PERM - 19102 - SPD - Structured Real Estate Finance - Director

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA? We’re looking for a Director to join our Structured Real Estate team. 

• Responsible for origination, arranging, negotiating, execution of UK and some European structured real estate financings. Senior team member that leads deal teams and product development across new business opportunities that contribute to the achievement of Structured Real Estate Finance (REF) budget.
• Take a leading role in further expanding the REF team activities and product capabilities in all areas of structured real estate including back leverage, CMBS, whole loans, A/B and senior/mezz structures for the bank’s balance sheet and syndication in loan and debt capital markets. 
• Develop and maintain strong client / borrower and cross-departmental relationships to identify and execute new business opportunities across existing portfolio, SMBC client base and external market contacts.  
• Responsible for all execution aspects of relevant transactions including in the areas of legal, credit, operational, compliance, risk management; and to manage deal teams across multiple of transactions with supervisory responsibility for certain staff   

Business Area

This role resides in the Structured Real Estate Finance (REF) group within the Specialised Products Department (SPD). The EMEA Structured REF team originates, arranges and manages real estate finance loans comprising principally income producing and development non-recourse structures on properties located in UK and continental Europe.

The REF team was established by SPD in 2014 and currently manages c. $5.5bln in funded assets and commitments across c. 50 exposures/borrowers. The financing portfolio is secured on income-producing properties and developments across UK/Europe in the office, retail, logistics, residential, hotel, student and alternative sectors. 

Position Description

1. Arranging and Execution: Lead responsibility for assigned deals arranging, structuring, execution and closing process; influence and manage key internal (KYC, Operations, CDED, Derivatives) and external (valuers, legal, client) counterparties to ensure efficient and timely financial close. Communicating deal execution strategy and influencing senior internal decision makers as required.  Coordination with Loan Capital Market team on deal syndications.
2. Product Development: Lead ongoing development and establish best practice across documentation, internal procedures and marketing in areas of Back Leverage (Loan on Loan, Repurchase Agreements), CMBS and related structured products.
3. Credit:  Lead credit review and analysis including oversight and supervision of direct reports and assessment of strength and weakness of proposals. Promote business case to Group Head and key stakeholders based on structure, asset and market analysis and relative to EMEA REF origination guidelines. Identify and address key credit/ business risks and find related mitigants. Lead responsibility for credit application content, third party due diligence and legal reviews. Promotes and influences credit review to ensure successful credit approval on timely basis.  Work and liaise with overseas SMBC branches that require EMEA REF product expertise.
4. Structuring: Lead documentation process including negotiation with client. Propose key commercial terms (pricing, financial covenants, financing structure) to Group Head. Assume overall responsibility for negotiating financing terms in compliance with SMBC risk policies and credit approvals.
5. Marketing:  Originate and lead new deal opportunities/products including sector analysis and commercial viability. Identify key client decision maker, develop appropriate marketing material and financing solution to win mandates.  Develop knowledge of SMBC products/ancillary business. Provide information to clients on SMFG products and services, including investment products.
6. Process: Identify and implement improvements to standard and new processes in consultation with Group Head / SPD management. Responsible for maintenance and update of standardised operating procedures.   Compliance with all regulatory and internal policies and procedures. Identify and promote key betterments to the process and procedures.
7. Line Management: Role may include supervisory responsibility for REF junior staff (AVP, VP, Associate) including individual performance evaluation, coaching, training and objective setting.  Managing multiple transactions including oversight, guidance and management of junior staff.  Create an inclusive working environment promoting teamwork and cohesive approach. Support Group Head in identifying and resourcing staff development and training needs.

Description Cont.

• Arranging and Execution: Extensive technical knowledge and origination / structuring expertise and experience in EMEA real estate finance market. Advanced and proven documentation negotiation and arranging skills with knowledge in distribution and syndication techniques.
• Marketing:  Has an established client network and access to senior management (funds, property companies, sponsors). Knowledge in key market and sectoral trends and developments.  
• Credit: Advanced credit / risk analysis skills and expert level experience in identifying and mitigating market, credit and structural risk.  In depth knowledge of industry documentation and regulatory issues.
• Management: Proven track record in leading teams across a multiple of large, complex, cross border deals and directing counterparties on arranging mandates in complex secured financings involving new asset types / new jurisdictions with minimum supervision. Demonstrated supervisory, coaching and mentoring skills.  
• Communication: Strong and proven communication (written and verbal), presentation and relationship building skills including in the areas of marketing, negotiation and influencing.   
• Qualifications: Degree level, legal qualifications, higher level financial qualifications (e.g. MRICS, CFA) – preferred

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!