Sutherland - Director - Credit Research

DIRECTOR - CREDIT RESEARCH

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Credit Research Operations to lead and scale our global credit research delivery platform. This role is critical in managing complex deliverables for top-tier clients including Hedge Funds, Asset Managers, CLO managers, and Credit-focused private capital firms.

The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of credit markets (corporate credit, leveraged loans, high yield, structured credit, and distressed/special sits) and combines it with operational expertise in research process management, team leadership, client servicing, and workflow optimization.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead and manage all client operations for key institutional clients across credit strategies.

- Oversee seamless execution deliverables (credit memos, portfolio monitoring, loan tear sheets, relative value reports, etc.).

- Partner with clients, sales leaders and account managers and operations teams to proactively manage and exceed client expectations.

- Guide teams and built investment memos including identification of investment catalysts and provide recommendations on high yield bonds/loans, including fundamental and relative value views for primary and secondary trades

- Build scalable operating models. Lead and manage a global team of credit research associates, project managers, and analysts.

- Drive recruitment, training, and upskilling programs to maintain the best-in-class research teams

- Standardize research templates, review protocols, and versioning systems to ensure output consistency and auditability.

- Design KPIs and dashboards to monitor measures of success

- Work with Product and Tech teams to streamline workflows, research management tools, data ingestion systems, and AI-enhanced platforms.

- Identify opportunities to transform operations, automate repetitive processes, and improve efficiency

- Support client onboarding by designing delivery frameworks customized to client needs (e.g., frequency, coverage universe, model depth).

- Assist in solutions and proposals, pricing inputs, and pitch support for new mandates.

Qualifications

- 12 years+ of experience in credit research operations or delivery roles; familiarity with Leveraged Loans, HY Bonds, IG, CLOs, etc.

- Prior experience supporting institutional clients: HFs, AMs, CLO managers, Private Credit firms.

- Strong understanding of credit research products and workstreams (initiation, updates, monitoring, ESG overlays).

- Exceptional team leadership, people management, and mentoring skills.

- Proven track record in operational excellence, project management, and cross-functional coordination.

- Exposure and experience in driving digital transformation

- MBA/CA/CFA or equivalent preferred.