Strategic Credit Associate

Finance & Insurance
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • 5+ years in credit underwriting, investment banking, or asset management.
  • 5+ years in financial modeling and fundamental credit analysis.
  • Advanced degree (MBA) or CFA designation preferred.
  • Experience with structuring and executing private credit transactions.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting to leadership.
  • Ability to analyze complex investment opportunities across asset classes.

Responsibilities

  • Execute fundamental credit analysis to inform portfolio decisions.
  • Conduct in-depth research on new investment opportunities and current holdings.
  • Prepare and deliver investment recommendations to senior stakeholders.
  • Lead cross-functional teams through transaction execution and resolution of issues.
  • Maintain relationships with asset managers and provide performance assessments.
  • Contribute to collaborative investment processes with insights and analyses.

Benefits

  • Clear ownership and accountability in your role.
  • Collaborative environment valuing diverse perspectives.
  • Access to continuous learning and development opportunities.
  • Employee-led communities fostering inclusion and connection.
  • Company culture grounded in integrity and stewardship.
Full Job Description
Strategic Credit Associate

Fixed Income Portfolio Management Team
Full-Time, Boston, MA


The Opportunity

MassMutual is seeking a highly motivated, solution-oriented investment professional to join MassMutual Investment Management's Fixed Income Portfolio Management team. In this role, you will support research, underwriting, structuring, execution, and ongoing monitoring of credit investments for MassMutual's $250 billion General Investment Account (GIA) and, ultimately, its policyholders. You will work across multiple asset classes, including investment grade and high yield public and private corporate credit, fund finance, credit-oriented alternatives, and other structured credit investments accessed through separately managed accounts, commingled vehicles, and bespoke private investment vehicles. You will also play a lead role in maintaining relationships with key investment counterparties and negotiating partnership arrangements that drive positive economic and strategic outcomes for MassMutual's policyholders. The role reports to the Head of Strategic Credit.

The Team

The Fixed Income Portfolio Management (FIPM) team is responsible for asset allocation, fundamental credit underwriting and monitoring, ESG investment strategy, and macroeconomic research. FIPM is a small, highly collaborative team that works with partners across Investment Management to manage the product segment portfolios within the GIA. The team combines fundamental investment analysis and asset allocation skills with quantitative and asset/liability management expertise. This high-profile group works across Investment Management and with internal stakeholders in product, actuarial, treasury, accounting, risk, legal, compliance, and other areas.

The Impact

As a Strategic Credit Associate, key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Execute fundamental credit and strategic analysis and assess relative value across credit asset classes, generating timely, actionable insights that inform GIA portfolio decisions and align with MassMutual's long-term, patient investment philosophy which aims to maximize risk-adjusted returns.
  • Conduct in-depth macro, asset class, and sector-level research to evaluate new investment opportunities, inform views on current GIA holdings, and support real-time investment decisions.
  • Prepare and present high-quality investment recommendations, memos, and presentations on strategic topics to Investment Committees, senior leadership, and other key stakeholders.
  • Lead cross-functional execution on transactions by partnering with external counterparties and internal teams, including operations, legal, accounting, and risk, to advance deals and resolve complex structural or legal issues.
  • Maintain and develop relationships with affiliate and third-party asset managers, oversee existing portfolio holdings, assess ongoing performance, and provide actionable recommendations to Portfolio Managers and senior leadership.
  • Contribute to MassMutual Investment Management's collaborative investment process by sharing views and analysis with Portfolio Managers, Analysts, and Investment Management leaders.


The Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in credit underwriting, investment banking, corporate development, asset management, or a related investment role.
  • 5+ years of experience in financial modeling, enterprise valuation, and fundamental credit analysis.


The Ideal Qualifications
  • Advanced degree, such as an MBA, or CFA designation.
  • Experience structuring, underwriting, and executing private credit transactions, such as leveraged loans, CLOs, CFOs, ABS, convertible notes, or similar investments.
  • Experience reviewing complex transaction documents, including LPAs, indentures, and subscription agreements, in partnership with transaction counsel.
  • Ability to lead diligence on private transactions and serve as a trusted point of contact for external managers, counterparties, counsel, and internal partners.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting clear, well-supported investment recommendations to Investment Committees, senior leaders, or client audiences.
  • Ability to assess individual investment opportunities while clearly articulating portfolio-level considerations, risks, and tradeoffs.
  • Comfort working across multiple asset classes and investment strategies, with a flexible, open-minded approach to evaluating ideas and perspectives.
  • Strong Excel modeling skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office, with the ability to analyze complex datasets and translate findings into actionable insights.
  • High standards of integrity, intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset that supports thoughtful debate and continuous improvement.


What You Can Expect at MassMutual

MassMutual offers the opportunity to do meaningful work within a purpose-driven organization that values long-term impact over short-term outcomes. In this role, you can expect:
  • Clear areas of ownership and accountability, with work that connects directly to company and customer outcomes
  • A collaborative environment where perspectives are welcomed
  • Access to learning, development, and internal networks that support continuous growth and skill-building over time
  • Employee-led communities and forums that foster connection, learning, and inclusion across the organization
  • A culture grounded in integrity, responsibility, and stewardship-supported by a company with a strong legacy and a future-focused mindset


#LI-FT1

Salary Range:
$144,800-$190,000

At MassMutual, we focus on ensuring fair equitable pay, by providing competitive salaries, along with incentive and bonus opportunities for all employees. Your total compensation package includes either a bonus target or in a sales-focused role a Variable Incentive Compensation component.

About Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual)

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) Careers

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Explore Career Opportunities

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Career growth at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) is propelled by continuous learning and development opportunities. The company invests in diversity training, leadership programs, and innovation workshops to ensure that every team member has the resources to advance their career. Employees are encouraged to expand their knowledge base and acquire new skills through various training and development programs.

Networking and Innovation

At Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), networking and innovation go hand in hand. Employees are encouraged to connect with colleagues and industry professionals, enhancing their career prospects and contributing to the company's leadership in the market. The collaborative environment ensures that innovative ideas are shared and celebrated.

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