Principal, Private Markets (Real Estate)

OPTrust • Toronto, ON

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

OPTrust is seeking a Principal candidate to be based in the Toronto Office. This Principal will play a key role in the Private Markets Team focused on Real Estate. Reporting to a Director, the Principal will provide high quality analysis, reporting, research and investment opinions relating to new investment opportunities and existing real estate portfolio investments. The Principal will participate in all aspects of investment underwriting, conducting detailed due diligence on opportunities, leading financial analysis, as well as drafting and presenting investment recommendations to the investment committee. The Principal will also actively participate in portfolio and asset management activities, including the preparation of reporting materials. This position will oversee the maintenance of key information and metrics on the real estate portfolio and produce and present research reports and investment analysis to be utilized by the team in the decision-making process. The Principal will also support strategic initiatives across the real estate portfolio and broader Private Markets platform.

Requirements

• 2-5 years of relevant commercial real estate experience.
• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as business, finance, accounting, or real estate.
• Progress towards a CFA designation strongly recommended.
• Strong financial modelling skills with demonstrated experience in investment and valuation analysis.
• Advanced knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications, AI tools, as well as with real estate valuation software (Argus).
• Self-starter, proactive, excellent attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, with genuine motivation and drive.
• Team-oriented and collaborative by nature with ability to build and maintain relationships, working closely and effectively with colleagues, advisors, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills required.
• Availability for travel as required.
• Exemplify OPTrust values: collaboration and teamwork, integrity, respect, flexibility, excellence, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

• Additional designations/certifications valued but not required (e.g., MBA, CFA, CPA, etc.).
• Experience with multi-residential, industrial, office and retail properties is an asset, preferably in an institutional environment.
• Previous Argus experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate real estate investment opportunities, working collaboratively with other real estate investment professionals.
• Conduct detailed underwriting and due diligence on prospective investments, including preparing detailed financial models and returns analysis, assessing the investment and leasing market, and reviewing third-party due diligence materials.
• Prepare investment committee recommendations and actively participate in the investment decision-making process, including investment committee meetings.
• Liaise with key counterparties including partners, advisors, brokers and lenders.
• Support the ongoing asset management of OPTrust’s real estate investments, including reviewing leasing and capital plans, reviewing property budgets, and assisting with strategic initiatives alongside investment partners.
• Perform or oversee asset valuations using Argus software and other financial models, and coordinate with Finance and external appraisal providers on valuation related matters.
• Prepare ad-hoc reports, analysis and presentations and undertake additional projects as required.
• Perform research on emerging trends and technologies in the real estate industry, assessing their impact on the real estate portfolio.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of legislation and regulations pertaining to real estate investment.
• Lead the real estate portfolio’s quarterly reporting process alongside the analyst team, producing in-depth portfolio analysis and ensuring the overall quality of the report.
• Report on the ongoing performance of the real estate investment portfolio and monitor exposures to various sectors and geographies.
• Work closely with the team’s leadership to enhance and implement processes to meet the evolving reporting needs of the Private Markets team.
• Liaise with the Finance team on matters related to financial accounting, valuations, reporting and investment performance, conducting reviews of quarterly performance and other financial metrics.
• Attend real estate events and conferences and report back to the team as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits focused on your health and wellness, including dental, vision and extended health benefits, as well as membership in our world-class defined benefit pension plan.
• A flexible, hybrid work model.
• Extensive professional development opportunities and learning initiatives including access to LinkedIn Learning, guest speakers, tuition reimbursement, professional association memberships, leadership development programs, a mentorship program, monthly professional development time and more.
• A competitive vacation package with additional work-life balance day.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal