Assistant Acquisition Manager - Canada Life Limited

Canada Life Asset Management manages over £41.9bn in fixed income, global equities, UK property and multi-asset solutions. Our investment options are designed to support our investors and their clients in meeting their long-term objectives.

Our solutions

Each of our offerings has been built for a purpose, whether it sits at the core of a portfolio to provide long-term growth or to offer access into a specific global market. Our 40-year plus history as asset managers means we have the expertise to provide high quality multi-asset and risk-profiled solutions as well as attractive equity, fixed income, alternative funds, and real estate finance.

Our heritage

Our parent company, Great-West Lifeco, is a financially strong and stable global organisation, with total assets under administration of £1,800bn and approximately 33,250 employees worldwide, as at 31 December 2024. We also have more than 31 million customers worldwide. As the oldest Canadian life assurance company, Great-West Lifeco's foundations trace back to 1847 – meaning we've been helping our customers plan for the future for more than 170 years.

Our team

Canada Life Asset Management has over 100 colleagues and includes more than 50 experienced investment professionals, with almost 20 years' average industry experience and ten years' average tenure at Canada Life Asset Management (CLAM). We are seeking an Assistant Acquisition Manager to join the property team within CLAM, based in the firm's London office.

Job Summary

• Responsible for supporting the Property Acquisition Manager in all aspects of identifying, evaluating and acquiring real estate assets, including market research, due diligence, contract negotiation, and closing processes, while managing administrative tasks to ensure smooth operations within the acquisition team.
• Work closely with Property Acquisition Manager and Fund Manager to agree fund strategies.
• To undertake due diligence and complete direct real estate acquisitions, ground rents and finance lease transactions to meet agreed annual new business investment volume targets.

What You'll Do

Financial Analysis

• Assist in developing financial models to evaluate potential returns on investment for property acquisitions
• Analyse property valuations and identify potential risks and opportunities
• Liaise with internal credit team to assist with developing credit rating for counter parties/structures

Market research

• Assist in identifying potential acquisition targets through market analysis, property listings, and networking with agents.
• Compile data on comparable transactions and market trends to inform valuation and investment decisions.

Due diligence

• Conduct initial property inspections and gather necessary documents including property surveys, title reports and environmental assessments.
• Coordinate with legal counsel, engineers, and other relevant consultants/advisors to complete the technical review of legal and property due diligence processes in accordance with investment policies, procedures and approvals for final completion sign off by the Head of UK Property.
• Analyse financial statements and lease agreements to evaluate property viability.

Contract negotiation

• Prepare and review purchase agreements, including terms and conditions, price negotiations and closing dates.
• Assist in managing communication with sellers, agents, legal teams and other advisors throughout the negotiation phase.

Administrative Support

• Maintain comprehensive property acquisition files, including property data, documents and correspondence.
• Monitor the market and contribute to the maintenance of a database of transactions.
• Track acquisition timelines, deadlines and key milestones.
• Prepare presentations and reports for approval on potential acquisitions.

Working closely with investment, actuarial and financial reporting teams to agree income cash flows; and credit and risk compliance teams to manage transactional risk.

Actively contribute to team discussions on the economy, investment and occupational property markets and market forecasting.

Participate in monthly and quarterly valuation review meetings with the fund's independent external valuers, providing commentary and challenge to the basis of value and valuation figures where necessary.

Who You Are

• Demonstrable track record of assisting in transactional activity in the property market with a minimum of 3-5 years post qualification experience.
• Ability to develop a market presence through building trusted working relationships within a wide range of market and agency contacts.
• Strong computer and cash flow analytical skills to evaluate property data, market trends and financial projections.
• Technical skills – proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, real estate database software and financial modelling tools.
• Good communication and presentation skills to interact with internal and external stakeholders.
• Self-motivated and ability to work independently and as part of a team. A strong work ethic, integrity and drive are essential qualities. .
• Detail oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.

Qualifications

• Degree in Real Estate (desirable) or a degree in a numerate subject such as Finance or Business Administration
• Associate member of the RICS (desired) or other professional qualifications (CFA, accountancy) preferred

Benefits of working at Canada Life

We believe in recognising and rewarding our people, so we offer a competitive salary and benefits package that's regularly reviewed. As a Canada Life UK colleague, you'll receive a competitive salary and comprehensive reward package including a generous pension and bonus scheme, along with, income protection, private medical insurance and life assurance. We have a fantastic number of other benefits and support services as well as regular personal and professional development.

How we work at Canada Life

Our culture is unique and incredibly important to us. We care about doing the right thing for our people, customers and community and helping others to build better futures. Our blueprint behaviours shape and influence how we work, and are central to the relationships we have with others. Every day we are encouraged to be more curious, own the outcome, face into things together and find a way forward.

We want colleagues to have rewarding careers with us so we invest in the development of our people, technology and workplaces. That's why we offer a range of training, flexible working and opportunities to grow and develop.

Diversity and inclusion

Building an inclusive workplace with a diverse workforce where everyone can feel they belong and achieve their potential regardless of gender, ethnicity or any other characteristic is a key commitment for us. We are proud of the progress we're making in DEI, and we continue for it to be a significant focus.

"At Canada Life we believe in the power of great people from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives coming together to build better futures. Emerging talent is crucial to our growth and creating an environment that continues to inspire us all." Nick Harding, Chief People Officer, Canada Life UK

We appreciate that everyone has different work and life responsibilities. We're happy to discuss flexible working arrangements