At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in analysing leveraged finance and shaping credit views.
- Company: Join Fitch Group, a diverse employer committed to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work environment and a culture of continuous learning.
- Other info: Collaborative atmosphere with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in leveraged finance with industry experts.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years in leveraged finance with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
This job is with Fitch Group, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Fitch Ratings is currently seeking a Managing Director, Head of European Leveraged Finance based out of our London office.
The Head of European Leveraged Finance will act as a key thought partner to our analytical ratings teams, contributing deep credit expertise and judgment on complex and highly leveraged issuers. This role is a senior analytical and market-facing position focused on leveraged finance issuers across broadly syndicated loans (BSL), high yield bonds, and private credit.
The role involves close collaboration with analysts to help shape credit views, particularly on more challenging credits and leveraged finance structures, while serving as a senior and visible representative of Fitch to issuers, bankers, private equity sponsors, and other market participants. The role involves managing a small team of leveraged finance specialists and requires close collaboration with the US Head of Leveraged finance, along with a directive role in research and rating criteria development.
How You’ll Make an Impact:
- Act as a senior subject-matter expert on leveraged finance, providing guidance and insight to analytical teams on complex, highly levered, capital structures.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of credit views and ratings criteria through discussion, analysis, and challenge, particularly in stressed, distressed, or restructuring situations.
- Provide leadership and direction to a team of 5 leveraged finance professionals, fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment focused on analytical excellence, sound credit judgment, and professional development.
- Serve as a visible senior presence in external meetings with corporate management teams, private equity sponsors, bankers, and other intermediaries.
- Articulate the agency’s analytical perspectives on leveraged finance trends, structures, and credit risk in meetings, roundtables, and published research.
- Support analytical consistency and best practices through mentorship, coaching, and knowledge sharing across teams.
- Partner with senior leadership on thought leadership, market outreach, and broader leveraged finance initiatives.
You May be a Good Fit if You Have:
- Minimum 10–15 years of relevant experience in leveraged finance, corporate credit analysis, capital markets, or related credit-focused roles.
- Deep understanding of leveraged capital structures, documentation, cash flow analysis, and recovery considerations.
- Experience analyzing or advising on distressed credits, restructurings, and downside scenarios.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain nuanced credit issues to both internal and external audiences.
- Strong judgment, collaborative mindset, and comfort operating in a senior, highly visible role.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, market-driven environment.
- CFA or other relevant professional credential preferred.
What Would Make You Stand Out:
- Extensive experience across leveraged finance markets, including BSL, high yield bonds, and private credit.
- A strong credit-oriented background, ideally from a credit rating agency, buy-side, sell-side, or ratings-adjacent advisory platform.
- Demonstrated experience with distressed debt, restructurings, and liability management transactions, and the ability to assess credit implications across stressed scenarios.
- Working familiarity with CLO market dynamics and investor considerations as they relate to the leveraged loan ecosystem (deep structuring experience not required).
- Familiarity with ratings agency frameworks, methodologies, and workflow is a strong plus.
- A track record of providing senior-level analytical judgment and mentoring analysts on complex credit situations.
- Strong credibility and relationships across leveraged finance market participants, including issuers, PE sponsors, and arranging banks.
Why Choose Fitch:
- Hybrid Work Environment: 3 days a week in office required
- A Culture of Learning
Corporate Ratings - Head of European Leveraged Finance, Managing Director employer: Fitch Group
Fitch Group is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and professional growth, particularly in its London office where the Head of European Leveraged Finance will thrive in a collaborative and dynamic environment. With a strong focus on analytical excellence and mentorship, employees are empowered to develop their skills while engaging with key market participants, making a meaningful impact in the leveraged finance sector. The hybrid work model further enhances work-life balance, ensuring that team members can excel both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Ratings - Head of European Leveraged Finance, Managing Director
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
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We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Ratings - Head of European Leveraged Finance, Managing Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Fitch Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Fitch Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fitch Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Fitch Group.
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Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Fitch Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
