At a Glance
- Tasks: As a Credit Research Analyst, you'll analyse credit data and provide insights for investment decisions.
- Company: Join Just Group plc, a fast-growing FTSE 250 company focused on helping people enjoy their retirement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, private medical cover, and a generous bonus scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working options available, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your career in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in credit research within financial institutions or asset management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Credit Research Analyst
Company: Just Group plc
Location: London – hybrid 50%
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time – 35 hours
Purpose
Just is in the process of increasing the proportion of public bonds that are managed internally, including fundamental credit coverage. As such, the Credit Team is expected to grow and play a major role in making internal management successful. The majority of the credit analyst’s time will be dedicated to internally managed assets. As a member of the Investments Team, the credit analyst will be part of the team responsible for:
Key responsibilities
- monitoring existing bond exposure (internally and externally managed),
- performing fundamental credit analysis on new investment opportunities (sourced internally and externally) and
- articulating executable investment recommendations for all public bonds and private loans. The analyst is expected to cover about 40 investment grade issuers across several sectors.
Internally managed assets – public corporate bonds
- Formulating fundamental credit recommendations for each existing exposure and new bond investment
- Maintaining updated and standardised 1-pagers for each asset within the portfolio
- Keeping financial models live and updating the team after each earnings release
- Maintaining an up-to-date buy list, including fundamental credit recommendation (internal rating view), relative value assessment, preferred tenors and positioning within the capital and corporate structure
- Maintaining an updated watchlist and informing the team of any news that may change an investment recommendation
- Writing sector and issuer reports to be presented to relevant committees, including the Credit Committee
- Liaising with Finance to respond to corporate actions in a timely manner
- Assisting other members of the Investment Team or any other team in matters related to bond exposure
Externally managed assets
- Public bonds – the analyst is expected to form, most often under tight deadlines, a credit view on issuers, with a focus on assessing attractiveness of the sector and credit rating stability (the analyst will be encouraged to engage with external asset managers)
- Private loans – although the fundamental credit work will be done by external asset managers, the more flexible timeframe means that the analyst is expected to have a deeper involvement and engage more extensively with them. The analyst will form a view in terms of current and expected credit rating, issuers’ business plans, and structure of transactions (e.g. security and covenant packages)
- All those assets will be monitored through a monthly credit watchlist the analyst will produce for credit committee and regular credit updates during weekly investment team meetings
What we’re looking for
- CFA (or progression towards).
- Several years in a credit research position (publishing ideally) in a sell- or buy-side institution, such as investment banks, commercial banks, asset managers, rating agencies
- A generalist profile would be preferable; past coverage of any of the following sectors will also be seen as a positive: utilities, consumer non-cyclical and financials
- Good knowledge of Bloomberg functions, including bond pricing, ratings, news alerts, portfolio set up and issuances
- Good knowledge of rating agencies’ rating approaches and ability to use their rating methodologies to perform internal ratings
- Understanding of bond prospectuses and ability to capture relevant information
- Accuracy, autonomy, attention to details, intellectual curiosity, strong verbal and writing skills and deliverability under tight deadlines are very valuable attributes to have in order to be successful in this function
- Team spirit and collaboration are essential
- Basic knowledge of the SII framework for insurers would be seen as a strong positive, although not essential
What’s in it for you
- A competitive salary, pension scheme and life assurance
- 25 days annual leave plus an additional day on us for your birthday
- Private medical cover and income protection, just in case
- A generous and highly achievable bonus scheme
- Opportunities to progress your career in-role and within the company
- Free access to the Headspace app, 24/7 employee assistance helpline and trained physical and mental health first aiders
- A variety of employee funded benefits available via our online benefits portal
- Plus, several additional purchase options available for you and your loved ones
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Be Bold. Be Brilliant. Be Just.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Just Group plc by 2x.
Credit Research Analyst employer: Just Group plc
Just Group plc is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a competitive salary, generous benefits including private medical cover and a robust bonus scheme, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful outcomes for customers. Located in London, the hybrid working model fosters flexibility, allowing team members to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Credit Research Analyst
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the financial services sector, especially those who work in credit research or asset management. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about Just Group's culture and values.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in credit markets and the specific challenges faced by financial institutions. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of Just Group on platforms like LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any insights they can share about the Credit Research Analyst role and the company culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in credit research, particularly any work related to financial institutions or corporates. Be ready to provide examples of how you've contributed to enhancing deal structures or managing public bonds.
We think you need these skills to ace Credit Research Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Credit Research Analyst position at Just Group plc. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in credit research, particularly in financial institutions or corporates.
Craft a Tailored CV:Your CV should reflect your specific experiences related to credit research. Emphasise any roles you've held in sell-side or buy-side institutions, and detail your expertise in structuring private assets and enhancing deal structures.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for helping people achieve a better later life, aligning with Just Group's purpose. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and explain why you're excited about the opportunity to contribute to their growth journey.
Proofread and Edit:Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your formatting is consistent. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role in credit research.
How to prepare for a job interview at Just Group plc
✨Know Your Credit Research Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on your credit research fundamentals, especially regarding financial institutions and corporates. Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in these areas and how it relates to the role at Just Group.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
During the interview, showcase your analytical skills by discussing specific examples of how you've structured private assets or enhanced deal structures in your past roles. This will help illustrate your capability to contribute effectively to the Credit Research Function.
✨Align with Company Values
Just Group values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Familiarise yourself with their culture and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. This can set you apart as a candidate who fits well within their team.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have a list of insightful questions ready for your interviewers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company. Ask about their growth journey, the impact of the Credit Research Function, or how they measure success in this position.
