Structured Finance - Structured Credit & CLOs, Senior Director - Chicago

Fitch Group, Inc., Fitch Ratings, Inc., Fitch Solutions Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 175,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Work Environment

Health & Wellbeing Programs

Employee Resource Groups

Tuition Reimbursement Programs

Leadership Development Programs

Job summary

A leading credit ratings agency is seeking a Senior Director for its Structured Credit & CLOs group in Chicago. This role involves leading a team in the analysis of structured credit transactions, guiding rating decisions, and contributing to market research. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in finance, including expertise in CLOs. This position offers a hybrid work environment, a culture of continuous learning, and comprehensive benefits including retirement planning and health offerings.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in the financial industry, exposure to CLOs and/or Structured Finance.
• Strong interest in capital markets and structured finance.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, familiarity with programming languages a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee a team of analysts in ratings analysis on structured credit transactions.
• Serve as Chair or senior member for credit committees, guiding rating decisions.
• Author and review complex research reports to inform market participants.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Communication

Attention to detail

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in finance, accounting, or economics

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Structured Finance - Structured Credit & CLOs, Senior Director - Chicago

Requisition ID: 49372

Business Unit: Fitch Ratings

Category: Credit Analysis & Research

Location: Chicago, IL, US

Date Posted: Feb 3, 2026

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.

Fitch Ratings is seeking a Senior Director to join its Structured Credit & CLOs group in our Chicago office.

About the Team:

• A collaborative, team-oriented work environment where excellent communication skills are essential
• An opportunity to be a senior leader and coverage analyst at a global rating agency
• A role that drives debt capital markets in making more informed decisions through timely, insightful, and forward-looking rating actions and research
• Leadership responsibilities, including mentorship and development of junior team members

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Lead and oversee a team of analysts in the ratings analysis on structured credit transactions using proprietary models
• Serve as Chair or senior member for credit committees, guiding rating decisions and outcomes
• Author and review complex commentary and research reports to inform market participants and set industry standards
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of rating methodologies and analytical frameworks
• Represent Fitch at external events, conferences, and with market participants as a senior spokesperson
• Mentor and train junior analysts, fostering a culture of excellence and development
• Collaborate with senior management to set strategic direction for the Structured Credit group

You May be a Good Fit if:

• You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a quantitative discipline such as finance, accounting, or economics
• You have at least 10 years of experience in the financial industry, with significant exposure to CLOs and/or Structured Finance
• You possess exceptional analytical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and meticulous attention to detail
• You demonstrate high levels of leadership, personal responsibility, initiative, and self-management
• You can communicate complex subjects accurately and succinctly, both internally and externally
• You have a strong interest in capital markets and structured finance
• You are proficient with the Microsoft Office suite; familiarity with programming languages is a plus
• You have demonstrated experience managing projects and leading teams

What Would Make You Stand Out:

• Strategic vision and ability to drive analytical and business outcomes
• Strong leadership skills and a track record of developing talent
• Ability to convey complex subjects clearly and concisely to a range of audiences
• Open-mindedness and ability to understand alternative viewpoints
• Strong reputation and relationships within the structured finance and CLO industry
• Experience in methodological development and implementation

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 Affirmative 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 $175,000 and $210,000 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.