US Corporates - Credit Analyst, Director - Legal - Leveraged Finance - Chicago

At Fitch, we have an open culture where employees are able to exchange ideas and perspectives throughout the organization, irrespective of their seniority. Your voice will be heard, allowing you to have a real impact. We embrace diversity and appreciate authenticity, encouraging an environment where employees can be their true selves. Fitch’s inclusive and progressive approach helps us keep a balanced perspective. Fitch is committed to supporting its employees by advancing conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion. Fitch’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have been established by employees who have joined together as a workplace community based on similar backgrounds or life experiences. Fitch’s ERGs are available to connect employees with others within the organization to offer professional and personal support.

US Corporates - Credit Analyst, Director - Leveraged Finance

Fitch is seeking a Director for a legal research role within its U.S. Corporates Group. The candidate will work directly with the Head of U.S. Leveraged Finance. The ideal candidate will have a legal background and strong analytical skills. A deep understanding of loan and bond documentation and legal structures is key.

What We Offer

• Fitch is a team-oriented work environment, so excellent communication skills are essential, as is a strong work ethic and a results-oriented mindset.
• An opportunity to lead high visibility research and analysis at a global rating agency.
• A role and platform that helps the debt capital markets make more informed decisions via timely, insightful, and forward-looking rating actions and research.

We’ll Count On You To

• Author insightful research on topics such as covenant structures, the impact of documentation on credit profiles and creditor recoveries, as well as general trends in legal documentation related to corporate debt.
• Perform analysis of key quantitative and qualitative factors influencing credit quality for individual entities.
• Communicate analysis to external audiences (primarily institutional investors, sell-side analysts and media) in meetings, conference calls, press releases and written research reports.
• Conduct and/or participate in meetings with Leveraged Finance industry management teams.
• Convey the value proposition of Fitch Leveraged Finance research to investors.
• Participate in the evaluation of other credits within Corporates, as well as other related credit groups.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff on a project-by-project basis to efficiently grow the research portfolio.

You Need To Have

• Experience practicing law at a law firm.
• MBA, CFA, or CPA is a plus.
• 5‑10 years of relevant experience, preferably in capital markets/leveraged finance.
• Capital markets and/or credit analysis experience is a plus.
• Superior analytical, quantitative, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work well within a team.
• Strong motivation to lead and write research reports.
• Flexibility and adaptability as priorities shift.
• Employee management experience is a plus.
• Expertise in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.

What Would Make You Stand Out

• Meaningful practicing experience at a law firm.
• A passion for ideating and writing research.
• An objective-driven, self-starting mindset with substantial entrepreneurial potential.
• Deep understanding of and keen interest in analyzing capital structures.
• Background in capital markets and/or credit analysis with well-developed corporate finance skills.
• Experience executing research projects—from idea generation through writing and presenting at industry events and in media.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills evidenced by a strong pattern of leadership and the ability to proactively and successfully interact with various stakeholders, both within and outside the organization.

Fitch is committed to providing global securities markets with objective, timely, independent and forward-looking credit opinions. To protect Fitch’s credibility and reputation, employees must take every precaution to avoid conflicts of interest or any appearance of a conflict of interest. If you are successful in the recruitment process, 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 Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affinity 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 NEW YORK ROLES ONLY:

Expected base pay rates for the role will be between $150,000 and $210,000. Actual salaries will be determined on an individualized basis and may vary based on factors including but not limited to education, training, experience, past performance, and other job-related factors. Base pay is one part of Fitch’s total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, discretionary bonuses, long-term incentives, and other benefits sponsored by Fitch.