Structured Finance - Structured Credit & CLOs, Director - Chicago

Fitch Ratings, Inc.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Training & mentorship

Retirement plan

Healthcare

Parental leave

Diversity & inclusion

Job summary

Fitch Ratings in Chicago seeks a senior credit analyst to lead the analysis of new and existing ratings, assess transaction documents for credit risk, and defend rating conclusions to senior credit committees.

The role includes mentoring junior staff, drafting rating action commentary, and driving research publications, with a collaborative, global team and a hybrid in‑office work model.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a quantitative discipline (finance, accounting, economics, engineering, etc.).
• Minimum eight years of experience, preferably in structured finance, with leadership.
• Strong analytical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and attention to detail; ability to listen and incorporate perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis of new and existing ratings using proprietary models.
• Assess transaction documents with a focus on identifying and mitigating credit risks.
• Prepare, present, and defend rating conclusions to senior credit committees.
• Oversee drafting of rating action commentary reports to communicate decisions.
• Drive development and publication of recurring and special research publications.
• Mentor and develop junior staff, promoting learning and development.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Quantitative degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

As one of the world’s top three credit ratings agencies, Fitch Ratings plays a critical role in global capital markets by providing supplementary credit analysis, ratings, research, and commentary to financial market participants. For over 100 years, Fitch Ratings has been creating value for global markets through its rigorous analysis and deep expertise, which have resulted in a variety of market leading tools, methodologies, indices, research, and analytical products. Fitch Ratings is part of Fitch Group, a global leader in financial information services with operations in more than 30 countries, which also includes Fitch Solutions. With dual headquarters in London and New York, Fitch Group is owned by Hearst.

At Fitch Ratings, credit analysts play a pivotal role in moving markets, as quality credit analysis is the lifeblood of our organization. With a legacy of over a century, our unique approach to credit ratings offers unmatched opportunities for professional growth. Embracing a “challenger mindset,” you'll join a team dedicated to innovating service to our clients. Our people-driven analysis thrives on collaboration across all levels and locations, surpassing traditional financial modeling. Lastly, as part of our global community, you'll find inspiration, challenge, and support, with ample opportunities for visibility and influence in the global financial marketplace.

Want to learn more about a career as a credit analyst at Fitch Ratings? Visit: https://careers.fitch.group

About The Team

• A collaborative, team-oriented work environment where excellent communication skills are essential
• An opportunity to lead and manage a team of analysts at a global rating agency
• A strategic role that influences debt capital markets by delivering timely, insightful, and forward‑looking rating actions and research

How You’ll Make An Impact

• Lead the analysis of new and existing ratings using proprietary models
• Assess transaction documents with a focus on identifying and mitigating credit risks
• Prepare, present, and defend rating conclusions to senior credit committees
• Oversee the drafting of rating action commentary reports to clearly communicate rating decisions to market participants
• Drive the development and publication of recurring and special research publications
• Mentor and develop junior staff, promoting a culture of learning and development

You May Be a Good Fit If

• You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a quantitative discipline (finance, accounting, economics, engineering, etc.)
• You have at least eight years of experience, preferably in the structured finance industry, with a proven track record of leadership
• You possess strong analytical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and attention to detail
• You have the ability to listen and incorporate others’ perspectives in a consensus‑driven setting
• You demonstrate a high level of personal responsibility, initiative, and self‑management
• You have a deep interest in capital markets and structured finance
• You are proficient with the Microsoft Office suite

What Would Make You Stand Out

• Advanced knowledge of programming languages is a plus
• Exceptional ability to convey complex subjects clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence teams and stakeholders

Why Choose Fitch

• Hybrid Work Environment: 3 days a week in office required based on your line of business and location
• A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated trainings, leadership development and mentorship programs designed to ensure that your time at Fitch will be a continuous learning opportunity
• Investing in Your Future: Retirement planning and tuition reimbursement programs that empower you to achieve your short and long‑term goals
• Promoting Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive healthcare offerings that enable physical, mental, financial, social, and occupational wellbeing
• Supportive Parenting Policies: Family‑friendly policies, including a generous global parental leave plan, designed to help you balance career and family life effectively
• Inclusive Work Environment: A collaborative workplace where all voices are valued, with Employee Resource Groups that unite and empower our colleagues around the globe

Fitch is committed to providing global securities markets with objective, timely, independent and forward‑looking credit opinions. To protect Fitch’s credibility and reputation, our employees must take every precaution to avoid conflicts of interest or any appearance of a conflict of interest. Should you be successful in the recruitment process at Fitch Ratings you will be asked to declare any securities holdings and other potential conflicts prior to commencing employment. If you, or your immediate family, have any holdings that may conflict with your work responsibilities, you may be asked to divest yourself of them before beginning work.

Fitch is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affiantive Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.

FOR CHICAGO: Expected base pay rates for the role are between $135,000 and $170,000 per year. Actual salaries will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, past performance, and other job‑related considerations. Base pay is one component of Fitch’s total compensation package, which may also include commission earnings, discretionary bonuses, long‑term incentives, and other benefits sponsored by Fitch, depending on the position.