Senior Director / Managing Director - Ratings Group

Total Compensation is targeted at $250K - $300K.  To be determined based on candidate's credentials, experiences, and potential value to the department / firm.  

Senior Director / Managing Director - Ratings Group

Position Overview:

Our client is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Ratings Organization (NRSRO) and is recognized by The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) as a Credit Rating Provider.   They serve as a global integrated risk assessment firm that empowers organizations to make better decisions by issuing timely and accurate ratings.  Long established as a leading global provider of independent ratings, their platform offers greater transparency, more informed decisions, and fair access to information coupled with competitive pricing and cutting-edge technology.  

Currently they are seeking to hire a Managing Director for their Ratings team.  This newly created role will report directly to the senior leadership of the firm and play a key role in fostering rapid growth throughout the organization.  The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managerial experience with extensive ratings experience (Corporate, Fund, FIG, Insurance Ratings, etc…).

Responsibilities will include (but not be limited to):

• Lead and manage the Ratings Group to assign new and surveillance ratings with high quality and consistency, providing comprehensive, logical, accurate and compliant ratings product.
• Serve as the senior member of the Rating Review and Policies Committee.
• Formulates and executes the Ratings Group strategy, serving as supervisory internal control responsible for managing the day-to-day rating operations.
• Manage and develop firm credit analysis methodologies, models, credit metrics, rating process, and policies and procedures.  
• Lead and manage the rating team to continuously improve ratings results, through recruitment, training, mentoring, development, succession planning and retention.
• Develop and publish rating criteria and methodologies; Serves as project manager.
• Prepares credit submissions and present transactions to the rating committee.
• Work with the team to proactively identify credit trends and provide timely and insightful research; serve as critical contributor to the development and enhancement of methodologies.
• Direct team to perform transaction analysis, including originator/servicer due diligence; cash flow modeling and analysis of bond structures; review of legal structures, documentation and opinions.
• Actively engage with investors, bankers and issuers as needed.  Prepare and present regular management and Board updates.
• Ensure compliance with SEC and other relevant regulatory requirements with best-in-class business practices.
• Serve as Ratings Group representative for SEC annual exam, manage the rating team’s deliverables; per SEC or other regulators’ requests, address SEC findings and recommendations, and other similar matters.
• Represent the firm at industry events and conferences, address questions from the internal and external customers and/or the market participants.
• Write insightful individual transaction reports as well as thought leadership articles and market commentaries.
• Communicate feedback from investors and clients, facilitating improvement in the analytical process and analytical research products.
• Promote success with investors and clients, to ensure understanding of growing market acceptance of firm offerings.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree required, preferably in finance, economics, or related area. Advanced degree and relevant certifications, highly desired.
• 10+ years of experience in credit ratings, research, investing, underwriting, consulting, or similar experience, preferably within an NRSRO.
• Experience working in a credit ratings agency (i.e. NRSRO) and knowledge of structured finance (i.e. ABS) or debt markets is preferred.
• Deep knowledge of credit analysis and understanding of capital markets. strong visibility and presence in all relevant sectors.
• Solid understanding of rating agencies environment and risk management requirements in strategic decision making, risk identification, risk quantification / quantitative modelling processes.
• Ability to conceptualize, plan, initiate and execute strategies within the team and/or across the firm to meet objectives.
• Strong interpersonal relations, with the ability to effectively influence and collaborate with diverse teams. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Self-starter and team builder who possesses an entrepreneurial drive, tireless work ethic, and competitive winning spirit to drive the firm to continued success.
• Competent in project management, process development, execution and administration.
• Self-motivated and persistent, with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Highest levels of personal and professional integrity.
• Articulate and compelling written and verbal communication skills.