Senior Vice President, US ABS Ratings – Commercial, Esoteric & New Assets

About the Role

As a Senior Vice President on the ABS Ratings team at Morningstar DBRS, you will lead the analysis of complex securitization transactions across commercial, esoteric, and new asset classes. You'll work closely with issuers, arrangers, investors, and internal analytical teams to assess credit risk, develop rating recommendations, and contribute to the evolution of Morningstar DBRS's analytical approach in areas where the market continues to develop.

Responsibilities

• Lead the credit rating process for new ABS transactions across commercial, esoteric, and new asset classes.
• Analyze transaction structures, collateral performance, originators and servicers, legal documentation, and structural protections to develop rating recommendations and analytical conclusions.
• Evaluate emerging collateral types and apply analytical judgment in sectors where historical performance data may be limited or evolving.
• Present transactions and recommendations at rating committees, clearly articulating key risks, mitigants, structural considerations, and rating rationale.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for issuers, arrangers, investors, and other transaction participants throughout the rating process.
• Manage transaction teams throughout the rating process while mentoring junior analysts and supporting their professional development.
• Monitor outstanding transactions and recommend rating actions based on collateral performance, structural developments, and changing market conditions.
• Contribute to the development of rating methodologies, analytical frameworks, and criteria for commercial, esoteric, and new asset sectors.
• Author research, market commentary, and sector analysis to help market participants understand evolving areas of structured finance.
• Represent Morningstar DBRS at client meetings, investor discussions, industry conferences, and other market-facing engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MS, CFA, or related qualification) preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in structured finance, credit ratings, securitization, structured credit, asset-based lending, or a related field.
• Deep expertise in one or more commercial, esoteric, or new asset sectors, with a strong understanding of securitization structures and collateral performance drivers.
• Experience leading complex transaction analysis and presenting recommendations to rating committees, investment committees, or comparable credit approval bodies.
• Strong understanding of credit risk analysis, cash flow modeling, transaction structuring, and legal documentation.
• Experience evaluating non-traditional collateral types, asset-based finance structures, or emerging securitization sectors.
• Familiarity with analytical and modeling tools such as Intex, T-REX, Bloomberg, Excel, and related platforms.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex analytical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously while maintaining analytical rigor and attention to detail.
• Sound credit judgment, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to challenge assumptions when the analysis calls for it.

The Group

Morningstar DBRS is a leading provider of independent credit rating services and opinions for corporate and sovereign entities, financial institutions, and project and structured finance instruments globally. The Commercial, Esoteric, and New Assets team within the ABS Ratings group covers a broad range of transactions backed by both established and developing asset classes, including digital infrastructure, data centers, equipment finance, transportation assets, specialty lending platforms, and other emerging areas.

About Us

Morningstar DBRS empowers investor success by bringing more transparency and a diversity of opinion to the credit rating industry. With a global presence and a focus on innovation, we provide independent rating services for over 4,000 issuers and 60,000 securities, making us one of the top four credit rating agencies in the world.

Compensation and Benefits

Morningstar offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Financial Health: 100% 401k match up to 6% of salary, stock ownership potential, and company-provided life insurance.
• Physical Health: Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) with potential premium discounts and HSA contributions, wellness incentives, and company-provided disability insurance.
• Emotional Health: Trust-Based Time Off, Paid Sabbatical Program, Paid Family Caregiving Leave, Paid Parental Leave, and Adoption Assistance.
• Social Health: Charitable Matching Gifts program, Dollars for Doers volunteer program, and Employee Resource & Affinity Groups.

Base Salary Compensation Range: $149,357.00 - $236,166.33

Incentive Target Percentage: 40% Annual

Morningstar's hybrid work environment encourages collaboration with four days in-office each week, along with flexible tools and resources to engage with global colleagues.