At a Glance
- Tasks: Take ownership of Living/Student Accommodation assets and drive performance through strategic planning.
- Company: Highly regarded global real estate investment manager with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible title, competitive compensation, and exposure to UK and European assets.
- Why this job: Gain genuine responsibility and work closely with experienced leaders in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years in real estate asset management, strong financial skills, and excellent relationship-building.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and impactful contributions in a thriving sector.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are working with a highly regarded global real estate investment manager that has recently evolved its European platform, creating a dedicated Asset Management function to sit alongside its investment teams. As part of this evolution, the firm is hiring an Associate or Senior Associate to take meaningful responsibility across a growing Living / Student Accommodation portfolio in the UK and Europe. This is a rare opportunity to step into a hands-on, ownership-driven asset management role, working closely with a highly experienced leadership team and best-in-class operating partners.
The successful candidate will take day-to-day responsibility for a number of Living platforms, with a particular focus on Value Add and Core Plus and include:
- A large Scandinavian student accommodation portfolio (c. 90 assets, 2,000 beds)
- A UK PBSA portfolio of c. 600 beds across multiple assets, currently undergoing operational improvement and stabilisation
You will be responsible for driving performance through detailed business planning, close oversight of operating partners, and proactive engagement with internal stakeholders and investors. Key responsibilities include:
- Full asset-level ownership of assigned Living / PBSA investments
- Writing and executing detailed business plans, including leasing, operational improvement and value-add initiatives
- Developing and overseeing CapEx strategies and delivery
- Actively managing operating partners, including performance management and alignment with asset strategies
- Monitoring financial performance, budgets and forecasts; updating models and projections
- Supporting stabilisation strategies and longer-term value creation
- Preparing and presenting investment updates and performance analysis internally
- Liaising with investors and joint-venture partners on assigned platforms
- Regular site visits across the UK and Europe
This role will suit someone who enjoys responsibility, problem-solving and working closely with operators, and who is comfortable having robust, sometimes challenging conversations in a constructive way. You are likely to have:
- 5-7 years’ transferable experience in real estate asset management, ideally within PBSA, Living or residential strategies
- Experience gained within a real estate private equity firm, investment manager, or a high-quality operator
- Strong financial and numerical capability, including budgeting, forecasting and model interrogation
- A track record of improving asset performance through active management
- Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
- Confidence dealing with operating partners and external advisers
- A proactive, commercially minded approach with strong attention to detail
- Backgrounds from institutional Living investors, specialist student accommodation platforms, or well-regarded investment managers will be particularly well received.
Genuine platform-level responsibility, not a siloed role. Exposure to both UK and European assets. Opportunity to work closely with a senior leadership team with a strong institutional pedigree. High-quality operating partners already in place. A business that values judgement, initiative and long-term thinking.
The firm is flexible on title (Associate / Senior Associate) and is focused on finding the right calibre of individual.
Senior Associate, Asset Manager - Living / PBSA Markets employer: Madison Berkeley
Contact Detail:
Madison Berkeley Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate, Asset Manager - Living / PBSA Markets
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its portfolio. We want to see you shine, so come armed with insights about their Living and PBSA markets. Show them you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll need to articulate your experience and how it aligns with their needs. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror until you feel confident and natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you top of mind. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate, Asset Manager - Living / PBSA Markets
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Asset Management: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for asset management shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the Living and PBSA markets, so share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your passion.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in real estate asset management, especially within PBSA or Living strategies. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the important stuff without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Madison Berkeley
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the Living and PBSA markets. Familiarise yourself with the firm's current assets, especially the Scandinavian student accommodation portfolio and the UK PBSA portfolio. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your genuine interest and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Since the role requires strong financial capabilities, be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and model interrogation. Prepare examples of how you've improved asset performance through active management, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
This position involves liaising with various stakeholders, so highlight your relationship-building skills. Share specific instances where you successfully managed operating partners or investors, showcasing your ability to have constructive conversations even in challenging situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making process. Think of scenarios where you've had to drive performance or implement operational improvements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.