About this role

Brief description of where the role rests within the group and possibly who it reports to:

The BlackRock Real Estate Debt Group seeks an Associate level candidate in its London office. The successful candidate will play a critical role in the investment process, assisting deal teams in the assessment of commercial real estate financing opportunities across core, core plus and value add projects throughout Europe. 

The successful candidate will report to the Head of European Real Estate Debt.

Responsibilities:

The candidate will be part of the European Real Estate Debt team, investing across various debt capital structures secured by commercial real estate properties across Europe.  The candidate will work on all major asset types, including multifamily, industrial, hospitality, retail and offices. The candidate will lead the due diligence process and assist in the credit underwriting of loan originations. 

The candidate will have the lead role in the preparation of cash flow models and investment materials presented to senior management and the investment committee. The candidate will work closely with the deal loan originator throughout the investment process and also work with external advisors to structure and manage the closing process of loans. Further, the candidate will also continue to be part of the team monitoring the performance of the investment post close. 

Key responsibilities:

• Analyze historical operating performance and tenancy information to identify and communicate potential risks and cash flow disruptions.

• Model cash flows in proprietary Excel models to assess loan covenants, valuations, and various loan structures.

• Perform independent market research to evaluate the feasibility of the Sponsor’s business plan.

• Review loan documents and identify issues with loan structure.

• Review Property Due Diligence reports to identify issues and address risk mitigants.

• Work with external advisors and internal teams to manage the loan closing.

• Assess credit worthiness and capabilities of borrowers and tenants.

• Prepare detailed investment presentations for investment committee consideration.

• Perform site visits to understand the physical characteristics of the respective property and related competitive advantages it offers.

• Interface with borrowers, banks, and brokerage community.

• Provide support at investment committee presentations.

• Assist with asset management; and/or portfolio management functions as required.

Qualifications:

Candidates must have excellent analytical and communication skills (written and verbal), a strong work ethic, and ability to manage multiple deals simultaneously. The ideal candidate will have the following skills and qualifications:

• Bachelor degree or higher in a business related field, preferably finance or real estate.

• Three to four years of experience in commercial real estate financing in Europe.

• Proficiency in at least one additional European language preferred.

• Proficiency in MS suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) as well as market research services.

• Ability to create financial models across multiple asset classes.

• Ability to prepare written materials for investment committee submission and for key external stakeholder communication.

• Excellent presentation, listening, reading comprehension, and written communication skills.

• Exceptional organizational skills, with an attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Ability to complete complex tasks within deadlines and with minimum supervision.

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.