Investment Risk Senior Associate

Employer Summary:

Octagon Credit Investors, LLC is a $32 billion asset manager specializing in broadly syndicated loans and high yield bonds (i.e., liquid credit), structured credit (CLO debt and equity), multi-asset credit, and direct lending strategies. Over our 30+ year history, Octagon has developed a rigorous investment process based on fundamental credit analysis, relative value positioning, and active risk management to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for investors. Octagon counts major financial institutions, insurance companies, and pension funds around the globe among our largest investors. Through our various investment platforms, we seek to provide investors with differentiated access to the US below investment grade corporate credit and private credit markets.

Octagon is majority-owned by Conning, a leading global investment management firm with a long history of serving the insurance industry. Octagon and Conning are part of Generali Investments, an ecosystem of asset management firms operating in more than 20 countries, offering distinctive strategies and expert insights to help investors achieve long-term performance. Generali Investments is the asset management arm of the Generali Group, one of the world's largest insurance and asset management groups.

Currently comprising approximately 100 employees, Octagon strives to foster a team-based culture built upon communication, trust, accountability, and dedication to client partnership. Octagon believes that providing a challenging and rewarding career, combined with a supportive work environment, incents employees to remain at the firm. We also embrace the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion; our employees can bring the best version of themselves to work every day. We thrive in an environment where everyone’s voice is heard, every idea counts, and the differences of our employees are valued.

Position Summary:

Octagon is seeking an Investment Risk professional to support portfolio construction, portfolio risk analysis, and investment decision-making across the firm's investment platform. The ideal candidate has a strong working knowledge of leveraged loans, high yield credit, and preferably CLOs.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Risk, Portfolio Analytics, and Investment Teams to analyze portfolios, assess risks and opportunities, and provide analysis and recommendations that support portfolio construction and investment decisions. The role does not have investment discretion and is not a traditional risk oversight or monitoring function. Rather, the position combines investment risk analysis, portfolio analytics, and market knowledge to evaluate portfolio positioning, assess trade-offs, and provide insights to Portfolio Managers and Senior Management.

Depth of understanding of the credit markets and key investment risk concepts is critical. The candidate should have superior analytical and data manipulation capabilities, including SQL and proficiency in a statistical or analytical language such as Python, R, or MATLAB, as well as experience using data visualization tools. Use of AI-enabled tools is expected and encouraged .

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Working with the Chief Risk Officer, Portfolio Managers, and the Portfolio Analytics team, the successful candidate will:

• Research and analyze portfolio construction, positioning, and risk exposures, and provide Portfolio Managers with analysis and insights on position sizing, diversification, risk budgeting, portfolio construction trade-offs, and relative positioning versus benchmarks and peers.
• Develop and enhance the firm's scenario analysis, stress testing, and portfolio risk analytics capabilities, including selecting and implementing methodologies appropriate for different portfolios and stakeholders.
• Analyze CLO structural risk, including coverage test cushions, par build dynamics, collateral quality metrics, reinvestment considerations, amortization profiles, and tranche subordination.
• Develop and refine performance attribution frameworks and analysis across investment strategies, helping identify drivers of returns, sources of underperformance, and insights relevant to portfolio positioning and construction.
• Evaluate portfolio concentrations, risk exposures, and adherence to investment guidelines and limits, identifying areas that warrant further review or action.
• Evaluate and apply appropriate risk measures and analytical frameworks to assess portfolio, credit, market, interest rate, liquidity, concentration, and geopolitical risks across the firm's investment portfolios.
• Prepare portfolio risk reporting, contribute to portfolio review discussions with Portfolio Managers and parent company stakeholders, and communicate analysis and conclusions clearly to a range of audiences.
• Support the evaluation and development of new investment products, strategies, and analytical capabilities.
• Proactively take on ad hoc projects and provide support for new business initiatives, as needed.

Areas of Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Qualifications:

• 6+ years of relevant experience, ideally at an asset manager, CLO manager, investment bank, or rating agency
• Deep knowledge of leveraged loans, high yield, private credit, or structured credit, including how credit risk shows up at the portfolio level; working knowledge of CLO structural mechanics (coverage tests, collateral quality tests, par build, waterfall dynamics) is a strong plus
• Strong understanding of investment risk concepts and methodologies across market, portfolio, interest rate, and liquidity risk, including both forward-looking and realized risk analysis.
• Ability to independently conduct analysis, form conclusions, and communicate implications for portfolio management.
• Strong working knowledge of performance attribution and portfolio risk analysis; portfolio construction or risk budgeting experience in credit is a strong plus
• Able to form independent views, communicate them effectively, and engage constructively with Portfolio Managers and senior management on investment and portfolio risk matters.
• Superior analytical and data manipulation capabilities: SQL, plus proficiency in a statistical or analytical language such as Python, R, or MATLAB; experience with data visualization tools and with Bloomberg, FactSet, RiskMetrics, Intex, or Kanerai
• Experience using AI-enabled tools in analytical work.
• Comfortable discussing complex topics with senior management and with colleagues across the firm and its affiliates.
• Work well independently and across teams, and handle shifting priorities without losing accuracy.
• A strong commitment to Octagon's core values of honesty and integrity, including compliance with all applicable rules, regulations, and legal requirements.

Potential Compensation and Benefits Offerings:

• Competitive salary and eligibility for year-end performance-based bonus
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Commuter benefits
• 401(k) matching program
• Employee Assistance Program (“EAP”)
• Professional designation and licensure assistance
• Family support and leaves of absence

Note:

Octagon Credit Investors is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or pregnancy), marital status, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

Please note that Octagon does not sponsor work visas or immigration-related employment benefits. We encourage all individual applications; please, no recruiters or agencies.