Research Analyst, Leveraged Credit

Firm Overview

Polen Capital, a global investment management firm advising approximately $27 billion in assets as of October 2026, provideshigh value-added active strategies to a wide range of institutional and individual clients around the world. Since 1979, the Firm has been committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional professionals who are aligned with our goal of preserving and growing our clients’ assets to protect their present and enable their future.

Polen Capital operates a multi-franchise investment platform with four autonomous investment franchises across equities and credit – Quality Growth; 5Perspectives Growth; International Equity; and Leveraged Credit – with offices in Boca Raton, Boston, Chicago, London, Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi.

Polen Capital has been recognized by Pensions & Investments as one of the industry's "Best Places to Work" in each of the past ten years.

Our Culture

• Polen Capital is guided by three Core Values geared toward honoring our commitment to our clients and creating a positive culture and a cordial and productive professional environment: “Do the right thing,” “Do more than expected,” and “Respect the individual.”
• Mastery, autonomy, and purpose are key drivers for our people and behaviors.
• Polen Capital embraces a growth mindset, strives for continuous learning, communicates via radical candor, and is a Results-Only Work Environment
• Diversity of thought, unique perspectives and inclusiveness are core beliefs at Polen Capital; we view a diverse workforce as essential in fostering a culture of empathy and open-minded collaboration.

Position

Reporting to the Portfolio Managers, the Investment Research Analyst will be responsible for the identification, analysis, diligence and ongoing monitoring of leveraged loan and high yield bond investments across all Polen Capital Credit strategies (Opportunistic Credit, CLO, US High Yield). The Analyst will own coverage of a defined set of industries, form independent views on issuers across the capital structure, and make buy and sell recommendations that directly inform portfolio construction. Polen Capital Credit (formerly DDJ Capital Management) is proud of its 26-year history of generating performance for clients through a concentrated, high-conviction, fundamental research-driven approach to investing in high yield bonds and leveraged loans.

Responsibilities

• Provide industry coverage across all Polen Credit strategies and portfolios, conducting in-depth fundamental research on leveraged loan and high yield bond issuers using available public and private information, and delivering buy/sell recommendations to the Portfolio Managers
• Evaluate primary market opportunities and secondary market ideas and assess relative value across the capital structure
• Build and maintain detailed financial models
• Thoroughly research and analyze the financial, legal and ESG aspects of every investment under coverage
• Monitor existing positions on an ongoing basis and proactively update the Portfolio Managers and recommendations as credit profiles change
• Prepare concise written investment memos and present recommendations to the investment team
• Participate in management meetings, lender calls and company diligence, and engage with private equity sponsors, arrangers and the sell-side
• Develop and maintain a far-reaching network of contacts in the industry and the broader financial community to enhance idea generation and research
• Collaborate with Polen’s distribution and marketing efforts to maintain and grow assets under management. This will require work on information requests as well as giving presentations to clients and prospects

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 3+ years of experience in credit investing, particularly buy-side high-yield and leveraged loans
• In-depth experience in financial statement analysis, modeling, and valuation

• Purpose-Driven: Starts with Why – in service of our communities, our clients, and each other
• Accountable: Operates with autonomy and drives towards results
• Emotionally Intelligent: Demonstrates self-awareness and interpersonal skills
• Grit: Persists in the face of adversity
• Lifelong Learner: Employs a growth mindset and strives to become more

Additional Information

• Full-time Employee
• Location: Waltham, MA
• Less than 5% travel required
• U.S. Permanent Work Authorization required
• Polen Capital is a ROWE (Results-Only Work Environment), offers competitive health benefits, paid parental leave, and annual individual learning budgets

Research shows that women and other underrepresented groups tend to apply only if they meet 100% of the criteria. We are committed to leveling the playing field, and we encourage women, men, people of color, veterans, the LGBTQ+ community, and those returning to the workforce to apply for positions even if they do not necessarily check every box outlined in the job description, including education level.

Polen Capital will reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities who need adjustments to participate in the application or interview process. To initiate a request for an accommodation, please contact: 

talentacquisition@polencapital.com