VP – Credit, Leveraged Finance

Our client, a global bank, is currently looking to expand it's respective Credit department with a VP – Credit, Leveraged Finance is responsible for assessing, approving, and managing credit risk for highly leveraged corporate borrowers, including private equity-backed transactions, acquisition financing, and refinancing deals. The role involves conducting in-depth financial analysis, structuring risk-mitigating credit solutions, and ensuring compliance with internal and regulatory risk frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

Credit Risk Assessment & Approval

• Conduct in-depth credit analysis for leveraged buyouts (LBOs), acquisition financing, and debt restructurings across various industries.
• Evaluate financial models, cash flow forecasts, and debt repayment capacity to assess borrower creditworthiness.
• Prepare and present credit approval memos to senior credit committees, recommending appropriate risk ratings and credit structures.
• Ensure adherence to the bank’s risk appetite, capital allocation strategies, and regulatory limits.

Structuring & Risk Mitigation

• Collaborate with front-office teams, private equity sponsors, and investment bankers to structure financing solutions.
• Recommend appropriate risk mitigants such as covenants, collateral structures, subordination, and pricing adjustments.
• Assess and negotiate loan documentation to ensure proper risk coverage.

Portfolio Management & Monitoring

• Continuously monitor portfolio risk, including tracking financial performance, leverage levels, and covenant compliance.
• Identify early warning signs of credit deterioration and recommend corrective actions.
• Conduct periodic stress testing, sensitivity analysis, and scenario modeling for high-risk exposures.
• Ensure compliance with Basel III/IV, IFRS 9, and leveraged lending guidelines.

Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership

• Work closely with origination, syndications, trading desks, and regulators to manage credit risk efficiently.
• Engage with rating agencies, auditors, and regulators on credit portfolio trends and risk exposure.
• Mentor and develop junior credit analysts, fostering a strong risk-aware culture within the bank.

Key Requirements

Experience & Qualifications

• 6 of experience in corporate credit risk, with a strong focus on leveraged finance within an investment or corporate bank.
• Deep understanding of LBO financing structures, high-yield credit markets, syndicated loans, and direct lending.
• Strong background in financial modeling, credit structuring, and risk assessment.
• Advanced degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field; CFA, FRM, or MBA preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Expertise in debt structuring, covenant analysis, and credit documentation.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with a proactive and commercial mindset.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for engaging internal committees, investors, and regulators.
• Deep knowledge of global credit risk regulations (Basel, IFRS 9, Fed/OCC leveraged lending guidelines).

This role pays between $150,000 - 180,000 Base.