Assistant Acquisition Manager

Canada Life Workplace; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in asset management is seeking an Assistant Acquisition Manager to support their property team in London. The role involves financial analysis, market research, due diligence, and contract negotiation to acquire real estate assets. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Real Estate or a related field, with strong analytical and communication skills. The company offers competitive benefits and fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Benefits

Pension

Bonus Scheme

Income Protection

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years post-qualification experience in property transactions.
• Proficient in financial analysis and market trend evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Support Property Acquisition Manager in acquiring real estate assets.
• Conduct property inspections and coordinate due diligence processes.
• Prepare and review purchase agreements and manage negotiations.

Skills

Financial Analysis

Market Research

Communication

Project Management

Education

Degree in Real Estate

Member of RICS

Tools

Microsoft Office

Real Estate Databases

Financial Modeling

Job description

Join to apply for the Assistant Acquisition Manager role at Canada Life Workplace.

Description

Canada Life Asset Management manages over £41.9bn in fixed income, global equities, UK property, and multi-asset solutions. Our investment options are designed to support our investors and their clients in meeting their long-term objectives.

Our solutions

Each of our offerings has been built for a purpose, whether it sits at the core of a portfolio to provide long-term growth or to offer access into a specific global market. Our 40-year plus history as asset managers means we have the expertise to provide high-quality multi-asset and risk-profiled solutions, as well as attractive equity, fixed income, alternative funds, and real estate finance.

Our heritage

Our parent company, Great-West Lifeco, is a financially strong and stable global organization, with total assets under administration of £1,800bn and approximately 33,250 employees worldwide, as of 31 December 2024. We also have more than 31 million customers worldwide. As the oldest Canadian life assurance company, Great-West Lifeco’s foundations trace back to 1847, helping our customers plan for the future for over 170 years.

Our team

Canada Life Asset Management has over 100 colleagues, including more than 50 experienced investment professionals, with an average of almost 20 years of industry experience and ten years at Canada Life Asset Management. We are seeking an Assistant Acquisition Manager to join the property team within CLAM, based in our London office.

Job Summary

• Support the Property Acquisition Manager in identifying, evaluating, and acquiring real estate assets, including market research, due diligence, contract negotiation, and closing processes, while managing administrative tasks to ensure smooth operations within the acquisition team.
• Collaborate with Property Acquisition Manager and Fund Manager to align fund strategies.
• Undertake due diligence and complete direct real estate acquisitions, ground rents, and finance lease transactions to meet annual investment volume targets.

What You'll Do

Financial Analysis

• Assist in developing financial models to evaluate potential returns on property investments.
• Analyze property valuations and identify risks and opportunities.
• Coordinate with internal credit teams to develop credit ratings for counterparties and structures.

Market research

• Identify potential acquisition targets through market analysis, property listings, and networking.
• Gather data on comparable transactions and market trends to inform valuation and investment decisions.

Due diligence

• Conduct property inspections and gather documents such as surveys, title reports, and environmental assessments.
• Coordinate with legal counsel, engineers, and other consultants for technical reviews and due diligence approval.
• Evaluate financial statements and lease agreements for property viability.

Contract negotiation

• Prepare and review purchase agreements, including terms, conditions, and pricing.
• Manage communication with sellers, agents, legal teams, and advisors during negotiations.

Administrative Support

• Maintain comprehensive acquisition files and data records.
• Monitor market trends and maintain transaction databases.
• Track timelines, deadlines, and milestones.
• Prepare presentations and reports on potential acquisitions.

Collaborate with investment, actuarial, and financial reporting teams to align income cash flows, and with credit and risk teams to manage transactional risks. Contribute to discussions on the economy, market forecasts, and participate in valuation review meetings, providing insights and challenge as necessary.

Who You Are

• Minimum of 3-5 years post-qualification experience assisting in property transactions.
• Strong relationship-building skills within market and agency contacts.
• Proficient in financial analysis, market trend evaluation, and data handling.
• Technical skills in Microsoft Office, real estate databases, and financial modeling.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and in teams, with integrity and a strong work ethic.
• Detail-oriented with excellent project and deadline management skills.

Qualifications

• Degree in Real Estate or a related numerate field (Finance, Business Administration).
• Member of RICS or other professional qualifications (CFA, accounting) preferred.

Benefits of Working at Canada Life

We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including pension, bonus scheme, income protection, private medical insurance, and life assurance, along with ongoing personal and professional development opportunities.

Our Culture

We foster a culture of doing the right thing, curiosity, ownership, collaboration, and innovation. We invest in our people, technology, and workplaces, offering training, flexible working, and growth opportunities.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can belong and reach their potential, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, which drive our growth and innovation.