GDS FS RISK - STRUCTURED FINANCE LEAD

Job Description

Job Name

GDS FS Risk – Structured Finance Lead

Position Summary

We are seeking an accomplished and strategic leader to join our leadership team. In this role, you will:

• Oversee and guide multiple engagement teams
• Manage a sophisticated and diverse portfolio of clients
• Drive the successful delivery of high-impact professional services across structured finance products, primarily Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS) transactions

The ideal candidate will:

• Provide executive-level stewardship on strategic and global priority accounts
• Champion business development initiatives
• Cultivate long-term client relationships to accelerate growth and strengthen market presence

Essential Functions of the Job

• Provide executive oversight of transactions across structured finance products to ensure clients successfully execute securitization transactions
• Serve as a senior liaison to front-office investment banking clients, fostering high-trust relationships through executive-level interactions and strategic guidance
• Oversee loan document and data review processes, ensuring accuracy of loan files, data tape recalculations, and exception reporting
• Direct the creation and validation of collateral stratification tables to evaluate loan pool characteristics
• Review and sign off on offering documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory and industry standards
• Manage competing workstreams and provide decisive leadership under tight deadlines
• Identify and escalate critical issues with clear communication to senior leadership and clients
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture
• Contribute across Structured Finance Group services including ABS, CMBS, CLO, and VAP (due diligence, cash flow modeling, recalculations, etc.)

Leadership & Business Development

• Drive business development strategy, identifying opportunities and expanding service offerings
• Build long-term client relationships and strengthen professional networks across CMBS products
• Lead multidisciplinary teams (staff to senior managers) to deliver high-quality structured product analyses

Technical & Transaction Expertise

• Interpret complex transaction documentation (prospectuses, indentures, term sheets, offering documents)
• Assess structural features including collateral, waterfalls, triggers, hedges, and loss allocation
• Maintain expertise in market trends, regulatory changes, and structured finance developments
• Oversee preparation of engagement letters, proposals, and AUP reports
• Ensure accuracy in due diligence, modeling, and audit procedures

People Leadership & Coaching

• Provide continuous coaching and mentorship
• Deliver constructive feedback and support professional development
• Foster a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing team environment

Analytical / Decision-Making Responsibilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Ability to quickly interpret new information and adapt to evolving needs
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and clients

Education & Experience

• Advanced degree (Master’s/MBA or equivalent)
• 15–20 years of experience in structured finance, securitization, or FS risk consulting
• Deep specialization in CMBS and related structured products
• Proven leadership experience in consulting firms or financial institutions
• Expertise across CMBS lifecycle (due diligence, modeling, documentation, regulatory aspects)
• Strong business development and client management track record
• Experience leading large teams (100+ professionals) with a focus on quality and talent development

Knowledge and Skills Requirements

As an Executive Director, you are expected to demonstrate:

• Exceptional leadership presence
• Strong strategic thinking
• Ability to cultivate trusted client relationships
• Capability to inspire high-performing teams
• High integrity and commitment to quality delivery