Senior Director, Global Private Debt

Permanent Full Time

The Global Private Debt Investments team oversees a $40 billion portfolio of private debt investments on behalf of Great-West Lifeco. Focused on the Canadian, U.S., and European private placement markets, the team originates, structures, and underwrites more than $4 billion of investments annually across corporates, infrastructure, project finance, and structured finance transactions.

This role offers the opportunity to play a key leadership role in sourcing and executing investments, influencing portfolio strategy, and contributing to long-term value creation across a global platform. The Senior Director will independently originate and evaluate both new issue and secondary private placement debt investment opportunities. The role requires deep expertise in assigned sectors, along with the ability to quickly develop knowledge of new industries and areas of the portfolio as market opportunities evolve.

Assigned sectors may include industrials, real estate, consumer goods, financials, transportation, energy, technology, telecommunications, structured finance, or other areas of strategic focus. The successful candidate will evaluate investment opportunities across North American and European markets, partnering with investment professionals across multiple regions to identify and execute attractive risk-adjusted investment opportunities.

In addition to origination responsibilities, the incumbent will oversee the performance of an assigned portfolio with a focus on minimizing credit losses, identifying emerging risks, and recommending tactical purchase and sale decisions. The position also involves managing relationships with sell-side counterparties and other key industry stakeholders to maximize deal flow, enhance market intelligence, and improve investment allocation outcomes.

What you will do

• Work with the Head of Corporate Private Debt and regional Portfolio Managers to understand and deliver on global portfolio needs.
• Lead origination efforts within designated sectors, leveraging industry relationships and intermediary networks to source, evaluate, and execute attractive investment opportunities.
• Complete legal due diligence in conjunction with inside and outside counsel to understand and negotiate the terms of governing transaction documents.
• Present investment recommendations and portfolio updates directly to senior leadership and investment committees, defending credit views, transaction structures, and relative value assessments.
• Assist in executing bid strategies to maximize transaction economics and allocations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with investment banks, placement agents, issuers, sponsors, and institutional market participants to enhance market access and origination opportunities.
• Perform ongoing surveillance of portfolio investments and meet internal/external compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Work with issuers, inside and outside counsel, peers and advisors to effectively manage prepayments, waivers, amendments, workouts, and restructurings.
• Develop loss mitigation strategies for deteriorating investments.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to analysts, associates, and other junior investment professionals, supporting their technical development and career growth.
• Contribute to team initiatives, process enhancements, portfolio strategy discussions, and talent planning efforts, and other duties as assigned.

What you will bring

• Undergraduate degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Commerce, Business Administration, Data Analytics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or another related analytical discipline.
• An advanced degree (MBA) or CFA is considered an asset.

• 10+ years of relevant experience in corporate credit, private debt, leveraged finance, institutional fixed income investing, investment banking, private placements, or related fields. Experience in the private placement market and/or structured finance transactions is strongly preferred.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and complete tasks within deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while exercising sound judgment in a fast-paced investment environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Bloomberg, and Capital IQ.
• Experience using AI-enabled tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Power BI, Python-based analytical tools, or similar technologies) to enhance productivity, research, analysis, or reporting is considered an asset.

Key Competencies for success in this role:

• Strong credit judgment and analytical rigor
• Commercial mindset with an origination focus
• Relationship-building and networking capability
• Investment committee presentation and influencing skills
• Negotiation and transaction execution expertise
• Portfolio risk management and restructuring experience
• Leadership, coaching, and talent development
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Additional Details:

• Travel between 10-20% may be required.

Career opportunities will be open a minimum of 5 business days from the date of posting, closing dates will vary depending on the search activity. All applications received will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Grow with Great-West Lifeco

Great-West Lifeco Inc is a Canadian headquarter, international financial services holding company with interests in life insurance, health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management, and reinsurance businesses. We operate in Canada, the United States, and Europe under the brands: Canada Life, Empower and Irish Life. At the end of 2024, our companies had over 32,250 employees, 106,000 advisor relationships, and thousands of distribution partners – serving approximately 40 million customer relationships.

Great-West Lifeco trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the ticker symbol GWO and is a member of the Power Corporation group of companies.

What we offer:  

We’re committed to supporting our employees through every stage of their career. Here’s what you can expect as a full-time or part-time permanent team member: 

Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry-leading learning programs and up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement. 

Health & Wellness: Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well-being. 

Time Off: In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day.  

Financial Security: Company-matching pension plan, share ownership program and additional investment options. 

Rewards and Recognition: Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!  

Emphasis on Community: We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, social clubs and events.  

Learn more about Great-West Lifeco.  

We’re committed to removing barriers and ensuring equal access to employment. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact  talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com. All information provided will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and Great-West Lifeco policies.  

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