Associate Director - Structuring and Execution, Real Estate Finance

This review provides an in-depth look at the Associate Director - Structuring and Execution, Real Estate Finance position at Lloyds Banking Group, designed to help potential candidates assess if this opportunity aligns with their career aspirations.

About the Role:

This is a dynamic "on desk" business role within the Origination and Structuring Real Estate and Housing team. The Associate Director will be instrumental in structuring and executing commercial real estate loans for a diverse range of borrowers and asset classes. You'll be immersed in fast-paced, innovative, and market-leading transactions, collaborating closely with a supportive team of Relationship Directors. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact on the commercial real estate finance landscape.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Providing expert advice on the structuring of commercial real estate loan transactions.
• Reviewing and negotiating term sheets and complex loan documentation.
• Liaising effectively with external legal counsel to ensure seamless documentation processes.
• Conducting thorough reviews of real estate due diligence.
• Preparing and reviewing Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
• Contributing to the development and maintenance of precedent documentation.
• Assisting in the organization and delivery of training initiatives.
• Offering ad hoc guidance on structuring, documentation, and execution challenges.

Advantages for Candidates:

• Market-Leading Opportunities: Join a market leader in commercial real estate finance, renowned for delivering efficiently structured solutions to a broad spectrum of high-profile clients.
• Impactful Work: Be part of a team that handles fast-paced, innovative, and market-leading transactions, providing tangible value to clients.
• Career Growth and Development: Lloyds Banking Group is committed to investing in its people, offering opportunities for learning, growth, and development within a supportive environment.
• Inclusive Culture: The Group champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating an environment where everyone can thrive. They have a strong track record of implementing initiatives to support diverse colleagues.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: A generous salary and a competitive benefits package are offered, including a substantial pension contribution, performance-related bonuses, share schemes, adaptable lifestyle benefits, ample holiday, and robust wellbeing and parental leave policies.
• Hybrid Working: The role supports a hybrid work model, requiring at least three days per week in the London office, offering a blend of office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Specific Experience Required: Candidates should have demonstrable experience documenting high-value commercial real estate loans using LMA REF precedents. A proven background in the real estate finance sector (e.g., as a lawyer in a major firm, in-house, or in transaction management) is essential.
• Regulatory Requirements: This role is subject to the Senior Manager and Certification Regime. Successful candidates will undergo enhanced vetting, including criminal and credit checks, and will need to complete fitness and propriety attestations. Details will be published on the FCA Financial Services Register.
• Client-Facing Nature: The role is identified as a "Client-dealing function" under FCA regulations, meaning interaction with clients and their property is a significant aspect of the role.
• Adaptability and Resilience: The ability to manage a challenging workload in a busy corporate setting and adapt to evolving market conditions is crucial.

Career Path Guidance:

This Associate Director position represents a significant step in a career within Real Estate Finance. For individuals with a strong foundation in loan structuring and documentation, this role offers the chance to deepen expertise, manage high-profile transactions, and contribute to a leading financial institution's strategic objectives. The emphasis on market-leading deals and client interaction provides excellent exposure to complex financial arrangements and relationship management, which are invaluable for career advancement. Furthermore, the commitment to professional development and the inclusive culture at Lloyds Banking Group create a fertile ground for long-term career success.