Credit Risk and Rating Analyst

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. We are trusted by the pension schemes of some of the UK’s best known companies to provide pension solutions, including British Airways, Cadbury’s, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Co-Operative Group, National Grid, NatWest, Morrisons and Telent.

At Rothesay, we are striving to transform our industry. We believe deeply in creating real security for the future and our leadership in finding new and better ways to do that is the key to our success. To do that, we need the very brightest original thinkers to bring creativity as well as rigour. Rothesay is a rewarding place to work, where quality people can thrive and prosper. We pride ourselves on the connections our people build, many of whom have been with us for over ten years.

Job title:                      Credit Risk and Rating Analyst

Reports to:                  Deputy Head of Illiquid Assets Credit Risk and Internal Ratings

Role type:                    Permanent

SMCR classification:   Conduct staff

The team:

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. Importantly, 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

Disclaimer

This position description is intended to describe the duties most frequently performed by an individual in this position. It is not intended to be a complete list of assigned duties, but to describe a position level.  The role shall be performed within a professional office environment. Rothesay has health and safety polices that are available for all workers upon request.  There are no specific health risks associated with the role.

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.