a Director to lead the CMBS team in Chicago, with responsibilities spanning credit analysis, cash flow modeling, and transaction reporting. This role requires deep CRE underwriting experience and leadership to guide a high-performing team in a hybrid work setting.

You will evaluate complex loan structures, present findings to senior committees, and contribute to market guidance while collaborating across Fitch’s global CMBS platform.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred in finance/real estate
• 8+ years in CRE underwriting, valuation, structured finance, or related fields
• Familiarity with data center transactions and technology/infrastructure trends
• Strong cash flow modeling for complex waterfalls and financing structures
• Proven leadership with track record of developing high-performing teams
• Advanced skills in Excel, Word, and financial modeling
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and organizational abilities
• Creative, solutions-oriented approach to complex transaction structures and processes
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Lead assessment of credit strengths and risks of CRE properties and loan structures in US/Canada
• Evaluate data center and complex real estate financings; understand tech-sector drivers
• Oversee property cash flow underwriting, valuation analyses, and waterfall modeling
• Apply quantitative analyses to property/loan characteristics, structures, trends, and scenarios
• Communicate complex rating conclusions to senior committees and stakeholders
• Drive publication of transaction reports, rating commentaries, and research publications

Skills

Credit assessment & risk

Cash flow modeling

Leadership

Analytical skills

Excel

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Team development

Structured finance

Data center familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree in finance/real estate

Tools

Excel

Job description

Fitch Ratings is seeking a Director to lead the CMBS team in Chicago, with responsibilities spanning credit analysis, cash flow modeling, and transaction reporting. This role requires deep CRE underwriting experience and leadership to guide a high-performing team in a hybrid work setting.

You will evaluate complex loan structures, present findings to senior committees, and contribute to market guidance while collaborating across Fitch’s global CMBS platform.