Director of Investments

Job Description

The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with a broad range of real estate finance and institutional investment experience.  The ideal candidate will have an extremely strong foundation in all aspects required to manage an investment portfolio at an institutional level, including sophisticated financial analysis, risk management, investor reporting and investment committee presentations.  The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability and network to source, execute and manage a portfolio of new investment opportunities in US gateway markets with primary focus on New York and surrounding submarkets, as well as to manage a team of other asset management and/or investment professionals.

This position will report to the CEO of Vanke US and is expected to be a leader within the US company whose objective will be to maximize value of Vanke’s existing US portfolio and develop and execute the go-forward investment strategy for Vanke in the US.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following professional qualifications:

• 8-12 years investment/PE experience with at least 6+ years in U.S. real estate equity and debt investment, portfolio/asset management, and/or REIT; expertise in development, condominium, rental residential, mixed use, office, and retail are preferred.
• Thorough understanding of asset fundamentals, key drivers of gateway U.S. markets, and how to maximize value for a given asset, both conceptually and in practice.  Substantial deal negotiation, transaction, execution experience is highly valued.
• Experience in either managing or investing in multiple US markets, preferably across several asset types.
• Extensive experience in joint venture real estate investments, with a good understanding of various real estate investment structures, capital sources, and investment/financing processes.  Experience and knowledge of setting up real estate investment funds and/or REIT in the U.S. is a plus.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills on the U.S. real estate industry, with experience in project due diligence and real estate financial modeling skills. This includes an expert ability to build and evaluate complex financial models, and to train more junior team members as needed.  Proficiency in ARGUS software is preferred.
• Possess an extensive professional network in the real estate, investment, and financial sectors of U.S. gateway markets is highly desirable.
• Excellent presentation skills, including experience in preparing investment committee proposals and internal market analytical briefings.
• CCIM, CAIA, CFA or related certifications would be helpful, but not necessary.
• English fluency is a must, and Mandarin Chinese language skills (spoken and written) are helpful but not required.
• Training at a reputable high-performing investment institution is highly desired.

A successful candidate would also possess the following characteristics:

• High level of integrity and dependability are absolutely required.
• Entrepreneurial and proactive in driving strategic directions along with senior management team, and accountable for the team’s execution.
• Sound judgment and independent thinking, balancing proactive problem solving and seeking collaborative input to produce results/deliverables effectively.
• A respectful, professional, thoughtful, balanced work style that fits effectively across cultures and geographies.
• Well-organized and self-directed individual who is disciplined in oversight of details yet possesses a “big picture” perspective.
• Effective in engaging stakeholders, both internally as well as partners, third party firms, and industry leaders.
• A proven leader who motivates peers and builds cohesive teams.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. legally.

Responsibilities:

This outstanding and visible position is responsible for maximizing returns of the company’s current investment portfolio, and to expand the company’s pipeline for new investments in a thoughtful and strategic manner that aligns with the organization’s objectives and allows for the company to continue to build its US track record.  As an integral strategic business partner, the investment manager will work closely with the management team in the US and overseas to set out and execute the overall investment strategies.  This is a leadership position and will be an important face of the company in the industry. 

• Oversee company’s asset management and investment acquisition functions, managing a team of investment professionals currently managing assets in two west coast markets and the NYC area.
• Provide real estate investment expertise to the executive management team to create and execute long-term investment strategic plans, including exploring varied alternative financial-oriented business models.  The current portfolio consists of office assets, for-sale condominium projects in various stages of sell-out, complimentary retail, mezzanine construction and condo inventory debt, and land held for future development.
• Establish and implement effective investment oversight and risk control safeguards, which comply with company and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct market and competitor surveillance, build and maintain strategic financial models and industry databases, provide briefings and recommendations to senior management.
• Identify and evaluate real estate development/acquisition investment opportunities, review potential investment opportunities’ materials and conduct related due diligence.
• Manage all aspects of the investment process, including preparing, negotiating and structuring deals, identifying lenders and structuring financings, preparing full underwriting of the proposed transactions, drafting and executing disposition and exit strategies.
• Work with colleagues to oversee and ensure accuracy in investment projects’ cash flow, distribution analysis, investment projections, waterfall calculations, and be ultimately accountable for the accuracy of materials formally presented.
• Continuously monitor and identify emerging risks and tax exposures that could impact investment performance and take proactive measures to manage/mitigate these risks and exposures.
• In the future, possibly help set up and manage real estate funds/REIT and/or other vehicles. Manage asset/investment structures, including tax efficient implementation for international, REIT and other structured investments.
• Act as the key liaison with other related departments within the Vanke group, external financial institutions, and investors; coordinate the preparation of investment materials.
• Mentor junior staff and share knowledge and experiences with colleagues in other locations.

About Vanke and the position:

With offices in New York and San Francisco, Vanke US is the US affiliate of China Vanke Co., Ltd., a Global Fortune 500 company and one of the world’s largest real estate development, investment and services companies with annual revenue of over $60 billion globally. Since beginning its business in 2013, Vanke US has participated in $6 billion of residential and commercial real estate projects in US gateway markets, developing a US reputation as one of most active and successful China based companies to enter the US market. 

Vanke US provides competitive compensation and benefits. We encourage an active life style and work-life balance. Vanke US is an equal opportunity employer.