Research Associate, High Yield

Research Associate, Leveraged Credit

We are seeking to attract a Research Associate to join our Leveraged Credit Research team in Boston. Wellington (WMC) currently manages $524 billion in fixed income assets on behalf of our clients worldwide. The Leveraged Credit team manages approximately $37 billion in assets across its book of business, spanning high yield bonds (Global and US), bank loans (including CLO collateral management), and convertibles.

The Leveraged Credit team is highly collaborative and follows a fundamental approach to investing. Research Associates and Credit Analysts work alongside portfolio managers to invest on a variety of horizons. This individual will focus primarily on North American and/or global credits and will be responsible for following several industries in the high yield market, and for providing fundamental credit research on the bond and loan issuers within them. As an active member of the Leveraged Credit Research team, the Research Associate will be fully integrated into the investment process and expected to provide detailed analysis of companies, recommend alpha generating investment ideas and closely monitor existing portfolio holdings across sectors and countries. Experience with the industrials and chemicals sectors will be additive and the coverage assignment for the successful candidate will be determined as part of the interview process.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Work with senior high yield and bank loan analysts to analyze bonds across a variety of sectors within Industrials and Chemicals.
• Develop unique research insights, in order to arrive at well supported investment conclusions;
• Independently conduct proprietary credit research based on data gathered from company filings, attend company management meetings, and utilize additional independent research sources to build investment conviction;
• Build multi-year financial models, to determine appropriate valuations under various scenarios;
• Help generate successful investment ideas, and provide monitoring of positions across client strategies;
• Work closely with colleagues as part of a highly collaborative platform, sharing ideas and offering feedback.

The following essential skills are required for the role:

• Investment acumen and passion the Research Associate will demonstrate a curiosity and passion for financial markets, combined with an evolving process for fundamental company research, and an ability to communicate their findings. They will be able to work independently and undertake company and industry research with the objective of generating successful investment ideas for client portfolios.
• Strong collaboration and influencing skills the successful candidate will be energized by being an individual contributor within a collaborative team and environment. They will endeavor to build strong, trusting relationships internally with colleagues, and externally with company management teams. The ability over time to take risk and challenge investment views will be critical, as will the humility to admit mistakes and a desire to learn from others. Strong communication skills will be essential.
• Team building and integrity the Research Associate will have demonstrable experience of effective teamwork, either within or outside the Financial Services industry, coupled with a strong work ethic and a high level of personal integrity.
• Growth mindset the flexibility and openness to continue learning, evolving and growing as an investor is required.

Additional qualifications and characteristics are likely to include:

• 2-5 years of relevant high yield or bank loan credit research experience, gained either on the Buy or Sell side with an asset manager, hedge fund, investment bank or private credit firm, with a commensurate level of understanding of company financial statements;
• Prior experience working in a high yield or bank loan research team or covering Industrials and/or Chemicals sectors would be preferred though a specific coverage background is not required;
• Self-awareness, and the humility to admit and learn from 'being wrong';
• The highest level of integrity, ethical standards, and intellectual honesty;
• Strong work ethic, curious mindset, and strong attention to detail;
• Strong interpersonal skills, and experience of working in a collaborative, results-oriented environment;
• Strong academic credentials. Progress towards the CFA/CAIA Charter would be viewed favorably, but is not required.

The Research Associate, Leveraged Credit will be based in Wellington's Global Headquarters in Boston, MA.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? That's ok. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply and welcome a chance to review your background. We are dedicated to building and maintaining a diversified workforce and considering a broad array of candidates with a variety of skill, workplace experiences, and backgrounds.

As an equal opportunity employer, Wellington Management ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, creed, national origin, age, ancestry, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, citizenship, marital status, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

At Wellington Management, our approach to compensation is designed to help us attract, inspire and retain the best talent in our industry. We strive to pay employees fairly and competitively across all levels and roles. Our approach to compensation considers all aspects of total compensation; all employees are eligible to receive salary, variable compensation, and benefits. The base salary range for this position is: USD 80,000 - 180,000. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered when making compensation decisions, including but not limited to skill sets; role; skills and experience; certifications; and education. This range is an estimate, and further details on salary and total compensation aspects will be shared with candidates during the recruitment process. Base salary is only one component of Wellington's total compensation approach. Other rewards may include a discretionary corporate bonus and/or incentives, if eligible. In addition, we offer a comprehensive and high value benefit package to meet the unique needs of our employees and their families, and we are committed to fostering a flexible work environment that enables employees to thrive personally and professionally. Examples of our benefits include retirement plan, health and wellbeing, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage, health savings account, flexible spending accounts and commuter program, employee assistance program, life and disability insurance, adoption assistance, back-up childcare, tuition/CFA reimbursement and paid time off (leave of absence, paid holidays, volunteer, sick and vacation time).