At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships in real estate lending and drive deal flow through networking.
- Company: Join a boutique UK-based lender making waves in the real estate finance sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a hybrid work model.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-growth platform with direct exposure to senior leadership and a dynamic culture.
- Qualifications: 4-6 years in real estate lending with a strong network and entrepreneurial mindset required.
- Other info: All applications are treated confidentially.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Role: Origination – Strategic Partnerships Director
Location: London | Hybrid
Sector: Real Estate Lending / Structured Credit
Our client is a boutique UK-based real estate lender seeking a driven, network-oriented Origination Lead to spearhead strategic partnerships across institutional, banking, and alternative credit platforms. This is an outstanding opportunity for a commercially sharp business developer with a strong network in real estate finance. You’ll play a pivotal role in generating deal flow via co-lending, syndication, referral, and club-deal partnerships — helping scale capital deployment through intelligent relationship-led sourcing.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and manage relationships with UK, European, and US-based financial institutions including banks, alternative lenders, funds, and platforms
- Identify and convert partnership-led opportunities into actionable leads
- Represent the firm at events, roundtables and industry functions — growing brand visibility
- Collaborate with credit, origination, and capital markets teams to drive execution
- Contribute to content and insights that position the firm as a thought leader
- Stay ahead of market movements and partner activity to inform strategy
Ideal Experience
- 4–6 years’ experience in real estate lending, capital markets, or institutional credit origination
- Existing network across lenders, banks, brokers, and alternative platforms
- High EQ and strong interpersonal presence — a natural relationship builder
- Solid understanding of UK mid-market real estate debt landscape
- Proven track record in sourcing via partnerships and institutional channels
- Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset
What’s On Offer
- Competitive base salary + performance-related bonus
- Direct exposure to senior leadership, credit, and capital markets functions
- High-growth platform with real capital and ambitious plans
- Collaborative and dynamic culture, well-networked in the market
All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.
Director of Strategic Partnerships employer: CRS
Contact Detail:
CRS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Strategic Partnerships
✨Tip Number 1
Leverage your existing network in real estate finance to connect with potential partners. Reach out to former colleagues, industry contacts, and attend networking events to expand your connections further.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on market trends and movements in the real estate lending sector. This knowledge will not only help you identify potential partnership opportunities but also position you as a thought leader during discussions with prospective partners.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your previous successes in sourcing partnerships. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've built relationships that led to successful deals, as this will demonstrate your capability to drive results in the new role.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with industry events, roundtables, and conferences where you can represent the firm and grow its visibility. This will not only enhance your personal brand but also create opportunities for meaningful connections with key players in the market.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Strategic Partnerships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in real estate lending and strategic partnerships. Emphasise your existing network and any successful deals you've been involved in.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the real estate finance landscape. Mention specific examples of how you've built relationships and generated deal flow in previous roles.
Highlight Your Network: In your application, clearly outline your connections within the UK, European, and US financial institutions. This will demonstrate your ability to leverage relationships for partnership opportunities.
Showcase Your Thought Leadership: If you have contributed to industry insights or content, mention this in your application. It shows that you are proactive and engaged with market movements, aligning with the firm's goal of being a thought leader.
How to prepare for a job interview at CRS
✨Showcase Your Network
As a Director of Strategic Partnerships, your network is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your existing relationships with financial institutions and how they can benefit the company. Highlight specific examples of successful partnerships you've built in the past.
✨Demonstrate Market Knowledge
Stay informed about the latest trends in real estate lending and capital markets. During the interview, share insights on current market movements and how they could impact strategic partnerships. This will show your potential employer that you are proactive and knowledgeable.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building Skills
Your ability to build and maintain relationships is key for this role. Prepare to discuss your interpersonal skills and provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex relationship dynamics in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Think about past experiences where you've had to identify and convert partnership opportunities into actionable leads, and be ready to share those stories.