Investment Credit Analyst

About us

At Direct Line Group, insurance is just the start. Combining decades of industry experience with talented people in every field from data, technology, customer care and auto repair, to HR, finance and procurement, we’re a customer-obsessed market powerhouse. And we all work together to be brilliant for customers, every single day.

We’ve got big dreams of becoming Britain’s best retail general insurer. And we’re almost there. Our talented, reactive, and communicative finance team are on call to help us do it in a sustainable, profitable way. With close connections to our shareholders, and a commitment to integrity that spans the entire business, our people are no strangers to creating - and maintaining - value on an unbelievable scale.

Together, we’re one of a kind.

The Role

Reporting to our Head of Credit, you’ll be part of a small front office investment team at Direct Line Group, where we're dedicated to delivering optimal investment returns on a significant asset base while adhering to our risk appetites and parameters.

As Investment Credit Analyst, your primary focus will be on credit strategy - utilising your technical expertise in credit analysis to support decision-making processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight of externally managed investment portfolios, including quantitative analysis and qualitative reviews.
• Conduct macro-economic and credit research to inform investment strategy, incorporating ESG analysis.
• Undertake detailed credit analysis on issuers of heightened concern, including stress and scenario analysis, to inform management decisions.
• Build and maintain internal credit rating models and validate pricing models used for balance sheet valuations.
• Perform regular reviews of credit rating and valuation methodologies used by external managers and raise challenges where appropriate.
• Contribute to the management of in-house investment portfolios, including trade planning and execution, daily cash management and ad-hoc foreign exchange trade execution.
• Monitor market developments and prepare weekly market reviews, ongoing monitoring of intra-month investment performance, and input to monthly management information reports.
• Research, produce, and present high-quality investment papers and recommendations to relevant governance forums and committees.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone with experience of credit analysis, ideally in a recognised rating agency or asset management industry.  You’ll have detailed knowledge of fixed income and other asset classes, such as Commercial Real Estate and infrastructure debt.

You’ll need to have strong analytical and data manipulation skills, with excellent spreadsheet proficiency, and the ability to articulate coherent arguments clearly and concisely using effective communication skills.

Good stakeholder management skills are also key, as you’ll need to build effective working relationships with external asset managers, rating agencies, and internal functions.

Hours: 35 hours (Monday - Friday)

Ways of Working

Our hybrid model way of working offers a 'best of both worlds' approach combining the best parts of home and office-working, offering flexibility for everyone. When you'll be in the office depends on your role, but most colleagues are in 2 days a week, and we'll consider the flexible working options that work best for you.

Read our flexible working approach here

Benefits

We recognise we wouldn't be where we are today without our colleagues, that's why we offer excellent benefits designed to suit your lifestyle:

• Generous 9% employer pension
• Eligibility for annual performance bonus of up to 10%
• Generous holidays, starting at 25 days and going up to 28 days per year.
• 50% off home, motor and pet insurance
• Free travel insurance and Green Flag breakdown cover
• Electric Vehicle car scheme which allows all colleagues to lease a brand new electric or plug-in hybrid car in a tax efficient way

• Buy-as-you-earn share scheme
• Employee discounts and cashback

Being yourself

Direct Line Group is an equal opportunity employer, and we think diversity of background and thinking is a big strength in our people. We're delighted to feature as one of the UK's Top 50 Inclusive Employers and are committed to making our business an inclusive place to work, where everyone can be themselves and succeed in their careers.

We know you're more than a CV, and the things that make you, you, are what bring potential to our business. We recognise and embrace people that work in different ways so if you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to the recruitment team who will be happy to support you.

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