Investment Associate, Real Estate Investment Manager

The Opportunity

Cobalt Recruitment are partnering with a highly entrepreneurial private investment firm to appoint an Associate within its London-based investment team.

This is a unique opportunity to join a lean, high-performing platform with exposure to real estate and private equity investments across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

Working directly alongside senior decision-makers, the successful candidate will gain hands-on involvement across the full investment lifecycle, from origination and underwriting through to execution, portfolio monitoring, and investor reporting.

The role offers significant responsibility from day one and would suit an ambitious investment professional seeking broader exposure than typically available within larger institutional environments.

Key Responsibilities

1. Build, maintain and stress-test financial models for real estate and private equity investments, including cash flow modelling, return analysis, sensitivities and waterfall structures.
2. Support investment underwriting, due diligence and transaction execution across a range of sectors and geographies.
3. Conduct market research, sector analysis and commercial due diligence to support investment decisions.
4. Prepare investment papers, presentations, information memoranda and investor materials.
5. Assist in coordinating with lenders, advisors, legal counsel and other transaction stakeholders throughout deal processes.
6. Screen and assess new investment opportunities, preparing recommendations for senior leadership.
7. Monitor portfolio performance and contribute to ongoing asset and investment management activities.
8. Support strategic and commercial projects as the business continues to grow.

Requirements:

1. 2–5 years' experience within investment banking, private equity, real estate investment, corporate finance or top-tier strategy consulting.
2. Strong financial modelling capabilities, ideally including real estate and/or private equity transaction modelling.
3. A strong academic background, ideally within Finance, Economics, Mathematics or a related discipline.
4. Experience preparing investment papers, research reports and senior-level presentations.
5. Exposure to real estate, hospitality, leisure or private equity investments.
6. Experience working on cross-border transactions would be advantageous.

Technical Skills

1. Advanced Excel and financial modelling expertise.
2. Strong PowerPoint and presentation development skills.
3. Proficiency using AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude.
4. Additional European or Middle Eastern language skills (particularly Greek or French) would be beneficial.

Personal Attributes

1. Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality.
2. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
3. Intellectual curiosity and a genuine interest in investing and market
4. The ability to manage multiple workstreams within a fast-paced environment.
5. Professionalism, discretion and confidence working closely with senior stakeholders.