Principal, Real Estate Debt Asset Management

Over the last 20 years, Ares’ success has been driven by our people and our culture. Today, our team is guided by our core values – Collaborative, Responsible, Entrepreneurial, Self-Aware, Trustworthy – and our purpose to be a catalyst for shared prosperity and a better future. Through our recruitment, career development and employee-focused programming, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment where high-performance talent of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can build careers within this exciting and growing industry.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Principal, Debt Asset Management position actively manages highly structured commercial transitional and stretch first mortgage and mezzanine loans. The Principal will partner with Portfolio Management, Debt Capital Markets, Debt and Equity Originations, Investor Relations and Accounting teams on deal level modifications, loan resolutions, borrower relationships, financings, reporting and forecasting.  While a core component of the role will be overseeing work produced by Analysts and Associates, a team player approach is critical.

Primary Functions and Essential Responsibilities

• Actively monitor and analyze loan asset-level performance, identify potential market/credit risks and develop an action plan to address any issues and provide strategic guidance
• Negotiate various loan modifications, workout and restructuring scenarios, including discounted payoffs, loan sales, deed-in-lieu, foreclosures, and position splits and ultimate operating and re-positioning of an asset
• Drive financial results by understanding the various financial goals and hurdles of each investment and investment vehicle to optimize performance
• Manage REO assets, devising business plan, overseeing property management and operations, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.  Ensure proper execution during ownership and oversee disposition process
• Work with Debt Capital Markets regarding leverage modifications and/or refinancings needed during an asset’s investment life
• Assist in enhancing asset management reporting, asset level and portfolio analytics, and industry best practices
• Oversee collateral valuation/re-underwriting process and quarterly CECL and risk ratings
• Prepare and/or review regular reporting for various purposes:  investor, lender, internal, public reporting, etc.
• Participate in investor calls and updates, supporting the Portfolio Management and Investor Relations teams
• Establish strong Borrower relationships and identify business development opportunities to foster Borrower relationships and new origination opportunities
• Promote ancillary business and share of wallet for primary broker and lending relationships
• Responsibility for oversight and management of junior staff, including identifying areas of growth and training needs
• Maintain compliance with Servicing & Participation Agreements and Asset Management Policies & Procedures

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Accounting, or Real Estate with exceptional academic credentials, Master’s Degree preferred
• 10 to 12+ years of experience in debt origination, debt asset management, including extensive workouts, structuring and restructuring of commercial real estate assets
• Experience with large loans ($100M+) with a focus on transitional, redevelopment and ground-up construction
• Strong communication skills with the ability to analyze complex situations and articulate ideas and strategies, both verbally and in writing
• Proven negotiating skills to navigate difficult loan resolutions
• Exceptional analytical and financial modeling skills, with proficiency in Argus and Excel
• Outstanding leadership skills and management of direct reports
• Ability to multi-task in a collaborative environment and work successfully under pressure while effectively managing time and workload
• A desire to work within a diverse, collaborative, and driven professional and client facing environment

Reporting Relationships

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus. Note, the range takes into account a broad spectrum of qualifications, including, but not limited to, years of relevant work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications specific to the