Director - Corporate Ratings

Overview

Scope Ratings is seeking a Director to join our Corporate Ratings team in Frankfurt. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and will independently manage a portfolio of issuers focusing on rating quality, market engagement, relationship management, and research publication. This leadership role involves analyzing complex non-financial corporates, contributing to credit rating methodology development, and actively representing the team in engagements with market participants. The role also includes regular interactions with issuers, investors, arrangers, and opportunities for public speaking.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct credit analyses and research across a diverse portfolio of corporate credits covering both high-yield and investment-grade corporates.
• Monitor existing credit ratings continuously and recommend timely reviews or adjustments.
• Present findings and participate actively in rating committee meetings.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Scope Ratings and clients, engaging with senior leadership such as CFOs, CEOs, Treasurers, and Investor Relations teams.
• Lead professional-level client and investor discussions, including presentations and briefings.
• Develop constructive analytical relationships with issuers, investors, and other stakeholders.
• Produce insightful, forward-looking research and analytical commentary on schedule.
• Represent Scope Ratings in media communications.
• Participate in the development and maintenance of credit rating methodologies.
• Engage in outreach activities involving investors, issuers, and arrangers, articulating Scope’s analytical approaches.
• Collaborate closely with other Corporate team members, staff, and management within Scope Ratings.

Qualifications & Experience

• 8 to 12 years of pertinent experience within the financial industry, including roles at major rating agencies, investment funds, or investment banks, demonstrating analytical, quantitative expertise, and robust understanding of non-financial corporates.
• Preferred proficiency or fluency in German.
• Experience related to utilities, energy, or allied sectors is advantageous.
• Background analyzing high-yield issuers with complex financial structures is a plus.
• Strong familiarity with European financial markets.
• Master’s degree in finance, banking, economics, statistics, mathematics, or equivalent; CFA charter is beneficial.
• Entrepreneurial attitude with a readiness to assume accountability; a person of utmost integrity.
• Proven excellence in producing thought-provoking and insightful research.
• Effective team player with confident demeanor, high interpersonal and communication skills.
• Multi-cultural, curious, detail-oriented self-starter who collaborates well in diverse environments.
• Ability to meet deadlines and to inspire others to do the same.
• Willingness and readiness to undertake business travel.
• Flexible with assigned tasks and responsibilities.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory.

Compensation & Benefits

The offered package ranges between 106,000 and 146,000 annually depending on experience, education, and role seniority, along with a discretionary bonus program. Scope Ratings also provides a comprehensive benefits package. The precise salary will be confirmed during the evaluation process.

Additional Information

Applicants from outside the EU must possess valid work and residence permits; relocation sponsorship is not available. Required application documents include your updated CV, copies of academic degrees, and criminal record certificate and reference letters (submission of latter two can be deferred).

About Scope Ratings

Scope Ratings GmbH, a leader in European credit rating agencies, is part of the Scope Group with multiple European offices. The company specializes in credit risk analysis for financial institutions, corporates, and various finance sectors. Their opinion-driven, forward-looking credit risk evaluations contribute to diversified insights for institutional investors. Scope Ratings complies with EU rating regulations and holds ECAI status.

Diversity & Inclusion

Scope Group promotes a workplace based on respect, fairness, and inclusiveness, valuing diversity across cultures, ethnicities, and genders. The organization ensures non-discriminatory recruitment processes and a supportive environment enabling all employees to flourish and contribute innovatively.