Portfolio Manager BELF in London

At Barings, we are as invested in our associates as we are in our clients. We recognise those who work diligently for us and reward them for personal and professional integrity, communication skills, distinct competencies and expertise in specific strategies, ability to collaborate as a team member and true dedication to the interests of our clients.

Overall Purpose of Role

Reports to the Head of Portfolio Management Europe Real Estate and is responsible for the launch and management of the Barings European Living Fund, including oversight of strategy, development and the execution of all aspects of the day-to-day management of the fund to ensure the delivery of returns in excess of the fund’s target. The individual must actively foster and maintain key relationships with the European Businesses' largest clients, which involves regular collaborations with Executive Management, Product Management, Distribution, Research and Strategy as well as execution teams in each country.

Key Accountabilities

• Exceptional reputation and demonstrable track record over a minimum of 12 years of experience in working in a relevant role, preferably within a transactional or portfolio management role at a Pan-European fund manager, private equity house or advisory firm.
• Helping to create an investment strategy to take advantage of current market conditions to deliver high risk adjusted returns and be able to effectively communicate the strategy internally and externally.
• Assessing potential new acquisitions from country transaction teams on their merits within the portfolio, being able to quickly analyse business plan strategy and financial models.
• Work with country transaction teams to progress deals through bids and due diligence, co-ordinating internal investment committee processes.
• Co-ordinate country asset management teams and third party operating partners to ensure successful execution of asset business plans.
• Work closely with fund analysts on fund models to ensure accuracy, carry out scenario testing and to summarise and communicate findings.
• Track and analyse key portfolio metrics and performance.
• Co-ordinate quarterly valuation process with external valuers and local asset management teams.
• Manage external client reporting and internal quarterly reporting, communicating with investment committees when required.
• Work with internal product management team with the creation of fund documentation and regular updates to marketing material.
• Be part of the client facing team, presenting updates to existing clients and pitching to prospective investors.
• Play an active part within the wider real estate team, contributing to a collaborative culture.
• Maintain fluency in macro and micro trends that will influence the industry in order to be a key contributor to the development of the Firm’s House View/Relative Value and Preferred Strategies.
• Manage and collaborate with Portfolio Managers and clients to leverage the Firm’s view in the development of investment strategies and appetites/portfolios.
• Communicate the team’s investment philosophies and processes and ensure consistent application across the globe.
• Provide thought leadership in Real Estate Equity.
• Attract and retain the highest calibre professionals.
• Uphold fiduciary responsibilities to the highest standard at all times, including active participation in regular Investment Committees.

Person Specification (Skills, Experience and Knowledge Requirements):

• Significant experience in the European Living sector and across jurisdictions.
• Must have direct transactional experience and, as a minimum, an understanding of asset management and development strategies.
• Strong written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with clients, prospective clients, senior management and staff.
• Proven ability to formulate strategy, develop products and raise third party capital.
• Strong leader and absolute team player with a desire to mentor younger members of the team.
• Educated to degree level with a qualification in real estate / finance related discipline preferred.
• Understanding of portfolio and risk management.
• Understanding of optimal tax structures across a variety of jurisdictions.
• Must be highly numerate with excellent financial modelling skills.
• Must be fluent in English with excellent written English; additional languages an advantage.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Expected to have a wide network of market contacts.
• Must have an availability to travel regularly.
• Established relationships in target markets and a thorough knowledge of all real estate markets, namely in the Living sector in Continental Europe and the UK.
• Ability to identify risk in new and/or existing transactions and effectively develop and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers.