Lending Associate,

Lending Associate,

Full-Time 37800 - 46200 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Lending team to support property finance transactions from start to finish.
  • Company: Puma Property Finance, a leading investment manager in the UK property sector.
  • Benefits: Inclusive workplace, growth opportunities, and a chance to work with top investors.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
  • Why this job: Be part of exciting projects that shape the future of real estate finance.
  • Qualifications: Experience in real estate finance and strong analytical skills are a plus.

The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.

Puma Property Finance are looking for two Associate’s to join our Lending team in London. Puma Property Finance facilitates development loans from £10 million to £100 million to finance residential, commercial and specialist sector projects such as hotels, student accommodation and care homes. We have provided over £2bn of funding to property developments since inception and continue to grow both our retail and institutional capital sources.

This is an opportunity for proactive, ambitious and commercial individuals to join our Lending team as an Associate. The Lending team has responsibility for the entire lifecycle of property finance transactions, from initial sourcing to final repayment. This role supports the origination, structuring, underwriting, and management of real estate development loans. The role collaborates closely on investment opportunities, and contributes to high quality credit analysis and execution.

Role Responsibilities:
  • Support origination activity, including target mapping and early‑stage opportunity assessment
  • Assist with reviewing information memoranda for lending opportunities
  • Build and maintain cashflow models to evaluate development lending transactions
  • Participate in deal structuring discussions, providing analytical and commercial input
  • Conduct borrower, sector, and project research to inform underwriting decisions
  • Support with the preparation of internal credit papers for approval processes
  • Coordinate transaction execution with external professionals, including valuers and project monitors
  • Liaise with borrowers to progress KYC, information requests, and closing conditions
  • Conduct loan monitoring activities, including reviewing project monitor reports
  • Complete internal reporting using proprietary systems and support portfolio oversight
  • Attend site visits to understand project progress and risk considerations
  • Maintain up-to-date market intelligence, through news monitoring, research and event attendance
Experience Required:
  • Experience in real‑estate finance, development finance, debt advisory, or related investment fields
  • Knowledge of real‑estate development processes and financial modelling fundamentals
  • Ability to interpret development appraisals, project information memoranda, and borrower materials
  • Experience contributing to credit papers or investment committee materials
  • Analytical capability to assess complex documentation from both a legal and commercial perspective
  • Familiarity with coordination of external professionals such as valuers and project monitors
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver high‑quality outputs within agreed timelines, balancing need for accuracy with pace of work
  • Clear and concise communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Collaborative working style, with willingness to support colleagues and share insights
  • Curiosity to learn about specialist sectors
  • Proficiency in Excel (financial modelling) and comfort working with new internal systems
Personal Attributes:
  • Kind
  • Values-driven
  • Adaptable and willing to get stuck into whatever needs doing
  • Depth of character and gravitas but operating with humility
  • The drive and attitude to excel in a high-performing fast-paced environment whilst maintaining high levels of integrity
  • Energy, dynamism, and passion for complex business challenge
  • Organised, rigorous and disciplined
  • Pragmatic and practical
  • Proactive thinker with detail-oriented and creative approach to problem solving
  • Able to express complex issues succinctly and clearly in a digestible format

About Us: Founded in 2012, Puma Capital Group is an award‑winning investment manager operating within the tax efficient space and is a leading provider of growth capital to UK SMEs and property finance to developers and real estate investors. The Puma Capital Group comprises four businesses focused on delivering long-term sustainable growth for our investors and partners. Collectively the Group has over £1 billion in assets under management, supports over 14,000 investors, and has funded over £2 billion in property developments across the UK.

We are proud to have assisted dozens of businesses across the UK elevate and build to deliver on their brilliant ideas. At Puma, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, family or parental status, national origin, veteran status, neurodiversity, or disability status.

Importantly, research shows that men typically apply for roles when around 60% of the criteria is met, however, women and other underrepresented people often only apply when they tick every box. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily meet every single point outlined in the role description, please do still get in touch – we would love to hear from you!

Lending Associate, employer: Puma Property Finance

Puma Property Finance is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the thriving real estate finance sector. Our commitment to delivering compliant outcomes in complex transactions ensures that you will be part of a team that values excellence and integrity, making your work both meaningful and rewarding.

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Contact Details:

Puma Property Finance Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lending Associate,

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 Puma Property Finance. 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 Lending Associate,

Real-Estate Finance
Development Finance
Debt Advisory
Financial Modelling
Credit Analysis
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills

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 Puma Property Finance.

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 Puma Property Finance'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 Puma Property Finance

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 Puma Property Finance.

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 Puma Property Finance 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 Puma Property Finance 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.