Role Overview for Director, Real Estate Acquisitions with a PE Firm – Los Angeles, CA
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, multi-billion dollar private equity firm with a distinguished track record in real estate investment. Our client is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and highly motivated Director, Real Estate Acquisitions to join their senior leadership team in Los Angeles, California. This is a pivotal role responsible for driving the firm’s investment strategy and portfolio growth across the Western United States, with a primary focus on the dynamic Southern California market.
The successful candidate will be a seasoned real estate professional with a demonstrable history of sourcing, underwriting, and executing complex real estate transactions. Reporting directly to the Managing Partner, the Director will have significant autonomy and responsibility for the entire investment lifecycle, from deal origination to closing. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial spirit, a robust network of industry contacts, and the analytical rigor to identify and capitalize on compelling value-add and opportunistic investment opportunities across various asset classes, including multifamily, industrial, office, and mixed-use properties.
As a key member of the investment team, you will not only lead transaction execution but also play a crucial role in shaping investment theses, mentoring a team of talented junior professionals, and representing the firm within the broader real estate community. You will be expected to leverage your market expertise and relationships to generate a proprietary deal flow, ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of the competitive Los Angeles real estate landscape. This position offers a unique opportunity for significant professional growth, direct impact on the firm’s success, and a highly attractive compensation package that includes carried interest.
Key Responsibilities of Director, Real Estate Acquisitions with a PE Firm – Los Angeles, CA
The Director will be entrusted with a wide range of responsibilities, encompassing the full spectrum of the acquisitions process. Success in this role requires a blend of market intuition, financial acumen, and leadership prowess.
Deal Sourcing and Origination
Proactively identify and source off-market and marketed investment opportunities that align with the firm’s strategic objectives. Cultivate and maintain a deep network of relationships with brokers, developers, owners, lenders, and other real estate principals to generate a consistent and high-quality deal pipeline.
Financial Analysis and Underwriting
Lead the comprehensive underwriting and financial analysis of potential acquisitions. This includes developing sophisticated and dynamic financial models in Excel and Argus to project cash flows, determine valuation, and calculate key return metrics (IRR, Equity Multiple, ROIC). Conduct thorough sensitivity analyses to assess risk and return under various market scenarios.
Due Diligence Management
Spearhead and manage the entire due diligence process for potential investments. This involves coordinating with internal teams and external consultants, including legal counsel, environmental experts, engineers, architects, and property managers, to ensure a meticulous review of all property-level, legal, and financial documentation.
Investment Committee Presentation
Prepare and present detailed, persuasive investment committee memoranda. Clearly articulate the investment thesis, market dynamics, financial projections, risk factors, and mitigation strategies to senior partners and stakeholders to secure investment approval.
Negotiation and Execution
Lead the negotiation of key legal and business terms for transaction documents, including Letters of Intent (LOIs), Purchase and Sale Agreements (PSAs), Joint Venture (JV) agreements, and loan documents. Drive the transaction process forward to a successful and timely closing.
Market Research and Strategy
Maintain a deep knowledge of the Los Angeles and broader West Coast real estate markets, including economic trends, capital flows, competitor activities, and supply/demand fundamentals across various asset types. Contribute to the refinement and evolution of the firm’s overall investment strategy.
Team Leadership and Mentorship
Manage, mentor, and develop a team of Analysts and Associates. Provide guidance on financial modeling, market analysis, and professional development, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture within the acquisitions team.
Asset Management Collaboration
Work closely with the asset management team post-acquisition to ensure a smooth transition and to develop and execute the business plan for each asset, driving value creation and maximizing investor returns.
Requirements for the Director, Real Estate Acquisitions with a PE Firm – Los Angeles, CA
We are seeking a candidate with a proven track record of excellence and the specific qualifications necessary to excel in this demanding role.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Real Estate, Economics, or a related field is required. An MBA or a Master’s in Real Estate (MRED) is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in real estate acquisitions, with a significant portion of that time spent at a real estate private equity firm, institutional investment manager, or investment bank.
Transactional Track Record
Demonstrable and extensive track record of leading the sourcing, underwriting, and closing of a substantial volume of institutional-quality real estate transactions, preferably in excess of $500 million in aggregate value. Specific experience with value-add and opportunistic deals is highly desirable.
Market Expertise
Deep and nuanced understanding of the Southern California real estate market is essential. A pre-existing, robust network of local and regional industry contacts is a critical requirement.
Technical Skills
Expert-level proficiency in financial modeling is non-negotiable. Must be highly skilled in Microsoft Excel and Argus Enterprise. Possess a comprehensive understanding of real estate valuation methodologies, capital structures, and debt financing.
Analytical and Quantitative Skills
Superior analytical, quantitative, and critical thinking skills with an exceptional attention to detail. Ability to synthesize complex information and make well-reasoned investment decisions under pressure.
Communication and Presentation Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be a confident and articulate presenter, capable of conveying complex investment concepts to sophisticated audiences.
Leadership and Management
Proven ability to lead and manage teams, mentor junior staff, and work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
Negotiation Skills
Strong negotiation skills with a history of successfully structuring and closing complex deals on favorable terms.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation and benefits package.
Competitive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
Performance-Based Bonus
A significant annual performance-based bonus tied to individual and firm success.
Carried Interest
A meaningful opportunity to participate in the firm’s carried interest plan, providing long-term wealth creation potential.
Co-Investment Opportunities
The ability to co-invest alongside the firm in its real estate deals.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and their families.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company holidays.
Professional Development
A stipend for continuing education, industry conferences, and professional certifications to support your career growth.
Wellness Program
Company-sponsored wellness initiatives and reimbursement for gym memberships.
Work Environment
A dynamic, entrepreneurial, and collaborative culture located in a modern, Class A office space in a prime Los Angeles location.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing the search for this exceptional opportunity. If you are a qualified candidate with the requisite experience and a passion for real estate investment, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your transactional experience and suitability for the role.
For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Real Estate Investment practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your application.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
