Senior Associate - Chicago, United States - Keller Augusta

Description

Company Overview:

Our client is a Chicago-based investment firm that targets domestic core-plus to value-add real estate opportunities via commingled funds, separate accounts, and joint venture structures. Since 1996, the firm has sponsored more than 15 real estate equity and debt investment programs and completed 579 real estate equity and debt transactions on behalf of investors, representing $5.6 billion in equity capital commitments and nearly $14.3 billion in gross investment value. In credit, the firm has originated 155 loans to date aggregating more than $2 billion in commitments. Our client is dedicated to creating value for its investors and offers a range of investment opportunities nationwide across various property types (primarily industrial and multifamily).

Position Overview:

Our client is seeking a highly motivated, self-starter to join its Chicago headquarters office as a Senior Associate/Vice President Due Diligence & Asset Manager. As the point person on all investment due diligence, this position will play a crucial role in conducting comprehensive assessments and analyses of potential real estate investment opportunities, in both debt and equity. Their expertise in financial analysis, market research, and property evaluation will be instrumental in ensuring informed investment decisions are made. The position will also have direct asset management responsibilities as detailed below.

Primary Responsibilities:

Due Diligence

• Liaising with the investments and asset management teams, the candidate will lead the firm's due diligence function, driving a rigorous investment due diligence process for prospective debt and equity investments;

• Conduct thorough research on potential real estate investment opportunities, including (but not limited to) multi-family, student housing, industrial, office, retail, and mixed-use properties, both existing and new construction/development;

• Gather and review property documents such as leases, financial statements, contracts, zoning regulations, environmental reports, surveys, etc. to identify potential risks and opportunities;

• Analyze property financials, including income statements, cash flow projections, and operating expenses, to evaluate the financial viability and potential returns of investments;

• Perform market research and analysis to assess the current and future market conditions, competition, and potential demand for the investment properties;

• Coordinate, order, and oversee property inspections, appraisals, and environmental and property condition reports to identify any physical or environmental issues that may impact the investment;

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including brokers, attorneys, lenders, and consultants, to gather necessary information and ensure smooth due diligence processes;

• Work with third party insurance consultants to ensure the property coverage is placed for both borrowers and equity acquisitions;

• Coordinate closely with the investment team and contribute to ongoing financial analysis and investment committee memoranda highlighting key findings, risks, and recommendations uncovered during the due diligence process;

• Assist to refine the strategic property business plans for each property including asset strategies and objectives, operating and financial budgets, and capital redevelopment project plans based on the

findings of third-party due diligence reports;
• Analyze borrower/sponsor/guarantor financial statements, tax returns, contingent liabilities, etc.; order and review background and credit checks;

• Quality control – review memos and models for continuity, data consistency, and style adherence prior to distribution to Investment Committee and investors;

• Provide recommendations and insights to senior management regarding investment opportunities, risk mitigation strategies, and potential value-add initiatives;

• Stay updated on industry trends, regulations, and best practices related to real estate due diligence, and apply this knowledge to enhance the due diligence process;

• Act as the point person for information requests from lenders, appraisers, insurers, brokers during the diligence process;

• Have the willingness and confidence to challenge the assumptions and expectations of investment team;

Asset Management

• Work with property management and other Asset Managers to prepare annual operating and capital budgets, monitor capital investments and business plans, and direct leasing performance;

• Ensure that investment strategies continuously create and enhance value;

• Serve as owner's representative and be responsible for driving value and liquidity and maximize long-term investment returns;

• Make recommendations and modify the business plan based on market assessment, present analyses and asset plans to the investment committee and obtain approval for leasing and capital expenditures;

• Monitor assets and the market on an on-going basis to ensure assets are proactively positioned in the marketplace;

• Prepare and maintain financial models with analysts/associates in Excel and/or Argus for existing assets and portfolios, including quarterly valuations, hold/sell/refinance and incremental return analysis, tenant lease analysis and credit review;

• Review monthly property reports, including leasing status and rent rolls, operating statements and variance reports, legal and operating matters and capital expenditure progress;

• Develop a complete understanding of the real estate markets in which the firm's portfolio assets are located;

• Effectively communicate with senior management, JV partners, property managers, brokers, lenders, operations/accounting teams and legal counsel to effectively direct and manage the day-to-day operations of assigned properties;

• Help drive investor reporting, including preparation of quarterly and annual financial and qualitative reporting packages and responding to investor questions as needed;

• Assist in the underwriting process for new investments and conduct specific analyses of target investments;

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from a top-tier institution; superior academic performance; concentration in real estate or finance preferred;

• Proven experience in real estate due diligence, investment analysis, and/or asset management, preferably within the commercial real estate sector;

• Strong financial analysis/Excel skills, with the ability to evaluate investment performance, conduct cash flow modeling, and assess financial risks;

• Proficiency in analyzing property documents, financial statements, and market data to extract meaningful insights;

• Excellent knowledge of real estate valuation methods, including discounted cash flow analysis,

comparable sales, and income capitalization approaches;
• Familiarity with relevant industry software and tools for financial modeling, market research, and data analysis;

• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to identify potential risks and opportunities through meticulous review and analysis;

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely to stakeholders;

• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, while managing multiple projects simultaneously;

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically to address complex due diligence challenges;

• Experience reviewing and summarizing commercial real estate leases, property condition reports and environmental reports;

• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.