MetLife

Role Value Proposition: 

Based in Whippany, New Jersey, MetLife Investment Management (MIM) is one of the largest institutional investors and asset managers in the world, with nearly $600.8 billion in combined managed assets, and has consistently generated superior returns for both policyholders and shareholders. The enterprise has more than 850 dedicated professionals with extensive experience and expertise in all asset classes, with a strength in public and private fixed income and private assets, including real estate. Visit us at www.metlife.com/investments to learn more.  

MIM’s Global Real Estate and Agricultural Investments maintains a portfolio invested in commercial real estate and agricultural mortgages, as well as real estate equities.  In addition to sourcing and managing these investments, the groups are responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with key industry contacts and referral sources.  The mortgage portfolio and equity portfolio units are organized according to specialty, and they actively manage MetLife’s portfolio of mortgage loans and equity investments in agricultural, office, apartment, retail, industrial, and hotel properties. The portfolio units are responsible for overall portfolio strategy, pricing, transaction approval and credit approval on new loans, as well as the active management of the overall mortgage and equity portfolios.  Real Estate Investments sources and manages commercial real estate investments through seven regional field offices (Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, DC, and Whippany, NJ) and four international offices (London, Mexico City, Tokyo and Santiago).  

The Debt Associate will support a local team of real estate professionals originating, closing, and managing commercial real estate loan investments on behalf of MetLife’s General Account portfolio and Investment Management and debt fund clients. Participate in the evaluation, analysis, underwriting, negotiation and closing of new debt transactions and the servicing of the existing loan portfolio.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Support origination, underwriting, negotiating, closing and management of commercial real estate loan portfolio.
• Develop and maintain external relationships with key market participants, such as mortgage bankers, developers, operators and investors.
• Assist with underwriting potential new commercial real estate loan investments, including evaluating the collateral, sponsorship, and structure.
• Assist in the preparation of transaction memoranda and the presentation to investment committees for approval.
• Participate in the negotiation of loan documents.
• Participate in the closing process for new transactions which may include completing all due diligence, and coordinate with loan asset managers, production analysts, attorneys, architects, appraisers and other third-party service providers.
• Support the efforts in the management and administration of commercial real estate loan investments in the portfolio, including annual mortgage ratings/surveillance, collateral valuations, property inspections, lease approvals, and loan assumptions and modifications.
• Assist in pro-actively managing a real estate loan portfolio with stated strategies.
• Prepare and analyze loan portfolio reporting requests, as needed.
• Develop a strong understanding of real estate market trends (leasing, investment sales, etc.) in the various submarkets pursued.
• Learn the existing MetLife Northeast mortgage debt portfolio, with a focus on existing borrowers, properties and exposures.

Essential Business Experience and Technical Skills:

Required: 

• Results-driven professional with 5+ years of experience in commercial real estate investment, including commercial real estate loan origination.
• Basic understanding of complex capital structures and the risks associated with different positions in a complex capital stack.
• Strong interpersonal and oral and written communication skills. 
• Established real estate analytical skills including property valuation, market analysis, lease analysis and mortgage analytics.
• Strong quantitative and computer skills including proficiency with Argus Enterprise, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and the ability to quickly master proprietary internal systems and familiarity with the leading commercial real estate market data resources (i.e.-CoStar, CBRE Econometric Advisors, Real Capital Analytics, etc.).
• Team oriented with strong work ethic and time management skills.
• To post for this position, you need the proper work authorization to work in the country where the position is located and not require relocation assistance.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable business-related field; MBA preferred. 
• Preference given to candidates who have relevant experience (knowledge of Argus Enterprise, Excel, Word and PowerPoint) and familiarity with the leading commercial real estate market data resources (i.e.-CoStar, CBRE Econometric Advisors, Real Capital Analytics, etc.).

At MetLife, we’re leading the global transformation of an industry we’ve long defined. United in purpose, diverse in perspective, we’re dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our customers.