Corporate Banker - Real Estate - Director

Job description

The Director will be a senior member of the EMEA Real Estate Corporate Banking team, responsible for independently managing and developing a portfolio of strategic real estate clients, originating revenue opportunities and leading complex financing transactions. The role requires a combination of senior client coverage, commercial judgement, credit and structuring capability, disciplined execution and effective coordination across the bank. The individual will operate as a trusted deputy to the franchise head on selected relationships and transactions, while contributing to the continued growth, resilience and institutionalisation of the platform. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Client coverage: Own and deepen relationships with listed and large private real estate clients across EMEA; establish direct credibility with CFOs, treasurers and senior finance decision-makers; lead strategic discussions on capital structure, liquidity, refinancing, hedging and funding diversification Origination and revenue: Identify, develop and convert opportunities across bilateral and syndicated loans, revolving credit facilities, term loans, acquisition bridges, bridge-to-bond or equity solutions, liability management, hedging strategies and cash management and other transactional banking solutions Transaction leadership: Lead transactions from initial client dialogue through structuring, underwriting, credit approval, syndication, documentation and closing; maintain clear accountability for execution quality, timetables and economics Credit and structuring: Assess leverage, cash-flow durability, refinancing risk, asset encumbrance, security, structural subordination, holdco/opco considerations, ratings implications and downside protection; formulate balanced, commercially credible risk recommendations. Internal coordination: Mobilise and influence risk, DCM, transaction & trade services, investment banking and other product partners; communicate clearly with senior stakeholders and resolve execution issues without unnecessary escalation Portfolio and risk management: Maintain disciplined oversight of client developments, exposure, returns, documentation, covenants and emerging risks; ensure timely escalation and high-quality account planning Team leadership: Direct and develop junior bankers, allocate work effectively, maintain high standards of analysis and materials, and contribute to a collaborative, accountable and performance-oriented culture. Franchise development: Support sector strategy, client prioritisation, market intelligence and senior management reporting; strengthen continuity and succession depth beneath the franchise head. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS 10 years+ of relevant front-office banking experience, with meaningful exposure to EMEA real estate clients and transactions Current or recent experience in real estate corporate banking, financing-oriented investment banking, or a hybrid coverage and finance role at a major international, UK or European bank Demonstrable personal ownership of senior client relationships and evidence of originating revenue, rather than solely supporting more senior coverage bankers Proven end-to-end leadership of complex financing transactions, including internal approval, structuring, syndication and documentation Strong knowledge of real estate credit, corporate finance, loan products and capital structure; familiarity with bond markets, ratings and treasury solutions is advantageous Excellent written and verbal communication, commercial judgement, attention to detail and ability to operate effectively under pressure. Track record of influencing senior internal stakeholders and coaching analysts, associates and vice presidents. Degree or equivalent professional qualification; relevant regulatory approvals and conduct standards to be satisfied. PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS Client ownership: Assume effective responsibility for a meaningful portfolio and deepen senior access Revenue generation: Build a credible pipeline and convert opportunities across lending and adjacent products Execution: Lead complex financings independently, with high-quality delivery and limited senior escalation Platform contribution: Increase senior capacity, develop juniors and improve franchise resilience and continuity Candidates applying for this role must be aware that it is a Certified Role, subject to the FCA and PRA Certification Regime. The Certification Regime is one element of the Individual Accountability Regime which came into effect on 7 March 2016. Under the Certification Regime, Citi UK regulated entities (Citi entities) must ensure that employees working in certain roles categorised as specified significant harm functions (Certified Roles) are assessed as fit and proper to carry out their role. Under the guidance provided by the FCA and PRA, firms should have regard to the following when assessing fitness and propriety: Honesty, integrity and reputation Financial soundness Competence and capability In order to comply with the requirements of the Certification Regime, Citi entities must take reasonable care to ensure that an employee does not perform a Certified Role without first being certified as Fit and Proper. For this reason, you will be assessed for this role against the Fit and Proper requirements, as described above. This assessment will be carried out through extensive interviews, self-disclosures, permitted criminal record checks, regulated reference checks, credit checks and other background screening check ------------------------------------------------------ Job Family Group: Institutional Banking ------------------------------------------------------ Job Family: Corporate Banking ------------------------------------------------------ Time Type: Full time ------------------------------------------------------ Most Relevant Skills Please see the requirements listed above. ------------------------------------------------------ Other Relevant Skills For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter. ------------------------------------------------------ Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our search tools and/or apply for a career opportunity review Accessibility at Citi . View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.