Real Estate Advisory Director

Grant Thornton UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading audit and advisory firm in Greater London is seeking an experienced professional to drive business development and transaction leadership. The role demands a proven track record in real estate finance, strong negotiation skills, and an established network of relationships. You will oversee complex transactions and manage stakeholder communications while fostering collaboration in a dynamic environment. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package offered.

Benefits

Tailored development programmes

Flexible bank holidays

Pension and life assurance

Shopping discounts and gym memberships

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in real estate finance/advisory.
• Proven track record in origination and execution of complex transactions.
• Established network of lender and sponsor relationships.

Responsibilities

• Build and leverage networks to originate new mandates.
• Oversee structuring, negotiation, and execution of financings.
• Act as primary contact for clients and lenders.

Skills

Origination and business development

Transaction leadership

Stakeholder management

Financial modelling and analysis

Negotiation and communication

Education

Degree in finance, economics, real estate or related discipline

Professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CFA or RICS)

Job description

At Grant Thornton we do things differently - looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. And we empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work life balance. A true alternative.

With over 5,000 people in the UK, and a presence in 150 global markets, we’re on an ambitious journey, from great to exceptional, and we need the best people to help us achieve our potential. And with that comes the opportunity to help redefine what our industry looks like, and what you want from your career.

Key Responsibilities

• Origination & Business Development: Build and leverage networks to originate new mandates; lead pitches and proposals; develop strategic relationships with sponsors, lenders and investors.
• Transaction Leadership: Oversee structuring, negotiation and execution of complex debt and equity financings across development, investment and refinancing scenarios.
• Strategic Advisory: Advise clients on capital structure, financing options and market trends; provide bespoke solutions for senior, mezzanine and structured finance.
• Stakeholder Management: Act as primary contact for clients and lenders; manage negotiations and ensure smooth transaction processes.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor junior colleagues; ensure high-quality deliverables and foster collaboration across service lines.
• External Visibility: Contribute to thought leadership, product innovation and cross-border collaboration; represent the firm at key industry events.

Knowing you’re right for us We’ve set ambitious growth targets for the firm, and we need the right people to help us achieve these. We’re looking for people who will bring ambition and drive to their role. In changing markets, we need to be able to work at pace and be adaptable to change and to be curious, asking questions of ourselves, each other and our clients to ensure we are delivering the services and quality we expect.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified (finance, economics, real estate or related discipline).
• Professional qualification strongly preferred: ACA, ACCA, CFA or RICS.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in real estate finance/advisory (debt advisory, corporate finance, restructuring or capital markets).
• Proven track record in origination and execution of complex transactions.
• Strong technical skills in financial modelling and analysis; excellent negotiation and communication abilities.
• Established network of lender and sponsor relationships.

Knowing we’re right for you The culture at Grant Thornton is what sets us apart, we’re known for our inclusive culture and creating environments where all our people can flourish. The things that set you apart, we value them, and this helps us all to perform at our best.

Our values are the unwavering principles that shape our daily behaviours and decisions, alongside our drive to do the right thing. We’re looking for people who align with our values and are purposefully driven, actively curious and candid but kind.

It’s not just about our culture and values, in addition to a competitive salary and reward package, us you’ll also get:

• Tailored development programmes and access to coaching
• Flexible bank holidays – allowing you to celebrate the days that are important to you
• Benefits including pension, life assurance and private medical, additional holiday purchasing and health benefits
• Any benefits giving you access to shopping discounts, gym memberships, financial advice

And more. Visit our benefits section to read more.

How we work

We have a trust-based way of working, driven by responsible people who have the best interests of our firm and our clients at heart. Our how we work framework gives flexibility in where, how, and when we work to deliver the best results for our clients, whilst helping you keep a balance between work and life. Life is more than work, the things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter, that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles. That is how it should be.

We’re looking for people who can help drive the business forward, who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves. It’s how it should be.