Job Description

The role is highly visible, involving engagement and collaborative working with various stakeholders within the Life business at different levels of seniority, internal and external Asset Managers, Rating Agencies, Advisors and Regulators.

You will therefore have the opportunity to make a major contribution to ensuring a “Best in Class” approach is developed for credit rating the annuity asset portfolio.

The role sits within the 2nd Line Risk Function, reporting to the Head of Investment Risk Oversight, and will work closely with a range of 1st Line Credit Colleagues depending on the particular asset class.

Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Assessment and development of new internal credit rating methodologies to support the expansion of investment activity into new asset classes, sectors and geographies
• Providing SME input and challenge for the existing methodologies, including co-ordinating the annual review and assessment of the effectiveness of the same
• Presenting findings to key governance forums and committees that span the approval of new investments, management of existing exposure and regulatory compliance
• Liaising with Rating Agencies, the PRA and auditors/consultants on rating methodology related matters and acting as a focal point for related projects and requests
• Maintaining an awareness of the wider credit market environment, including changes in economic conditions or other external factors, and any associated trends in rating agency views or approaches

What will you get for this role?

• A competitive salary depending on location, experience and qualifications
• Generous defined contribution pension scheme
• Annual performance related bonus and pay review
• Holiday allowance of 29 days plus bank holidays and the option to buy/sell up to 5 additional days
• Up to 40% discount for some Aviva products through “My Aviva Extras” plus discounts for Friends and Family. (Some exclusions apply)
• Excellent range of flexible benefits to include a matching share save scheme

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Extensive experience of working with a range of credit rating methodologies, ideally gained from within a Rating Agency or a large financial institution Strong understanding of scorecard-based rating approaches, including the ability to absorb the detail of unfamiliar asset types, their associated risks, and how these are reflected in the scorecard A solid technical background, sufficient to grasp the main features of more complex rating methods and challenge more expert colleagues on whether the complexity is justified, learning more about bespoke UK Life models as the role develops The ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with a range of internal & external stakeholders and to build positive relationships Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise, plan and adapt Confidence to take the lead in discussions and take ownership where required, and present proposals to governance committees Either a relevant degree (economics, finance, accounting, or related discipline) or relevant post-graduate qualification