Head of Research, Real Estate

Morgan McKinley; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Morgan McKinley in Hong Kong seeks a senior real estate strategy lead with 15+ years of experience to oversee market analysis, feasibility studies, and investment forecasting across regional and global markets.

You will build a high-level research function, advise the C-suite and Board, manage a multidisciplinary team, and align research findings with Sales, Marketing and Asset Management to optimize investment timing and value creation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a reputable university.
• 15+ years in real estate or related investments.
• Fluent Cantonese, English and Mandarin.

Responsibilities

• Lead macro & micro market analysis covering economic trends, property values, absorption and yields.
• Track competitors, PropTech, new asset classes, and regulatory changes regionally and globally.
• Produce forecasting reports to advise executives on investment timing.
• Identify growth opportunities, acquisitions, redevelopment sites and strategic partnerships.
• Build high-level relationships with landowners, developers, investors and officials.
• Lead proposals and EOIs to win bids and secure projects.
• Underwrite deals with financial models, cash flows and ROI assessments.
• Oversee feasibility studies across technical, legal and financial aspects.
• Coordinate transaction structuring with legal and regulatory teams.
• Advise the C-suite and Board; lead a multidisciplinary team; align departments on pricing, positioning and promotions.

Skills

Market analysis

Forecasting

Business development

Leadership

Deal sourcing

Languages: Cantonese/English/Mandarin

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Financial modelling

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Lead Macro & Micro Market Analysis: Oversee the collection and analysis of data regarding economic trends, demographic shifts, property values, absorption rates, and rental yields.
• Competitor & Trend Tracking: Monitor competitor behaviors, emerging real estate technologies (PropTech), new asset classes, and regulatory changes in regional and global markets.
• Predictive Forecasting: Formulate forward-looking reports and presentations on real estate market cycles to advise senior executives on investment timing.

Business Development & Pipeline Growth

• Identify Growth Opportunities: Scout and source potential land acquisitions, redevelopment sites, joint ventures, and strategic corporate partnerships.
• Deal Sourcing & Networking: Build and maintain high-level relationships with landowners, developers, institutional investors, brokers, and government officials.
• Pitching & Structuring Proposals: Lead the creation of compelling business proposals, investment pitches, and Expression of Interest (EOI) responses to win bids and secure projects.

Investment Feasibility & Due Diligence

• Underwrite Real Estate Deals: Oversee the creation of sophisticated financial models, cash flow projections, and ROI assessments for proposed developments.
• Feasibility Studies: Direct comprehensive technical, legal, and financial feasibility studies before capital allocation.
• Transaction Management: Collaborate with legal, financial, and regulatory teams to structure land leases, joint venture agreements, and transaction terms.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Strategy Alignment

• Executive Advisory: Translate complex research data into actionable corporate growth strategies for the C-suite and the Board of Directors.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a multi-disciplinary team of real estate data analysts, researchers, and business development executives.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Align research findings with Sales, Marketing, and Asset Management departments to optimize product pricing, positioning, and promotional strategies.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree holder from a reputable university
• A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience
• Excellent command of Cantonese, English and Mandarin
• Candidates will lesser experience will be considered as Senior Manager