Originator, Private Debt

Heitman; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Heitman is a global real estate investment management firm seeking an Originator to join our Private Debt Investment team in Chicago. This role focuses on sourcing high-quality real estate transactions via preferred equity and bridge debt structures and represents the firm in the Southeast with opportunities to work on both development and existing assets.

Your responsibilities include closing multiple transactions annually on behalf of institutional funds and separate accounts, establishing

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of investment experience with VP/SVP level preferred.
• Experience in private debt origination, equity acquisitions, joint venture equity investing, or non-recourse senior debt.
• Strong analytical skills across investment risk spectrum and valuation of value-add assets.
• Familiarity with legal documents including JV agreements, mezzanine and senior loan documents.
• Extensive network of contacts in investment channels and a solid reputation.

Responsibilities

• Establish operator, developer and broker relationships.
• Evaluate opportunities, assess risk, and optimize risk/return via market, asset, and capital structure.
• Conduct valuation analyses, negotiate terms, due diligence, and present to investment committee.
• Coordinate with research, asset management, due diligence and other groups to gain consensus.
• Present opportunities to senior lenders to secure leverage and returns.
• Coach and manage junior investment professionals.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Business development

Financial acumen

Analytical skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance/Real Estate/Economics

Job description

This Opportunity

Heitman is seeking an Originator to join our Private Debt Investment team. This role focuses on sourcing high-quality real estate transactions via preferred equity and bridge debt structures. You'll become the point person representing the firm in the Southeast with the opportunity to work on both development and existing assets. Your responsibilities would include closing multiple transactions each year on behalf of institutional co-mingled funds and separate accounts.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Establishing and maintaining operator, developer and broker relationships.
• Evaluating investment opportunities, assessing risks, and identifying ways to optimize risk and return via market selection, asset selection, business plan evaluation, and capital structure.
• Conducting valuation analyses, negotiating terms, performing due diligence, and preparing materials for presentation to investment committee.
• Coordinate with relevant internal groups including research, asset management, due diligence and others to gain consensus on investment opportunities.
• Present opportunities to senior lenders to secure necessary leverage to achieve targeted returns.
• Coaching and managing junior investment professionals.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 8 years of investment experience, with a preference for candidates at VP and SVP levels. Years of experience for these levels can vary. Experience in the Southeast is a bonus, but not necessary.
• Proven experience as an Investment Officer in originations or acquisitions, with a background in private debt origination, equity acquisitions, joint venture equity investing, or non-recourse senior debt.
• Strong analytical skills across the investment risk spectrum, with a solid understanding of financial modelingand valuation of value-add assets is required.
• Experience in various sectors including alternatives is a bonus, but not necessary. Willingness to learn new product types and leverage the firm’s existing resources is key as this role is focused on all asset classes.
• Familiaritywith legal documents including joint venture agreements, mezzanine loan documents and senior loan documents.
• Extensive network of contacts and relationships in various investment channels, with a strong reputation in the investment community.
• Strong academic background;Bachelor’sDegree inFinance, Real Estate, Economics, or a related field.

Competencies:

• Excellent negotiation and business development skills.
• Strong financial acumen, including knowledge of senior financing, mezzanine, and preferred equity.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to take smart risks.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Team player with sound investment judgment and high motivation.
• High level of flexibility and professional maturity.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and able to lead through complex situations.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills.

Job Location and Travel

• This position is based in our Chicago office.
• Our teams work in a hybrid environment and in-office days vary by team.
• Moderate to extensive travel required.

The Firm

Founded in 1966, Heitman is a global real estate investment management firm. Our mission is to lead the evolution of real estate through investments that fulfill the needs of people and communities in a world of constant change.

Total Rewards (Compensation, Benefits & Perks)

At Heitman, we believe that our success is driven by the success of our team members. That's why we use market data to ensure competitive compensation for every role, reflecting our commitment to investing in our team. When we grow, you grow!

The expected annual base salary range for this role is $150,000 - $250,000 and will be further discussed during the interview process. This range represents what Heitman reasonably and in good faith believe s we would pay a qualified candidate for this role at the time of posting (based on a full-time equivalent schedule). Your actual base salary placement will depend on factors such as (but not limited to): your relevant experience, time in role, base salary of internal peers, prior performance, business sector, and geographic location. In addition, all of our team members are bonus eligible and participate in a generous annual bonus plan, with the percentage varying based on your role and level, ensuring that your contributions are recognized and rewarded.

In alignment with our People First core value, we offer rewarding careers that focus on both personal and professional growth. We are dedicated to helping you and your family thrive, both in the office and at home. To support this, we provide competitive compensation and a leading-edge, human-centric benefits package.

Additional Information

Candidates applying for roles requiring travel must hold a valid, non-expired driver’s license.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Heitman is an equal employment opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, physical, medical or mental disability or condition (including, without limitation, HIV and AIDS), developmental disability, handicap, denial of family and medical care leave, denial of pregnancy leave, domestic partner status, status as a victim of sexual or domestic violence (or familial relationship to such victim), veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, arrest records, citizenship status, criminal history that has been expunged, unfavorable discharge from the military, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.