About the job

• Build the asset management capability for a growing national direct real estate portfolio
• Lead asset strategy, value creation and performance across multiple sectors
• Work across acquisitions, active ownership, refinancing, recapitalisation and exits

Collins Executive Recruitment is partnering with an established institutional real estate investment manager to appoint a Senior Associate/Associate Director within its Investment team.

This is a newly created position with a clear mandate - help build the firm’s national asset management function while taking direct responsibility for the performance of existing and newly acquired real estate investments.

The opportunity is broader than a traditional asset management role. You will work across the full investment lifecycle, from acquisition underwriting and operational due diligence through to post-settlement execution, active asset management, refinancing and exit.

You will have meaningful exposure to senior decision-makers and Investment Committee, with the ability to influence how assets are managed and how the broader platform develops.

• Upon successful hire, you will:Develop and maintain asset plans covering value creation initiatives, capital expenditure, leasing, risk mitigation and hold, sell or refinance triggers
• Monitor asset performance against the original investment case, identify the drivers of variance and recommend corrective action
• Drive net operating income through leasing strategy, rent reviews, incentive management, operating cost control and alternative revenue opportunities
• Lead cash flow modelling, hold and sell analysis, capital expenditure appraisal and return assessment
• Prepare asset review papers and present performance, risks and recommendations to Investment Committee
• Manage operating partners, property managers, leasing agents, valuers, consultants and other external advisers
• Oversee independent valuations and critically assess the assumptions supporting them
• Manage asset-level debt facilities, including covenant compliance, hedging maturities, refinancing and selective recapitalisation
• Produce clear, commercially focused reporting for investors, boards and internal stakeholders
• Support acquisitions by challenging underwriting assumptions and leading operational due diligence
• Manage the transition of newly acquired assets into active ownership and ensure early business-plan initiatives are executed
• Contribute to sale, recapitalisation and capital recycling decisions across the portfolio

About youYou will bring approximately 5-10 years of relevant experience gained within a real estate investment manager, fund manager, private equity firm, REIT, investment bank or institutional property business.

You will need direct experience managing commercial real estate investments and delivering against asset-level business plans. Exposure to several asset classes would be valuable, particularly healthcare, hotels, purpose-built student accommodation, industrial or retail.

The strongest candidates will combine investment capability with practical asset-level judgement. You should be comfortable moving between financial analysis, commercial negotiation, stakeholder management and hands-on execution.

• You will also bring:Strong real estate cash flow modelling and investment analysis skills
• A detailed understanding of valuations, capital expenditure, debt structuring and investment returns
• Experience setting expectations for external managers and holding them accountable for delivery
• The confidence to challenge assumptions and make clear recommendations
• Strong written communication and the ability to present complex issues concisely
• Sound commercial judgement and a high level of personal accountability
• A relevant degree in property, commerce, business, law or a related discipline

This position will suit someone who wants more than responsibility for a collection of assets. It offers the opportunity to help determine how a growing institutional equity platform manages its portfolio, measures performance and creates value over the long term.

All applications and enquiries will be treated confidentially. Please apply with your CV or contact Collins Executive Recruitment for further information.

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