Senior Vice President, Real Estate Equity Finance & Investment

Liberty is seeking a seasoned and strategic leader to head up their Real Estate Equity Finance & Investment (EF&I) division in Johannesburg. This pivotal role is responsible for driving the end-to-end delivery of sophisticated finance solutions to real estate clients, aiming to significantly impact revenue targets, expand market share, and solidify Liberty's reputation as a premier lending institution within the Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) sector.

The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor, leveraging deep expertise in EF&I solutions to secure new business and optimise client outcomes. This involves not only originating and structuring complex deals but also meticulously managing the entire deal lifecycle. A crucial aspect of the role is the ability to foster strong client relationships, providing expert insights and tailored solutions that address specific needs while aligning with Liberty's strategic objectives.

The Scope of Responsibilities

This leadership position demands a comprehensive approach to managing and executing real estate finance transactions. Key responsibilities include:

• **Client Engagement and Deal Origination:** Acting as a primary point of contact, providing expert opinions, and offering insights into best-in-class EF&I solutions. This involves leveraging internal expertise to craft compelling proposals and win new client mandates.
• **Post-Pitch Management:** Leading follow-up efforts with prospective clients to finalise commercial terms and successfully close deals, ensuring a smooth transition from negotiation to execution.
• **Team Leadership and Development:** Guiding and managing a team of professionals, setting clear objectives, and providing ongoing support and feedback. This includes reviewing work quality, fostering professional growth, and building a high-performing team capable of delivering exceptional results.
• **Solution Design and Approval:** Overseeing the development and refinement of pitch books and proposals, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and strategic alignment. This includes approving final client-facing documentation and offering expert recommendations.
• **Deal Structuring and Negotiation:** Leading negotiations for complex transactions, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to finalise contractual agreements and commercial terms. The aim is to maximise shareholder returns and grow investment banking revenue.
• **Stakeholder Management and Approvals:** Presenting proposals and deal rationale to relevant committees and stakeholders to secure buy-in and obtain necessary approvals, particularly for complex and high-value transactions.
• **Risk Management and Compliance:** Reviewing loan agreements, preparing pre-screening documentation, and developing final committee papers. This ensures all financing opportunities comply with approved credit terms, sanctions, and the CIB's robust risk and regulatory framework.
• **Strategic Input:** Contributing to the development and execution of EF&I objectives, providing insights and recommendations to optimise client and shareholder returns, grow revenue, and protect or expand market share.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Liberty is looking for an individual with a strong academic background and extensive practical experience in investment banking and real estate finance. The ideal candidate will possess:

• A postgraduate degree in Commerce, Finance, or Accounting, or a Postgraduate Degree in Property Studies.
• A minimum of five to seven years of prior experience in Investment Banking, specifically within advisory, private equity, or debt solutions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the markets in which Standard Bank (Liberty's parent company) operates, with a strong preference for experience in South Africa and/or other African regions. This experience should include leading, originating, and implementing client solutions.
• Five to seven years of hands-on experience in leading and supporting Commercial Property Finance deals.
• A deep and comprehensive understanding of local and global lending products and solutions, enabling the development and presentation of innovative client offerings.
• Five to seven years of proven experience in coaching, managing, leading, and coordinating teams. This includes a track record of effective delegation, prioritisation, setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and conducting performance reviews.

In South Africa, senior roles in real estate finance and investment banking typically command competitive remuneration packages, reflecting the specialised skills and responsibilities involved. Employers often include major financial institutions, property investment firms, and large corporate entities with significant real estate portfolios. Progression in this field can lead to broader executive leadership roles within banking or investment management, or into specialised advisory positions.

• Post Graduate Degree in Commerce, Finance or Accounting
• Post Graduate Degree in Property Studies
• 5-7 years previous Investment Banking experience in Advisory, Private Equity or Debt Solutions.Knowledge of the markets in which Standard Bank operates and experience working in South Africa and / or Africa regions in leading, originating and implementing client solutions.
• 5 - 7 years experience in leading and supporting Commercial Property Finance deals
• 5 - 7 years In depth understanding and knowledge of local and global Lending products / solutions to effectively develop and present innovative client solutions.
• 5-7 years experience in coaching, managing, leading and coordinating teams with a proven track record of delegating and prioritising task, setting KPI's and conducing performance discussions