Director Student Accommodation

Our small Canadian‑born business was founded in 1978 and has become a global organization that now spans 120 locations across 20 countries. Our expansion has been rapid, but what matters most is the common belief that drives all 5,000 of our people to be a different type of real estate organization. We believe that the places in which we live, work and play have the power to make us happier and healthier, and we are united by a shared sense of purpose, to have a positive impact on people’s lives. In short, we are a global commercial real estate advisory firm with a simple aim for real estate to play a leading role in creating vibrant buildings, cities and places that deliver long‑lasting social value and economic impact.

We believe that our industry is changing, and we want our business to be a melting pot of curious minds, passionate hearts and strategic intelligence. Your gender, religion and race are all highly respected, but are less important to us than your ability to step up and change the game. We provide you with a place where you can do just that, with like‑minded people. Collaboration is embedded in the way we work – our people have the autonomy to collaborate on client relationships, engage teams across the business, lead operations, work collectively on projects, participate in strategy and are ultimately responsible for our growth. Our distinctive Principal‑led, privately‑owned model puts us in the enviable position of being able to offer every employee the opportunity to own a share of our business and inspires and allows anyone to become a Principal. This role carries voting rights, so our people have a very real say in the future direction and operation of our business. This means that we are able to attract, engage and retain the best talent from the industry.

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Director to join our Student Accommodation Investment team. The successful candidate will lead on sourcing, structuring, and executing investment transactions in the UK and European student housing sector, as well as developing and maintaining client relationships with institutional investors, operators, and developers. This is a senior leadership role requiring deep sector knowledge, proven deal‑making ability, and the capacity to contribute to the continued growth of Avison Young’s alternatives platform.

• Lead the acquisition, disposal, and structuring of student accommodation investment opportunities on behalf of institutional and private clients.
• Originate new mandates, foster client relationships, and contribute to growing Avison Young’s profile in the student housing sector.
• Oversee the preparation and review of financial models, investment appraisals, and underwriting assumptions.
• Provide strategic advice to investors, developers, and operators on market trends, funding structures, and portfolio strategies.
• Manage full due diligence processes including financial, legal, technical, and operational reviews.
• Monitor and report on student accommodation trends, supply/demand dynamics, planning policy, and investor sentiment.
• Manage and mentor junior team members, ensuring high‑quality outputs and professional development.
• Work closely with colleagues across Capital Markets, Valuation, Planning, and Development Consultancy to deliver integrated solutions for clients.
• Ensure all advice and transactions meet regulatory, risk, and sustainability requirements.

• 8+ years’ experience in real estate investment, with a strong track record in student accommodation or alternative residential sectors.
• Proven ability to originate, structure, and close complex investment transactions.
• Strong knowledge of UK and European student housing markets, including key demand drivers and development pipeline.
• Excellent financial modelling and appraisal skills; ability to challenge and validate assumptions.
• Established network of investors, operators, and developers active in the sector.
• Strong negotiation and client‑facing skills.
• Degree in Real Estate, Finance, Economics, or related discipline (postgraduate qualification preferred).
• Professional accreditation (MRICS, CFA, or equivalent) desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with experience managing and mentoring teams.

• Commercially minded and entrepreneurial, with the ability to identify and convert new business opportunities.
• Highly analytical and detail‑oriented, while capable of strategic and creative thinking.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills with the confidence to engage senior stakeholders.
• Collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively across multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Motivated, resilient, and adaptable in a dynamic market environment.

Empowers all our employees to thrive. Reflects all backgrounds and talents. Allows individuals to be successful and feel a sense of belonging. Fosters a workplace that is supported, inclusive and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

Avison Young is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to treating all its employees and job applicants equitably. This includes implementing deliberate strategies that advance underrepresented communities in commercial real estate careers. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to removing any obstacles to inclusion. If you need any adjustments to support your application or any part of the recruitment process, such as information in alternative formats or special requirements to access our buildings, or you are eligible under the Disability Confident Scheme please contact us at careers.uk@avisonyoung.com. We are committed to inclusion in our hiring processes, and we want to give everyone a chance to show what they can bring to our organisation. If you are not sure that you have all the skills in the person specification, please still apply. We value passion and potential in our employees, so it would be great to hear from you and why you would suit this position. Some of our roles may be remote and some roles may be specific to our offices, but you will need to confirm you have the right to work in the UK.