Real Estate Consultant BB

In the vibrant economic landscape of Limpopo, Absa is seeking a seasoned Real Estate Consultant to join its Business Banking division in Polokwane. This is an opportunity to contribute to a prominent African financial institution with a rich heritage, playing a key role in shaping its future growth and serving its diverse client base. The successful candidate will be instrumental in originating and managing complex commercial property finance transactions, catering to a range of high-value clients.

About the Role

As a Real Estate Consultant within Absa's Business Banking arm, you will be at the forefront of engaging with commercial property clients. Your primary mission will be to identify and cultivate opportunities for financing, including owner-occupied properties, across the Bank's Wealth, Growth, Premium, and High Value client segments. This role demands a proactive approach to client engagement, developing and proposing innovative financial and risk management solutions tailored to individual client needs. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of a transaction, from initial identification and structuring through to client acceptance and final settlement. This involves a close collaborative effort with various internal departments, including Business Banking & Wealth Coverage, Credit, Documentation Management, and legal teams, to ensure seamless execution and delivery of exceptional client service.

Your responsibilities will encompass a broad spectrum of deal origination, structuring, and management, with a strong emphasis on fostering client relationships and driving business growth. Key accountabilities include:

• **Client Engagement and Deal Origination:**
• Proactively identify and originate commercial property finance opportunities from existing and new real estate clients, as well as those requiring financing for owner-occupied properties within the Business Bank and Wealth portfolios.
• Develop and present bespoke financing and risk management solutions that meet the specific requirements of clients.
• Contribute to the expansion of Absa's Commercial Property franchise through consistent origination efforts and strategic client interaction.
• Establish and nurture long-term, sustainable relationships with key clients at a senior level.
• Anticipate and exceed client expectations, while maintaining excellent professional relationships with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Promote a culture of cross-selling, capital efficiency, and innovation to achieve superior business outcomes.

• **Transaction Structuring and Execution:**
• Structure complex commercial property finance solutions, adeptly navigating internal approval processes such as deal forums and credit committees.
• Collaborate effectively with other business and product areas to ensure comprehensive deal solutions.
• Develop sophisticated financial models for in-depth credit analysis, incorporating development costs and property valuations.
• Manage the end-to-end execution of transactions, from origination to closing, functioning as a vital member of the deal team.
• Assist in the preparation of term sheets and deal documentation, coordinating client signatures and ensuring accurate logging of deals and client plans within systems like Salesforce.
• Address client inquiries and resolve any arising issues promptly.
• Stay informed about relevant banking products, market trends, and customer needs through regular client engagement and feedback.
• Oversee the progress payment process for ongoing projects, monitoring site progress and quality.
• Provide sector-specific insights and thought leadership to clients and the segments you serve.

• **Risk Management and Stakeholder Relations:**
• Ensure strict adherence to all legal, regulatory, and policy processes and procedures throughout all facilitated transactions.
• Guarantee that all transactions comply with Absa's risk and compliance policies, as well as applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Identify, manage, and escalate relevant risks and risk events in accordance with established protocols.
• Drive and support annual credit reviews, diligently sourcing all necessary information.
• Collaborate with Credit, CPF Monitoring and Control teams to manage high-risk customer accounts.
• Keep abreast of industry developments, legislation, and statutory requirements impacting the real estate finance sector.
• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with all internal and external stakeholders, particularly within the Credit and CPF internal support areas, ensuring their input is integrated into the solutioning process.
• Communicate effectively and timeously to keep all relevant stakeholders informed of developments.

What They're Looking For

Absa is seeking an individual with a robust background in commercial property finance and a proven track record of deal-making. Essential to this role is a minimum of six years of experience in commercial property finance, demonstrating strong capabilities in credit analysis and financial modelling. A deep understanding of the real estate market, supported by established networks within the industry, is crucial.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Commerce, Accounting, Finance, or equivalent experience is a prerequisite. An Honours degree or similar qualification would be advantageous.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of banking experience, with significant exposure to commercial property finance.

Key Knowledge and Skills:

• A detailed understanding of real estate as an asset class.
• Proficiency in credit analysis and an understanding of capital structures.
• Strong financial modelling capabilities.
• A solid grasp of accounting and valuation principles relevant to property.
• The ability to perform effectively under pressure, managing competing demands and multiple reporting lines with an organised and task-oriented approach.
• A demonstrated commitment to taking appropriate action and a proactive problem-solving attitude.
• An understanding of the importance of teamwork, coupled with the ability to work independently and exhibit persistence in completing tasks to high standards.
• An approachable demeanour, demonstrating ownership and accountability for all responsibilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with clients and stakeholders across the organisation.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

In South Africa, a role like this typically commands a competitive salary reflective of the significant experience and expertise required, often supplemented by performance-based incentives and a comprehensive benefits package. Such positions are commonly found within the business banking divisions of major financial institutions like Absa, Standard Bank, FNB, and Nedbank, as well as specialist property finance firms. Career progression can lead to senior management roles within deal origination, credit risk management, or strategic client relationship management in the commercial property finance sector.

 

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelors Degree in Commerce, Accounting, Finance qualifications or experience
• Honours or equivalent would be preferable
• Minimum 5-7 years of Banking experience
• Significant exposure to commercial property finance

 

Knowledge & Skills: (Maximum of 6)

• Detailed understanding of real estate as an asset class
• Understanding of credit analysis
• Understanding of capital structures
• Financial modeling skills
• Understanding of accounting and valuation principles
• Ability to work under pressure, managing competing demands and multiple reporting lines
• Organised approach to work environment and tasks
• Commitment to appropriate actions
• Ability to recognise, communicate and assist in solving problems
• Understanding of the importance of working in a team environment
• Ability to be able to work independently
• Persistence in completing tasks according to standards provided
• Approachable attitude
• Displaying ownership and accountability (being liable and responsible) for relevant tasks
• Ability to deal with clients and stakeholder (internal and external) and develop working relationships across the firm
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

 

Competencies:  (Maximum of 8 competencies)

• Personal & Interpersonal Skills
• Business Skills
• Technical Knowledge
• Organisation and Execution
• Supportive and cooperative
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams across the Firm
• Capacity to multi-task across projects / clients, and to own multiple work streams in a congested and fast-moving working environment
• Highly organized. Effective delegation
• Accountability to clients and colleagues for delivery
• Ability to combine attention to detail with big picture thinking, on both a deal specific and broader client basis
• Highly motivated, proactive, hard working, and dedicated to success in his/her career
• Ability to assimilate and retain large volumes of information concerning clients and transactions

 

Education

Bachelors Degree and Professional Qualifications: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised