At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hotel capital markets transactions and develop key client relationships across EMEA.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Walker & Dunlop, a leader in hospitality investment.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive pay, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with social activities to foster connections among employees.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact in a rapidly growing organisation with exciting career advancement opportunities.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in commercial real estate or hospitality capital markets; strong networking skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
- Department
- EMEA Capital Markets
- Department Overview
Our EMEA experts deliver exceptional debt and equity solutions across the commercial real estate spectrum, combining deep capital markets expertise with local EMEA real estate knowledge to maximise returns and minimise risk for our clients.
Walker & Dunlop's EMEA Hotels Investment & Sales practice provides institutional‑grade hotel brokerage, sell‑side advisory, debt and equity placement, and M&A services across the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, and the broader EMEA region.
With a focus on single‑asset and portfolio transactions in the £70‑500m range, our team connects institutional investors, private equity, sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and owner‑operators with the capital and counterparties that drive exceptional outcomes.
Through our unified approach, we serve the full hospitality spectrum while leveraging Walker & Dunlop's extensive global capital network, proprietary technology, and transaction expertise to maximise value for our clients.
The Impact You Will Have
Join a rapidly growing team as Director within Walker & Dunlop's EMEA Hotels Investment & Sales practice in London.
The Director is a leadership role responsible for originating and executing hotel capital markets transactions across the UK and EMEA.
Working closely with the Managing Director, the Director will lead client engagements, transaction execution, investor outreach, underwriting, and business development efforts while mentoring junior professionals and helping drive the continued growth of the platform.
In a lean, high‑performing team, your execution quality and commercial instincts will be visible from day one.
- Primary Responsibilities
- Identify, pursue, and originate new business opportunities across hotel investment sales, debt advisory, equity placement, recapitalizations, and M&A assignments.
- Develop and maintain senior‑level relationships with hotel owners, operators, institutional investors, private equity firms, lenders, family offices, and other key market participants throughout EMEA.
- Lead transaction execution from mandate through closing, including underwriting, due diligence coordination, investor marketing, negotiation support, and completion processes.
- Oversee the preparation and presentation of pitch materials, investment memoranda, financing memoranda, financial models, market analyses, and transaction recommendations.
- Analyze acquisition, disposition, refinancing, recapitalization, and strategic alternatives for clients across a range of hospitality assets and portfolios.
- Lead investor and lender outreach processes, coordinating targeted marketing campaigns and managing stakeholder communications throughout transactions.
- Evaluate market trends, capital flows, operating performance metrics, and investment opportunities within the hospitality sector to provide strategic advice to clients.
- Work closely with the Managing Director to develop business plans, market coverage strategies, and revenue growth initiatives for the EMEA Hotels platform.
- Manage multiple active mandates simultaneously while maintaining exceptional quality standards and client service.
- Lead, mentor, and develop Associate Directors, Senior Analysts, Analysts, and other junior team members.
- Coordinate staffing and resource allocation across transactions, ensuring efficient execution and professional development opportunities for team members.
- Contribute to thought leadership, industry visibility, and Walker & Dunlop brand development through conferences, client meetings, and market engagement.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- The Company’s core working hours are 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time, Monday through Friday with in‑office attendance required, and actual hours worked generally totaling 40 each week.
Education And Experience
- Bachelor's degree required; preference for finance, real estate, economics, hospitality, or related disciplines.
- 7+ years of commercial real estate and/or hospitality capital markets experience.
- Demonstrated experience in hotel investment sales, hospitality advisory, debt placement, equity raising, investment banking, or related capital markets disciplines.
- Proven track record of managing and executing complex hospitality transactions.
- Existing network of hospitality investors, owners, lenders, operators, and capital providers within the UK and broader EMEA market strongly preferred.
- Experience leading client relationships and participating in business development initiatives.
- CFA, MRICS, CCIM, or equivalent professional designation preferred.
- Additional European language skills (French, German, Spanish, Italian, or others) are advantageous.
- Eligible to work in the United Kingdom.
- Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- Possess a working knowledge of hotel transaction processes including due diligence, legal documentation, and closing procedures.
- Excellent financial modelling skills including thorough knowledge of Excel; ARGUS a plus.
- Strong technical understanding of hotel P‘Ls, operating performance metrics (Rev PAR, EBITDA, GOP), and valuation methodologies including DCF and yield‑based approaches.
- Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Power Point; ability to learn Salesforce and other company software as needed.
- Proven written and oral communication skills; capable of producing client‑ready pitch materials and investment memoranda with limited supervision.
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills, with the ability to accurately manage multiple mandates during time‑sensitive situations.
- Ability to show ownership of your work, take on challenges, acknowledge growth opportunities, and demonstrate patience when learning new processes.
- Courtesy, respect, and thoughtfulness in teaming with colleagues and other stakeholders.
What We Offer
- You will have the opportunity to accelerate in our rapidly growing organization.
- We’re a lean team, so your impact will be felt immediately.
- Flexible working hours, career advancement, and competitive compensation package.
- We arrange social activities to help our employees and families become familiar with each other and our culture.
- In addition to other benefits, we offer supplemental health insurance, a pension plan, and 100 % complimentary and confidential mental health services.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
We are committed to equity in all steps of the recruitment and employment experience.
We believe in equal access to opportunities in our workplace.
We do not tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on any characteristic protected by applicable law, such as race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, sex, age, disability, veteran or military status, and genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
We strive to be a safe place to ask questions, build professional relationships, and develop careers.
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Director, Hospitality in London employer: Walker & Dunlop
Walker & Dunlop is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and professional growth within the hospitality sector. With flexible working hours, competitive compensation, and a commitment to employee well-being through comprehensive health benefits and mental health services, we empower our team to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve across the EMEA region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Hospitality in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Walker & Dunlop. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Walker & Dunlop
Don't be shy about reaching out to Walker & Dunlop directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Hospitality in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Walker & Dunlop and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walker & Dunlop
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!