Managing Director, IG Corporate Credit Research - Hybrid

Managing Director, IG Corporate Credit Research - Hybrid

About The Role

Symetra is seeking an experienced and intellectually driven Managing Director to lead its Investment Grade Public Credit Research effort. This is a senior leadership role within a $50 billion fixed income platform committed to rigorous, bottom-up fundamental credit analysis.

The Managing Director will be responsible for setting and maintaining analytical standards, leading coverage across diverse industry sectors, and developing credit talent. This individual will serve as the intellectual anchor of the investment grade credit franchise, operating at the intersection of research leadership, portfolio collaboration, and analyst development.

The role requires deep sector breadth, a passion for credit research, and demonstrated ability to teach, coach, and mentor analysts. This role will collaborate closely with peer groups in high yield, leveraged loans, private placements, and structured products, ensuring continuity and connectivity across the firm's fixed income platform.

This is a hybrid work role based in Farmington, Connecticut (2 days per week).

Company Overview

Symetra Investment Management ("SIM") is a SEC-registered investment advisory firm with approximately $78 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025. Symetra Financial Corporation ("SFC"), a diversified financial services company, is SIM's sole shareholder. SFC is also the holding company of Symetra Life Insurance Company, founded in 1957, with strong financial strength ratings. Symetra Life is among the top 40 largest life insurance companies in the U.S. SFC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Life Insurance Company, a major Japanese life insurer. SIM has begun marketing its investment management services to third-party institutional investors.

What You Will Do

Research Leadership

• Lead and oversee fundamental credit research for a broad universe of investment grade corporate issuers across multiple industry sectors.
• Refine and maintain rigorous analytical standards for issuer-level credit work, including financial statement analysis, business model assessment, capital structure evaluation, and covenant review.
• Develop and articulate well-grounded credit views in written and verbal form for portfolio managers.
• Stay current on macroeconomic conditions, credit market technicals, and sector-specific developments impacting issuer credit quality.
• Contribute to top-down thematic credit research and sector allocation views in collaboration with portfolio management.
• Lead the development and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for the analyst team.

Team Development & Mentorship

• Lead, mentor, and coach a team of credit analysts, focusing on professional development and analytical capability.
• Conduct regular feedback sessions, provide structured guidance on research and communication, and support analyst performance reviews.
• Design and oversee the firm's developmental credit training program for early-career analysts.
• Cultivate a culture of intellectual curiosity, analytical rigor, and collaborative debate.
• Identify and recruit top-tier credit research talent in partnership with senior management and human resources.

Cross-Platform Collaboration

• Partner closely with portfolio managers on the investment grade team to ensure research output is actionable and aligned with portfolio construction objectives.
• Collaborate with peers and analysts in high yield, leveraged loans, private placements, and structured products to share credit intelligence and support cross-platform investment decisions.
• Participate in firmwide investment committees, credit forums, and client-facing discussions as a senior research spokesperson.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of research processes, tools, and infrastructure.

What We Offer You

• A position within a well-resourced, $50 billion fixed income platform with a disciplined, research-driven investment culture.
• The opportunity to build and shape a best-in-class research team and training program with senior leadership support.
• Meaningful cross-platform collaboration across a fully integrated fixed income franchise.
• A collaborative, intellectually rigorous environment valuing fundamental analysis, continuous learning, and professional development.

Symetra offers programs designed to enhance work-life balance:

• 401(k) plan with immediate vesting and company matching up to 6%.
• Paid time away including vacation, sick time, flex days, and ten paid holidays.
• Company matching for community contributions.
• Visit our Symetra Benefits Overview for more details.

Compensation

Salary Range: $230,000--$260,000, plus eligibility for annual bonus and long-term incentives.

Required Qualifications

Who You Are

• Minimum 12-15 years of credit research experience in investment grade corporate bonds, with demonstrated coverage across multiple industry sectors.
• Deep expertise in fundamental credit analysis, including financial modeling, industry analysis, and relative value assessment within the investment grade universe.
• Proven track record of leading or co-leading a credit research function, including direct management and mentorship of analysts.
• Experience designing or contributing to a structured rotational credit training program for early-career professionals.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex credit views into clear, concise research.
• Strong cross-asset awareness and ability to collaborate effectively with peers across various fixed income sectors.
• Capacity and interest in designing, developing, and employing AI in the research process.
• Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field required; CFA designation strongly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience at an institutional fixed income asset manager, insurance company general account, or bulge-bracket credit research platform.
• Familiarity with the dynamics of USD-denominated investment grade corporate bonds at scale ($25B+).
• Experience interfacing directly with clients, consultants, and rating agencies.
• Advanced degree (MBA, CPA, or equivalent) is a plus.

We Empower Inclusion

Symetra aspires to be the most inclusive insurance company in the country, fostering a workplace where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered. We embrace diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives to drive innovation and collaboration. Learn more about our inclusion efforts.

Creating a World Where More People Have Access to Financial Freedom

Symetra is a national financial services company dedicated to helping people achieve their financial goals. Our work is guided by Value, Transparency, and Sustainability. We are committed to our communities, employees, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Join us in creating a world where more people have access to financial freedom.

Visit our careers page for more information: https://symetra.eightfold.ai/careers

Work Authorization

Employer work visa sponsorship and support are not provided for this role. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States and maintain that authorization throughout their employment.

Remote Network Minimum Requirements

Symetra has standards for employees' internet connections:

• Minimum Internet Speed: 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.
• Internet Type: Fiber, Cable, or DSL.
• Not Permissible: Satellite, cellular broadband, or other wireless technologies.

Applicants will be asked to test their internet speed during the application process.

Identity Verification

Symetra is committed to fair and secure hiring practices. Candidates will be required to be on video for all interviews. Symetra will take affirmative steps to verify candidate identity and prevent fraudulent employment.

Failure to Comply With Verification Procedures May Result In:

• Disqualification from the recruitment process.
• Withdrawal of a job offer.
• Termination of employment and potential legal remedies if fraud is discovered.