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

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare offerings

Retirement planning

Tuition reimbursement

Family-friendly policies

Leadership development programs

Job summary

Fitch Ratings is seeking a Senior Director for its Structured Credit & CLOs group in Chicago. This role involves leading a team of analysts, managing ratings analysis on structured credit transactions, and contributing to the development of rating methodologies.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in structured finance, exceptional analytical and leadership skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. The position offers a hybrid work environment and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in the financial industry focused on CLOs and/or Structured Finance.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects and leading teams.
• Proficient in communicating complex subjects accurately and succinctly.

Responsibilities

• Lead ratings analysis on structured credit transactions using proprietary models.
• Guide rating decisions as a Chair or senior member of credit committees.
• Author and review complex commentary and research reports.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Interest in capital markets

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Office suite

Programming languages

Job description

Senior Director, Structured Credit & CLOs (Chicago)

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.
• Investing in Your Future: Retirement planning and tuition reimbursement programs.
• Promoting Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive healthcare offerings.
• Supportive Parenting Policies: Family‑friendly policies, including a generous global parental leave plan.
• Inclusive Work Environment: A collaborative workplace where all voices are valued.

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 Affidavit Inclusive 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.

Compensation

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.