At a Glance
- Tasks: Support senior team in real estate lending, analyse investment opportunities, and manage client relationships.
- Company: Join Downing, a certified B Corp focused on impactful investments for communities and the environment.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in a collaborative team with a strong track record in commercial real estate.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and learning in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference while developing your skills in a dynamic and evolving market.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years in real estate finance or similar, with strong Excel and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Downing is dedicated to delivering investments that matter - for our economy, our health, our society, our local communities and our environment. For 40 years, our highly experienced team and our entrepreneurial spirit has driven us to seek out long-term and unique opportunities that solve challenges faced by investors, companies and society. As a certified B Corp, we take our responsibilities, to our investors, our stakeholders and society, seriously. We invest for return while always considering our impact on the world.
About the team: Downing’s Commercial Real Estate Lending strategy targets loans to high quality Sponsors across asset classes including healthcare, logistics, hospitality, offices and alternative sectors across the UK. We support acquisitions, bridging, development, refurbishment and other repositioning business plans. Across its Private Credit strategies, Downing has committed over £1.5bn to borrowers, building deep relationships and a track record of success.
Role and responsibilities: This position offers direct exposure to origination, underwriting, execution and portfolio management. You will join a collaborative and entrepreneurial team within an established institutional platform and gain first-hand experience and expertise in a rapidly evolving market.
- Key Responsibilities
- Origination and Relationship Management
- Support senior investment team members in originating and filtering Commercial Real Estate Lending opportunities
- Make and maintain relationships with Sponsor clients
- Transaction Analysis and Structuring
- Analyse and structure investment opportunities across a range of return profiles, asset classes and capital structures
- Assess commerciality of sponsor business plans and asset-level performance including analysis of comparable transactional and other relevant data
- Build detailed financial models including downside, sensitivity and scenario analysis based on comparable transactional data and results of wider due diligence
- Coordinate due diligence processes and lead analysis of results
- Manage third-party advisory workstreams including legal, valuation, technical and environmental
- Prepare credit papers, investment memoranda and other presentations, accurately and concisely summarising results of Transaction Analysis, Financial Modelling and Due Diligence
- Assist in negotiation of legal documents, execution and closing processes ensuring accurate and timely closing of transactions
- Monitor investment performance and maintain Sponsor client relationships
- Support transaction booking and ongoing portfolio management reporting
Education, experience and skills
- Experience and Education
- Target 2-4 years’ front of house experience in real estate finance, structured credit, or investment banking. Backgrounds in other comparable finance roles will be considered for exceptional candidates
- Consistently high academic performance with degree level qualification from a well-regarded university or equivalent academic institution
- Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Excel to build and maintain detailed financial models
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English, able to prepare high-quality and error free investment memoranda, presentations and professional correspondence
- Comfortable using AI tools (e.g. Claude, Copilot) to improve efficiency in research, analysis and communication
- Personal Attributes
- Intellectual curiosity and commitment to excellence
- Keen sense of responsibility, professional integrity and fiduciary awareness
- Self-motivated and collaborative
Further information: All candidates must be eligible to work in the UK or have a working visa. We endeavour to reply to all individual applicants and will provide feedback for any candidates that reach the interview stage. Please note, we are committed to sourcing candidates directly and as such we do not accept speculative CVs from agencies.
Associate, Commercial Real Estate Lending employer: Downing
Downing is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to continuous professional development opportunities while working alongside a dedicated team committed to regulatory excellence. The company's focus on innovation and compliance ensures that you will play a vital role in shaping the future of financial services, making your work both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate, Commercial Real Estate Lending
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Downing. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate, Commercial Real Estate Lending
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Downing.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Downing's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Downing
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Downing.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Downing will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Downing employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
