Northwestern Mutual

Leveraged Finance Research Director

Northwestern Mutual • $150K — $200K *
Milwaukee, WI 53215In-Person
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
1 week ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Minimum eight years in leveraged finance or fixed income investments with a proven track record
  • Strong leadership skills in managing and mentoring investment teams
  • Command of relative value investing in total return mandates
  • Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or related field; Master’s or MBA preferred
  • CFA designation or progress towards CFA preferred
  • Strong analytical skills including financial statement analysis
  • Effective communication skills with ability to manage priorities

Responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor less-experienced peers in a collaborative environment
  • Monitor industry dynamics to develop expert views on profitability drivers
  • Conduct comprehensive credit analysis covering quantitative and qualitative factors
  • Assess the relative value of issuers and securities within capital structures
  • Provide tailored investment recommendations based on risk-adjusted return potential
  • Produce insightful research and articulate credit strengths and risks
  • Maintain productive relationships with Wall Street analysts and credit agencies

Benefits

  • Promote a culture of respect and ethical standards
  • Encourage sound judgment and disciplined decision-making
  • Lead process improvements using technology and data analytics
  • Engage actively in group discussions and activities
Full Job Description
About the Job:

This role is responsible for conducting independent fundamental research across assigned sectors and issuers and delivering forward-looking, dynamic relative value assessments and investment recommendations aligned with portfolio strategy and return objectives. The individual will work closely with the Head of Leveraged Finance Research, the Credit Research team, Portfolio Managers, and Traders, while also collaborating with Investment Strategy, Investment Risk & Operations, Compliance, and Law.

What You'll Do:
  • Lead, mentor, and develop less-experienced peers while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
  • Monitor assigned industry dynamics and develop expert views on the key drivers of profitability and cash flow, as well as technological, macroeconomic, and other external risks and opportunities.
  • Conduct thorough fundamental credit analysis of assigned companies and demonstrate deep issuer expertise. Analysis should include a comprehensive assessment of quantitative and qualitative factors, including financial statement analysis, financial policy, management track record, and credit ratings profile.
  • Assess the relative value of issuers and securities across capital structures and relative to comparable issuers.
  • Provide investment recommendations across the coverage universe based on risk-adjusted return potential, portfolio strategy, fundamental credit views, and relative value, adapting recommendations to each portfolio's return objectives.
  • Produce concise, decision-useful written research and clearly articulate credit strengths, risks, and investment views to Portfolio Managers and Traders.
  • Develop and maintain productive external relationships with Wall Street analysts and strategists, credit rating agencies, independent research firms, and company management teams.


Group/Organizational Dynamic:
  • Promote a culture of mutual respect and high ethical standards.
  • Model NM Behaviors: Client First, Powered by Our People, and Future Focus.
  • Exercise sound judgment, intellectual independence, and disciplined decision-making.
  • Identify and lead process improvements through the effective use of technology, data, and analytics.
  • Respond effectively and promptly to requests for data, opinions, and other information.
  • Attend, lead, and actively participate in group activities, engaging others in relevant and constructive discussion.


What You'll Bring to the Role:
  • Experience: Minimum of eight years of experience in leveraged finance, fixed income investments, or a closely related field, with a demonstrated record of progressive responsibility and sustained success. The candidate should have a track record of strong investment judgment, prudent risk management, and continued growth in responsibilities and outcomes.
  • Leadership: Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and develop investment professionals. A proven record of building and leading high-performing teams and adapting effectively to evolving market conditions and organizational needs will distinguish successful candidates.
  • Demonstrated command of relative value investing within a total return mandate.
  • Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in finance, accounting, economics, statistics, or a related field required. Master of Science or Master of Business Administration (MBA) preferred.
  • CFA designation or progress toward attaining the CFA designation preferred.
  • Strong analytical skills, including financial statement analysis, cross-sector relative value assessment, and the ability to present clear, well-supported credit recommendations for potential investment opportunities.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to prioritize work and manage competing demands.
  • Proficient with Bloomberg, Microsoft Office, and Copilot.


Additional Preferred Requirements:
  • Experience with computer programming, data analytics, or related technology tools.
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI-enabled tools into research workflows and business processes to improve productivity, analytical depth, decision support, and knowledge sharing while maintaining appropriate judgment, controls, and data governance standards.


#LI-Onsite

#LI-Hybrid

Compensation Range:

We believe in fairness and transparency. It's why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed.

About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 160 years. Through a holistic planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to millions with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. The company manages billion of dollars of investments owned by its clients and held or managed through its wealth management and investment services businesses. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance).

Northwestern Mutual Careers

Joining Northwestern Mutual presents a unique opportunity to be part of a team that is dedicated to empowering personal and professional growth, innovation, and leadership in the financial services industry. As a company renowned for its commitment to excellence and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, Northwestern Mutual offers unparalleled job opportunities for both seasoned professionals and those at the start of their careers.

Work You’ll Do

At Northwestern Mutual, we believe in building strong relationships not only with our clients but also among our team members. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the industry, all united in their commitment to leadership and innovation. Our employees are equipped with top-tier benefits and diversity training that ensure their career journey is both rewarding and inclusive.

Explore Professional Growth and Development

Northwestern Mutual is committed to fostering an environment where career growth is not just a possibility but a priority. With a variety of positions available, from financial representatives to internships for budding professionals, our company is a place where your skills and passion can thrive. We provide extensive training programs and leadership development opportunities that prepare you for success in your current role and beyond.

Innovative Work Environment

Our team at Northwestern Mutual is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative financial strategies to provide exceptional service to our clients. This focus on innovation is not just about staying current; it's about leading the way in the financial sector. Employees at all levels are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative, driving the company forward as a leader in the financial industry.

Be Part of Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords at Northwestern Mutual; they are integral to our company culture and business strategy. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees can flourish. Our diversity training programs are designed to enhance understanding and foster an inclusive environment for all team members.

Networking and Career Advancement

Networking within Northwestern Mutual opens doors to expansive career advancement opportunities. We encourage our employees to engage in internal networking events, which often lead to mentorship and further career development. Whether you are looking to enhance your resume, prepare for an interview, or step into a leadership role, Northwestern Mutual provides the resources and support to help you achieve your professional goals.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level. Explore the job opportunities and internships available at Northwestern Mutual and find out how you can contribute to our legacy of innovation and leadership.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Northwestern Mutual.

SEARCH NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL JOBS

Join us and start your journey at Northwestern Mutual today, where your career is nurtured, your skills are honed, and your achievements are celebrated.
Learn more about Northwestern Mutual
Size
7,000 employees
Industry
Finance & Insurance
* Ladders Estimates

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