SVP - Ratings & Research Franchise Lead

At Moody's, we unite the brightest minds to turn today’s risks into tomorrow’s opportunities. We do this by striving to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to be who they are—with the freedom to exchange ideas, think innovatively, and listen to each other and customers in meaningful ways. Moody’s is transforming how the world sees risk. As a global leader in ratings and integrated risk assessment, we’re advancing AI to move from insight to action—enabling intelligence that not only understands complexity but responds to it. We decode risk to unlock opportunity, helping our clients navigate uncertainty with clarity, speed, and confidence. If you are excited about this opportunity but do not meet every single requirement, please apply! You still may be a great fit for this role or other open roles. We are seeking candidates who model our values: invest in every relationship, lead with curiosity, champion diverse perspectives, turn inputs into actions, and uphold trust through integrity. Skills And Competencies Extensive experience in credit analysis, ratings, or a related analytical function, with strong knowledge of rating methodologies, governance, and analytical standards Recognized analytical credibility, with the ability to engage confidently and authoritatively with senior internal and external stakeholders on complex credit topics Strong understanding of Saudi Arabia, the wider Gulf Cooperation Council, and emerging market credit dynamics, including economic, financial, policy, and funding trends Ability to think across sectors and lines of business, identifying cross-cutting credit themes and translating regional developments into meaningful analytical insights Proven ability to lead through influence in a complex, matrixed organization, exercising sound judgment without relying on direct authority Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to high-quality thematic and analytical research Fluency in Arabic is required to support senior stakeholder engagement and represent Moody’s Ratings effectively in the local market Working knowledge of artificial intelligence concepts, with curiosity and enthusiasm for learning how AI tools can be used to improve processes and drive efficiency Interest in exploring AI systems and a willingness to develop awareness of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use Education Advanced academic background in Finance, Economics, or a related field is required Advanced degree and/or CFA qualification is preferred Responsibilities Strengthen Moody’s Ratings’ analytical franchise and market presence in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council. Act as the senior analytical franchise representative for Ratings & Research in Saudi Arabia, engaging on credit, research, and rating-related matters with credibility and authority Drive the development of Moody’s Ratings’ analytical franchise in Saudi Arabia by contributing to long-term strategic positioning, market visibility, and stakeholder confidence Build and maintain senior relationships with key local stakeholders across the public and private sectors, including government entities, regulators, government-related entities, financial institutions, corporates, investors, and other market participants Partner with rating group lead analysts and management teams to support consistency of analytical messaging and alignment with Moody’s credit standards, methodologies, and rating processes Participate in rating committees and issuer meetings as appropriate, contributing senior regional insight and challenge while operating within established analytical governance and decision-making frameworks Identify thematic areas of analytical relevance across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council, working across rating groups to develop cross-sector perspectives Shape and coordinate the research agenda for Saudi Arabia and Gulf Cooperation Council-related credit topics, including authoring or commissioning selective, high-impact thematic and analytical research Gather and share local market intelligence, including insights on policy developments, economic transformation initiatives, funding dynamics, and credit trends, to inform regional and global analytical discussions Work closely with teams based in Dubai and Saudi Arabia to coordinate regional initiatives, stakeholder outreach, and analytical priorities Represent Moody’s Ratings’ analytical frameworks, methodologies, and credit views externally with professionalism, clarity, and credibility Contribute to internal forums, councils, and discussions focused on emerging credit trends, cross-sector themes, and regional developments relevant to Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council Operate with a high degree of autonomy under Managing Director oversight, providing senior analytical influence without direct portfolio ownership About The Team The Corporate Finance Group within Moody’s Ratings provides independent credit analysis and research on corporate issuers across global and regional markets. The team contributes to Moody’s by delivering high-quality credit opinions, identifying emerging market and sector trends, and supporting informed decision-making across the financial markets. By joining the team, you will play a senior role in strengthening Moody’s Ratings’ analytical presence in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council, contributing to a strategically important and rapidly evolving market. You will also contribute to Moody's ongoing use of AI and advanced analytics to enhance credit research, strengthen analytical rigor, and deliver deeper insights through data-driven innovation Moody’s is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law. Candidates for Moody's Corporation may be asked to disclose securities holdings pursuant to Moody’s Policy for Securities Trading and the requirements of the position. Employment is contingent upon compliance with the Policy, including remediation of positions in those holdings as necessary. Show more Show less