VP Asset Management

Job Description

SUMMARY

Our client is a leading global real estate investment manager.

The team comprises c.140 employees and operates across the UK and Western Europe managing a total AUM of $5.2Bn.

They have a comprehensive offering across multiple investment vehicles comprising public markets, equity and credit discretionary funds, joint ventures and SMAs.

Their corporate strategy is focused on the following four key areas:

1. New Economy/I&L
2. Office
3. Credit

Their unique vertically integrated delivery model combines investment, asset management, development and property management solutions to provide a full and dynamic investment management service for our global clients.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The VP, Asset Management will be responsible for overseeing and optimising the performance of a portfolio within the broader portfolio, with a particular focus on offices, including central London, along with an element of I&L assets in the UK.

The scope of responsibilities for the role includes the entire spectrum of real estate asset management including but not limited to strategic business planning, analysis and execution of asset enhancement initiatives, leasing, property management oversight, delivery of ESG initiatives, valuation, financial analysis/modelling, market research/analysis and internal & external reporting.

This role will also be required to assist in technical due diligence of acquisitions and in divestments as and when needed.

The role holder will represent the asset management function on the ESG Committee, responsible for developing and communicating the Firms approach across the business.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Optimisation:

1. Develop and execute asset management strategies to maximise the value of properties under management, enhance returns and minimise risks
2. Work collaboratively with other members of the internal “Deal Team” (fund management, investment, finance, debt, property management, development management) to deliver portfolio/asset performance
3. Effectively manage external consultants, including property managers, to deliver asset management initiatives, maximining asset performance and tenant satisfaction
4. Liaise closely with the development function in the deployment of capital expenditure
5. Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure adherence to regulations
6. Maintain an up-to-date understanding of UK real estate market sectors, cycles and key performance drivers and particularly in the office and I&L sectors, as well as ESG

Cashflow and Investment Returns Analysis:

1. Develop and present annual Business Plans to internal and external stakeholders.
2. Collaborate with the finance team to prepare accurate financial cashflow modelling so that asset/portfolio performance can be reported to stakeholders at all times
3. Prepare hold/sell analysis including sensitivity analyses when required to provide reliable, accurate actual/forecast investment returns

Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting:

1. Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders/clients
2. Provide investment reporting including: (i) External – separate account asset owners, capital partners, lenders and investors; and (ii) Internal – periodic asset management, fund management and investment committee meetings and reports

Acquisition and Divestment:

1. Assist in technical due diligence for acquisitions as and when required
2. Gain a full understanding of all the underwriting assumptions and test these to optimise returns
3. Ensure all assets are “ready for sale” by setting up and maintaining a data room and preparing external marketing material at the appropriate time

ESG Committee Member:

1. Stay abreast of legislative and market context - identifying what is relevant
2. Developing and recommending policy approach to the ESG Committee
3. Communicating legislative and market context, along with policy approach to investment professionals across the platform
4. Identify when external consultants need to be appointed and making recommendations to the ESG Committee. Managing subsequent appointments to ensure delivery of mandated work
5. Develop Firm wide approach to ESG strategies within asset/portfolio Business Plans

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

1. 5 years plus of proven experience in asset management with a successful track record particularly in managing office assets
2. A keen interest in ESG
3. A strategic thinker with the ability to distil complex issues easily
4. Strong financial and commercial acumen, with an understanding of project cashflows
5. An ability to use and interpret Excel based financial models
6. Knowledge of loan agreements an advantage
7. Excellent verbal and written communication with close attention to detail
8. Team player
9. In-depth knowledge of financial markets and real estate trends
10. Broad network within the real estate investment industry and office sector