Real Estate Advisory Director in London

At Grant Thornton we do things differently - looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. And we empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work life balance.

With over 5,000 people in the UK, and a presence in 150 global markets, we’re on an ambitious journey, from great to exceptional, and we need the best people to help us achieve our potential. And with that comes the opportunity to help redefine what our industry looks like, and what you want from your career.

A look into the role:

As a Director, you will originate and lead real estate advisory mandates, including debt/equity capital raising, refinancing, structured finance and special situations. You will manage client relationships, drive transaction execution, and contribute to the strategic growth of our practice. While UK-focused, the role offers significant exposure to international opportunities through our global network.

Key Responsibilities:

• Origination & Business Development: Build and leverage networks to originate new mandates; lead pitches and proposals; develop strategic relationships with sponsors, lenders and investors.
• Transaction Leadership: Oversee structuring, negotiation and execution of complex debt and equity financings across development, investment and refinancing scenarios.
• Strategic Advisory: Advise clients on capital structure, financing options and market trends; provide bespoke solutions for senior, mezzanine and structured finance.
• Stakeholder Management: Act as primary contact for clients and lenders; manage negotiations and ensure smooth transaction processes.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor junior colleagues; ensure high-quality deliverables and foster collaboration across service lines.
• External Visibility: Contribute to thought leadership, product innovation and cross-border collaboration; represent the firm at key industry events.

Knowing you’re right for us:

We’ve set ambitious growth targets for the firm, and we need the right people to help us achieve these. We’re looking for people who will bring ambition and drive to their role. In changing markets, we need to be able to work at pace and be adaptable to change and to be curious, asking questions of ourselves, each other and our clients to ensure we are delivering the services and quality we expect.

Joining us as a Director, you’ll need the following experience:

• Degree qualified (finance, economics, real estate or related discipline).
• Professional qualification strongly preferred: ACA, ACCA, CFA or RICS.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in real estate finance/advisory (debt advisory, corporate finance, restructuring or capital markets).
• Proven track record in origination and execution of complex transactions.
• Strong technical skills in financial modelling and analysis; excellent negotiation and communication abilities.
• Established network of lender and sponsor relationships.

Knowing we’re right for you:

The culture at Grant Thornton is what sets us apart, we’re known for our inclusive culture and creating environments where all our people can flourish. The things that set you apart, we value them, and this helps us all to perform at our best. Our values are the unwavering principles that shape our daily behaviours and decisions, alongside our drive to do the right thing. We’re looking for people who align with our values and are purposefully driven, actively curious and candid but kind.

It’s not just about our culture and values, in addition to a competitive salary and reward package, you’ll also get:

• Tailored development programmes and access to coaching.
• Flexible bank holidays – allowing you to celebrate the days that are important to you.
• Benefits including pension, life assurance and private medical, additional holiday purchasing and health benefits.
• Any benefits giving you access to shopping discounts, gym memberships, financial advice.
• And more.

How we work:

We have a trust-based way of working, driven by responsible people who have the best interests of our firm and our clients at heart. Our how we work framework gives flexibility in where, how, and when we work to deliver the best results for our clients, whilst helping you keep a balance between work and life. Life is more than work, the things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter, that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles.

We’re looking for people who can help drive the business forward, who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves.