Credit Risk and Rating Analyst in London

Rothesay is the UK’s largest pensions insurance specialist, purpose-built to protect pension schemes and their members’ pensions. With over £69 billion of assets under management, we secure the pensions of nearly one million people and pay out, on average, approximately £350 million in pension payments each month. Rothesay is dedicated to providing excellence in customer service alongside prudent underwriting, a conservative investment strategy and the careful management of risk.

The Illiquid Credit Risk team is responsible for performing independent credit analysis on existing and new investment opportunities with a focus on real and structured finance assets, credit risk modelling, credit performance monitoring and reporting, and internal credit ratings. The team sits within the Risk function.

Job Responsibilities:

• The primary responsibility is to lead the credit risk management of Rothesay’s public and private REIT debt portfolio from a second line standpoint.
• The role is balanced between credit risk analysis, portfolio management oversight, credit ratings and credit risk modelling.
• It requires a very strong understanding of REITs and commercial real estate financing in general.
• Evaluating and challenging existing and new investments proposed by the asset origination team from a risk perspective with a focus on REITs.
• The role focuses as much on new investments as on monitoring the portfolio, which involves performance reporting as well as risk management recommendations.
• Over time, the analyst is expected to diversify across other asset classes (e.g. commercial real estate loans, project finance, structured finance, etc.).
• Monitoring and assigning internal credit ratings, developing and maintaining internal credit methodologies and rating models.
• Presenting well-structured credit risk and rating recommendations to senior management.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders including the asset and trading origination team, the risk team or senior management.

Skills and experience required:

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a buy-side sector, bank or rating agency with a strong focus on REITs and real estate finance.
• Experience in other asset classes will also be valued.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, excellent financial modelling skills, very good understanding of the commercial real estate market.

Rothesay competencies:

• Technical Skills: Demonstrates strong technical skills required for the role, pays attention to detail, takes initiative to broaden his/her knowledge and demonstrates appropriate analytical skills.
• Drive and Motivation: Be a self-starter; successfully handles multiple tasks, takes initiative to improve his/her own performance, works intensely towards extremely challenging goals and persists in the face of obstacles or setbacks.
• Teamwork: Demonstrate evidence of being a strong team player, collaborates with others within and across teams, encourages other team members to participate and contribute and acknowledges others' contributions.
• Communication Skills: Communicates what is relevant and important in a clear and concise manner and shares information/new ideas with others.
• Judgement and Problem solving: Thinks ahead, anticipates questions, plans for contingencies, finds alternative solutions and identifies clear objectives. Sees the big picture and effectively analyses complex issues.
• Creativity/Innovation: Looks for new ways to improve current processes and develop creative solutions that are grounded in reality and have practical value.
• Influencing Outcomes: Presents sound, persuasive rationale for ideas or opinions. Takes a position on issues and influences others' opinions and presents persuasive recommendations.

Inclusion: Rothesay actively promotes diversity and inclusivity. We know that our success depends on our people and that by nurturing a culture that values difference, we create a stronger, more dynamic business. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability or age.