Real Estate Associate

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly driven and commercially astute Real Estate Associate to lead opportunity sourcing, feasibility analysis, and execution of real estate development investments across Saudi Arabia and select international markets.

The role is responsible for identifying and originating development opportunities (residential, commercial, industrial), evaluating land and asset potential, structuring transactions, and coordinating execution with consultants, brokers, and partners. The candidate will play a central role in maximizing returns through optimal land use, efficient capital structuring, and disciplined project execution, working across direct investments, SPVs, consortium structures, and closed-ended funds.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

1. Opportunity Sourcing & Origination

Proactively identify and source real estate development opportunities across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors
Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, landowners, developers, and market participants
Identify off-market opportunities through direct outreach and market intelligence
Engage with real estate brokers to access deal flow and negotiate preliminary terms
Independently investigate land ownership structures and identify decision-makers

2. Land Acquisition & Market Assessment

Identify and evaluate land parcels based on location, accessibility, and development potential
Conduct market research to assess supply-demand dynamics, pricing benchmarks, and competitive landscape
Analyze macroeconomic and sector-specific trends impacting real estate development opportunities
Evaluate surrounding infrastructure, zoning conditions, and development pipelines

3. Highest & Best Use Analysis

Assess optimal land utilization strategies to maximize financial returns
Evaluate multiple development scenarios (e.g., residential vs commercial vs mixed-use)
Review government regulations, zoning laws, and permitted land uses
Engage with relevant authorities to confirm development feasibility and regulatory compliance
Align development concepts with market demand and investment objectives

4. Financial Modeling & Investment Analysis

Build and maintain detailed financial models for development projects
Analyze project feasibility including revenues, costs, margins, and return metrics (IRR, NPV, ROI)
Conduct sensitivity analysis on key variables (pricing, costs, absorption rates, financing terms)
Evaluate capital requirements and optimize project economics within defined budget constraints
Recommend investment decisions supported by robust financial analysis

5. Transaction Structuring & Capital Strategy

Structure real estate investments through SPVs, joint ventures, consortiums, and co-investment frameworks
Develop capital structures incorporating equity and debt financing
Assess leverage strategies and financing options to enhance returns while managing risk
Participate in structuring investments within closed-ended funds, including acting as anchor investor
Support negotiations of key commercial and financial terms with partners and stakeholders

6. Negotiation & Deal Execution

Lead or support negotiations with landowners, brokers, developers, and partners
Draft and review key commercial terms including term sheets and heads of agreement
Coordinate with legal advisors on transaction documentation (SPAs, JV agreements, etc.)
Drive transactions from sourcing through closing, ensuring timelines and milestones are met

7. Consultant & Project Coordination

Coordinate with surveyors, engineering consultants, project managers, and other technical advisors
Ensure alignment between financial assumptions and technical feasibility
Monitor consultant deliverables including feasibility studies, masterplans, and cost estimates
Facilitate communication across all stakeholders to ensure efficient project progression

8. Budget Management & Return Optimization

Work within defined investment budgets and capital allocation frameworks
Continuously optimize project structure and design to maximize returns
Identify cost efficiencies and value engineering opportunities
Balance risk and return across multiple development scenarios

9. Portfolio & Pipeline Management

Maintain and update a pipeline of active and potential deals
Track progress across sourcing, analysis, negotiation, and execution stages
Monitor performance of ongoing investments and developments
Prepare regular updates and reports for senior management

10. Investment Committee & Reporting

Prepare high-quality investment memoranda, presentations, and supporting materials
Present opportunities, risks, and recommendations to internal stakeholders
Support decision-making through clear and structured analysis

Competencies

Core Competencies

Strong real estate investment and development acumen
Advanced financial modeling and analytical capabilities
Deep understanding of land acquisition, zoning, and development processes
Strong negotiation and deal-making skills
Ability to manage multiple transactions and stakeholders simultaneously

Behavioral Competencies

Highly proactive and opportunity-driven mindset
Strong ownership and accountability
Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, dynamic environments

Qualifications & Experience

6–10 years of experience in real estate investment, development, or advisory
Proven track record in sourcing and executing real estate transactions
Strong experience in land acquisition, feasibility analysis, and development planning
Solid understanding of real estate regulations and market dynamics in Saudi Arabia
Experience working with SPVs, joint ventures, and structured investments
Proficiency in Excel and financial modeling; strong PowerPoint skills

Education