Associate Director/Director, Head of Private Credit Research

AIMA is the global industry body for alternative investment managers with a specific focus on hedge funds and private credit managers. Headquartered in London, with offices internationally, we represent the industry to key stakeholders globally including policymakers and regulators, investors, the media and the public. We have over 2,100 corporate members across more than 60 countries and run more than 250 events annually for our members around the world.

AIMA set up the Alternative Credit Council (ACC) to help firms focused in the private credit and direct lending space. The ACC currently represents over 250 members that manage over US$2 trillion of private credit assets globally.

About the Role: We are seeking a Head of Private Credit Research to lead and shape our private credit research programme. This role will have a specific focus on standardising our approach to data gathering from our member firms, including regular periodic and consistent reporting to the association, as well as using this, as well as external data to generate research and thought leadership pieces on the private credit market. The successful candidate will have a strong background in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, coupled with a deep understanding and experience of financial services and credit markets.

• Research and Analysis

• Develop and implement a standardised process for gathering data from member firms, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timeliness in data collection and reporting.
• Build and maintain a comprehensive and accessible database for ongoing research and analysis.
• Establish protocols for data validation and quality assurance.
• Conduct in-depth quantitative and qualitative research to generate actionable insights into credit markets and broader financial services trends.
• Analyse market dynamics, risk factors, and economic indicators to explore patterns and create meaningful interpretations of financial data.
• Author regular research publications, white papers, and thought leadership pieces tailored to support investors and policymakers’ understanding of private credit.
• Represent the organisation at industry conferences, forums, and policy discussions as a thought leader in the field.

• Work closely with asset management firms, colleagues and stakeholders to gather data and insight.
• Partner with internal teams and third parties to align research outputs with organisational goals and strategic initiatives.
• Foster relationships with academic and industry experts to enhance research quality and scope.

• Strong academic background in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies – ideally in economic, finance or a related field.
• Experience and demonstrable understanding of financial services, credit markets and asset management.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly.
• Strong understanding of public policy processes and the role of research in shaping policy.
• Experience in database management and data visualisation platforms.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

This is a full-time role (3-month probationary period) to be based in London with 25 days’ annual leave. Benefits after probation include private health insurance, life insurance, company pension scheme, discretionary annual bonus and contribution towards an annual gym membership. AIMA is a hybrid working environment with office hours of 9am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Ongoing eligibility to work in the United Kingdom is required. This is an excellent opportunity for you to take the next step in your career and join this growing international trade body with an excellent reputation globally. We are committed to helping you to achieve your professional goals.

How to apply: Please forward your CV and covering letter to Nicholas Smith at careers@aima.org. NO AGENCIES, PLEASE.