US Head of Real Estate Fund Services

Purpose

 The purpose of this role is to develop and lead a team providing fund administration and SPV services to a portfolio of mid-market and institutional real estate investment managers. Candidates should have a clear vision of the opportunities available and services required in the US real estate industry, and, demonstrate the skills to deliver on that vision.

As US Head of Real Estate Fund Services, the successful candidate will lead the delivery of all real estate services in the US and be a member of the Group’s Real Assets leadership team. The individual will support the Group Head of Real Assets in developing and delivering the US and Group’s business plan and growth strategy. They will also partner closely with other US directors to lead the US operations.

Aztec Group is a market leader, with over 1,500 staff across our six offices and AUA of over $600 billion. Having opened our first US office in May 2021 in Philadelphia, we have significant growth plans for the US market.

The successful candidate will have an entrepreneurial mindset and be able to work in a dynamic environment.  They will also be well connected in the alternatives space and be able to use these connections to drive insight and develop new opportunities.

• Support the design, and implementation of, the US Real Estate business plan and Group growth strategy
• Active contribution to other local and Group wide strategic initiatives and objectives
• Lead, motivate, nurture and develop engaged employees in accordance with Aztec’s values
• Senior leadership of a portfolio of high-quality clients, ensuring a high level of client satisfaction and a proactive rather than reactive service
• Be accountable and responsible for all elements of the P&L for US Real Estate services
• Oversee performance against other financial and non-financial objectives
• Partner closely with peers across the Group to strengthen cross jurisdictional relationships with colleagues and mutual clients
• Act as director of Aztec and client management boards
• Lead the design and implementation of technology-based solutions that drive exceptional client service, excellent user experience and deliver operational efficiencies
• Work in conjunction with the business development team, to design and deliver a business development strategy that fits in with the strategic aims of the Group and grows the business in US through locally developed leads as well as cross selling to existing Group clients
• Support the business development programme by proactively developing client and intermediary relationships, contributing to client development opportunities and leading new client proposals
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to identify, pursue and deliver new products and services
• Horizon scanning for new trends that may provide threats or opportunities
• Lead and/or participate in new client proposals and pitches as necessary and manage the onboarding of new clients

• Part of the US Leadership Team
• Board member of Group Real Assets Board

KPIs

• Revenue
• Gross margin
• Productivity
• Cash collections/Debtor days
• Client satisfaction (evidenced by Client Relationship Review scores)
• Employee engagement and retention

The primary location for the role is Aztec’s Philadelphia office. However, business travel will be required, especially to New York and Aztec’s European offices. There is also  the opportunity to work flexibly from home.

• You’ll look on the bright side, always finding the opportunity. You’ll think big, but you’re also a doer driven to find the right solution. You know that the right solutions aren’t always the easy ones either, or you’re constantly curious, looking to find the best way.
• You’ll have considerable financial services knowledge and be well-versed in alternative funds industry.
• Specifically, we’re looking for a senior director, specialising in real estate or other similar areas of the alternative investment industry.
• Excellent relationship builder. You build lasting relationships with colleagues, clients and intermediaries alike, and have proven ability to lead multi-jurisdictional teams, plan strategically and implement globally.
• You have the skills and desire to deliver exceptional client service on a big scale.
• You use strong organisational abilities to meet deadlines, organise, prioritise and allocate resources effortlessly.
• Your excellent attention to detail ensures your leaders naturally follow suit, adhering to policies, procedures and complex regulatory requirements without fail.
• Commercially driven - to identify new opportunities for growth, and, partner with colleagues and clients to bring these to life.
• You have experience in the leading the design and implementation of technology-based solutions that drive exceptional client service, excellent user experience and deliver operational efficiencies.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving capabilities.
• People leadership and management: motivate, grow, select and augment the team to ensure the right mix of capabilities is available.
• BA/BSc in Business-related subject, MBA or equivalent desirable qualifications.

Intelligently enabling brighter futures.

To be recognised as the leading global specialist in outsourced funds and corporate services.

To provide an invaluable client experience from the brightest talent, that brings innovation to the markets we serve and turns ambitions into reality.

Our strategy is to deliver a market- leading, outsourced solution to our clients, shaped by the elixir of the Aztec Group and driven by our shared values. These shared values guide how we behave and work – together, and with our clients, stakeholders and the wider communities in which we live.

 Bright: We’re empowered to create smart solutions for our clients’ needs. We nurture an environment where innovation and an alternative way of thinking is second nature; it’s in our DNA.

Caring: We’re a people business. A greater understanding of ourselves, our colleagues and our clients enables us to continuously develop and achieve our full potential.

Passionate: We’re an enthusiastic bunch, taking great pride in our work, our teams’ achievements and our clients’ successes. It motivates us to achieve positive solutions, every day.

Responsible: Our clients and colleagues place great trust in us. We act with integrity and hold ourselves accountable for our commitments and one another.

Unified: We’re one business with a single purpose and vision. We proactively communicate and collaborate across boundaries to deliver excellence.

• Builds open and trusting relationships
• Acts in the organisation’s best interests
• A focus on detail while being able to look at the big picture
• Organised and disciplined but able to cope with ambiguity
• Tendency to approach problems in a positive and constructive manner
• Works effectively using mutual influence across functions
• Capacity to spot issues and distil the important from the unimportant
• Highly pragmatic and action orientated
• Excellent ability to inspire and influence others
• Clear and grounded set of values that align to Aztec’s Values
• Values the flexible and work life balance agenda

• Helps to drive the Big Picture forward to the ground level – interpret the reality of how the vision is likely to be enacted.
• Can establish an operational strategy which is aligned to the Big Picture.
• Displays a strong empathy with the clients - voices their needs, reactions and concerns to the organisation.
• Is vigilant in terms of understanding external trends, regulatory and economic factors along with technological changes which are likely to impact on – imports this understanding to counteract complacency.
• Garners support and challenges when appropriate in order to secure results.

• Can inspire individuals intellectually and emotionally – impact of style is to create followership.  Has the persona to connect with people at all levels of the organisation.
• Takes the time and energy to engage with people at the ground level, in a personally relevant way.
• Can attract, recruit and develop and maintain high calibre people.
• Creates empowered teams, with strong ethos and drive, at all levels of Aztec.
• Constantly provides purpose and meaning to individuals by linking their contributions to the Big Picture.
• Encourages people to take responsibility for generating results and taking corrective action – particularly in respect of client issues.

• Creates a sense of urgency by appealing to competitive instincts and continuously focusing on the marketplace and potential threats on the horizon.
• Involves people in the process of contributing or shaping change plans – creates a coherent working change vision which enables people to see clearly in their own minds where the change will take them.
• Ensures clients are the focal point of attention.
• Develops and maintains contact with regulators, clients and knowledge of competitors to help identify future needs in relation to the drive for opportunities.
• Makes the agenda clear and tangible.
• Focus on securing early wins to generate momentum over time.