Senior Relationship Manager OR Senior Banker - Institutional Real Estate

KeyBank • Cleveland, OH

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

KeyBank Real Estate Capital (KBREC) is a leading provider of commercial and multifamily real estate finance, focused on building long-term client relationships through creative financing solutions, urgency, and meeting client objectives. The Institutional Real Estate Group (IREG) within KBREC specifically addresses the capital and banking needs of institutional real estate entities such as public and private REITs, real estate operating companies, real estate fund sponsors, and real estate private equity firms. IREG offers a range of financing solutions including Corporate Credit Facilities, Syndicated Finance, Acquisition and Bridge Loans, Permanent Debt, Public and Private Bonds, and Public and Private Equity. The Senior Relationship Manager (SRM) role is responsible for sourcing new client relationships, managing existing ones, and working with deal teams to underwrite, structure, and document new credit opportunities. SRMs manage a portfolio, focusing on risk management, revenue generation, and serving as the primary client contact within IREG. They collaborate with product partners like the Commercial Mortgage Group, Real Estate Syndications, Real Estate Investment Banking, and Enterprise Commercial Payments to create diversified income. The role also involves close work with Credit Risk Management for underwriting, reporting, and monitoring credit extended to clients.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 6-10+ years of experience in commercial real estate and/or banking (for Sr Relationship Manager)
• 10+ years of experience in commercial real estate and/or banking (for Sr Banker)
• Strong analytical, organizational, written and verbal communication skills
• Computer literate with proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience using AI tools to support real estate underwriting, market research, credit analysis, financial modeling, and investment memorandum preparation
• Demonstrated leadership and teamwork
• Highly motivated, self-directed, and strong work ethic
• Strong sales and analytical skills

Nice To Haves

• Degree or class work in finance, accounting, commercial real estate, or economics
• Financial modeling coursework or experience
• Experience transacting/banking with institutional real estate companies including REITs and Real Estate Private Equity Funds
• Successful history of managing client relationships, cultivating and on-boarding prospects and generating revenue

Responsibilities

• Sourcing new client relationships
• Managing existing client relationships
• Working with deal teams to underwrite, structure and document new credit opportunities
• Managing a portfolio of relationships with primary responsibility for managing risks, driving revenue and serving as the client’s primary contact within IREG
• Working closely with product partners such as the Commercial Mortgage Group, Real Estate Syndications, Real Estate Investment Banking and Enterprise Commercial Payments (cash management) to generate diversified income across relationships
• Working closely with Credit Risk Management to ensure appropriate risk underwriting, reporting and monitoring of the credit extended to clients within IREG
• Providing prospects and clients creative solutions to efficiently finance their real estate portfolio/business
• Developing and maintaining close client relationships and providing balance sheet lending and off-balance sheet financing options that fit within the bank’s risk tolerance
• Maintaining direct contact with clients to synthesize portfolio financial data and assess risks of extending structured credit products to solve clients’ financing needs
• Leading internal deal teams, effectively and regularly communicating with other IREG teammates, internal product partners, borrowers, and prospects, with a focus towards continually developing client opportunities in the market
• Mentoring, coaching and developing Relationship Managers, Analysts, and Associates on the team
• Leading sales and prospecting activities that align to the targeted growth strategies for the business
• Partnering with senior management to identify growth opportunities and refine strategies that increase profitability while maintaining moderate risk
• Demonstrating an enterprise mindset by delivering Key’s full range of capabilities, participating in joint client calls, engaging product partners, and sharing knowledge and best practices across the organization
• Collaborating effectively with product and industry groups and Credit Administration, leveraging KBCM resources to support clients
• Serving as a recognized industry expert by participating in panels, workshops, and conferences and being regularly quoted in industry and financial publications

Benefits

• Competitive base salary + discretionary bonus
• 401(k) matching (dollar-for-dollar up to 7%)
• PTO
• A Lifestyle Spending Account in support of employees’ health, well-being and financial wellness
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

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