Head of International Fundraising - Real Estate Fund - Cobalt Recruitment - eFinancialCareers : Job Details

Since its establishment over a decade ago, it has lent circa £4bn, contributing to the development of thousands of new homes across the UK. Its investment strategies have consistently generated strong unlevered IRRs in the high single to low double-digit range, with further uplift available through leveraged structures.

The firm currently manages assets in the region of £1bn, split across both co-mingled funds and separately managed accounts (SMAs). All capital raised comes from institutional investors, primarily within the pension and insurance sectors. The company is headquartered in central London, with a lean team covering investment, investor relations, credit, operations, and finance.

Growth Plans

While their historical focus has been on UK-based lending, the company is actively expanding its geographical footprint in response to investor demand for pan-European exposure. Initial target markets include Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. Over the next 1 to 3 years, they aim to grow their European lending strategy to a similar scale as their UK portfolio-targeting total fund commitments in the low to mid-single-digit billions.

As they diversify their investment offering geographically, they are seeking to broaden their investor base beyond the UK, which currently represents the majority of their LPs.

The Opportunity: Head of International Fundraising

They are seeking a senior fundraising professional to join the investor relations team, with a focus on sourcing capital from European and other international markets. This individual will work closely with the CEO and existing IR colleagues to lead capital raising for the firm's pan-European real estate credit strategy.

The role offers significant scope to take on broader leadership responsibilities over time, including shaping firm strategy, building out a team, and contributing to product development. The successful candidate will also become a key member of the senior leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

Investor Engagement & Capital Raising

• Identify, approach, and engage prospective non-UK institutional investors
• Lead fundraising processes for both co-mingled vehicles and discretionary SMAs
• Maintain active and strategic follow-ups with prospects to achieve closing targets

Strategic Leadership

• Assume personal responsibility for non-UK fundraising initiatives, with the potential to build and manage a team
• Provide input on business strategy and product evolution as a member of the leadership team

Placement Agent Management

• Oversee relationships with third-party placement agents, both existing and potential

Marketing & Communication

• Collaborate with external PR agencies to produce thought leadership content and maintain a strong LinkedIn presence
• Participate in and organise relevant events such as conferences and roundtables

Fundraising Collateral

• Contribute to the development of investor materials including presentations, pitch decks, due diligence documentation, and data room content

Candidate Profile

Experience & Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in institutional fundraising within private markets, ideally with exposure to real estate or private credit
• A proven track record of capital raising and closing investments
• An established network of European and/or global institutional investors

Preferred Attributes

• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate independently
• Demonstrated leadership capability, with a desire to scale and manage a team
• Experience working in a smaller, high-performing business environment
• Ability to contribute to firm-wide strategic initiatives beyond core fundraising responsibilities
• Strong organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills