MetLife Investment Management, AVP Regional Architect, Southeast Regional Office

Job Description

Position:             AVP Regional Architect, Southeast Regional Office

Department:       MetLife Investment Management, Real Estate

Location:            Based in Atlanta

MetLife Investment Management:

Based in Whippany, New Jersey, MetLife Investment Management (MIM) is a global asset manager with $670 billion of total assets under management as of December 31, 2021. The enterprise has more than 900 dedicated professionals and manages money in a number of asset classes for MetLife’s general account, insurance company subsidiaries, and third parties separate accounts and private funds. MIM provides public fixed income, private capital, and real estate investment solutions to institutional investors worldwide. Visit us at metlife.com/investments to learn more.

MIM Real Estate

MIM Real Estate currently manages approximately $28 billion of direct investments nationally across office, apartment, industrial, retail, and hotel property types for internal (general account) and external institutional clients.  The Real Estate Equity Team continues to selectively acquire assets in markets that enhance its expanding portfolio and has maintained an average annual acquisition volume of $2-$3 billion. 

In addition to direct investments, MetLife is among the largest commercial mortgage lenders in US, with a portfolio in excess of $50 billion.  Institutional investors have access to MIM’s unique platform and capabilities, intellectual capital, and the ability to work with a financially-strong partner offering attractive long-term returns and well-managed risk.

The Role

MIM Real Estate sources and manages portfolios of commercial real estate equities and mortgages through regional field offices in the United States and internationally. Partnering with asset managers, mortgage originators, and other regional architects, this Regional Architect position reduces investment risk during acquisition, development, asset management, and loan underwriting and management, through leadership and expertise in building design, construction, and environmental issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise, recommendations and support in decision-making process for new debt and equity investments regarding design, construction and environmental matters. Lead in the resolution of issues in these areas.
• Manage design, construction, and environmental matters in the existing debt and equity portfolios in support of the Business team’s goals.
• Manage engagement of third-party consultants during transaction due diligence.
• Participate as a voting member of the Regional Investment Committee.
• Lead and monitor new development construction projects in coordination with the Director of Real Estate Development, including design and construction evaluation, review construction progress and monitor construction management in support of project standards, hard cost budgeting, and scheduling criteria.
• Oversee project management for capital improvement projects. Scope projects, develop budgets, negotiate and manage contracts, and direct projects and consultant teams.
• Collaborate with asset managers to develop annual capital plans for real estate equity assets. Assist in managing physical property issues and ensure properties are well positioned to compete and outperform in their respective markets in terms of physical quality, amenities, efficiency, sustainability and resiliency.
• Serve as an expert resource to all stakeholders and mentor to Business Associates on architecture, engineering, development, and environmental responsibility and remediation.
• Analyze and diagnose issues and technical problems, simplify and communicate to stakeholders, and ultimately optimize risk/return investment decisions.
• As necessary, work across regions to support the workload in other regions or on portfolio transactions.
• Implement operational and architectural programs pursuant to Regional Office requests and national directives.
• Participate in MIM Real Estate’s ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) Task Force and promote sustainability and ESG Goals in all investment assets.
• Maintain consistency of administration through compliance with department policies and guidelines, prepare appropriate reports and memos as required and as may be otherwise requested, and provide recommendations to the Regional Investment Committee.

Key Relationships

Reports to:                       VP Managing Architect and indirectly to the Regional Director in Atlanta

Direct Reports:                Third Party Consultants

Key Stakeholders:           Debt Originators, Asset Managers, Acquisition Directors, Development Directors

Travel Requirements

20% travel

Candidate Qualifications

• Must be a Licensed Architect with active registration in one or more states
• Professional degree in architecture or other related field required, and other advanced degree preferred
• 15+ years of experience with building design, construction and maintenance
• Experience with office, multi-family, industrial, retail and/or hotel building types
• Experience as Owner’s Representative and/or Project Manager for design and construction

• Experience with building and property environmental matters including remediation and other risk mitigation strategies

• Real estate investment and finance business knowledge/interest
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a natural team player
• Highly motivated and self-directed individual
• Strong decision making and facilitation skills
• Outstanding organization and prioritization skills
• Experience in successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously

Leadership Competencies:

• • Motivates People - Gains people commitment to achieve business objectives through clear communication of the company’s vision and flexing leadership styles to inspire high performance.
• • Creates Partnerships - Authentically builds trusted relationships and collaborates across global, diverse and multi-functional teams to successfully drive business objectives.
• • Models our Values - Creates a culture that promotes the company’s values and standards through role modeling, accountability and ownership of decisions.
• • Drives Results - Sets aggressive goals and is accountable for continuously driving improved performance, leading change and ensuring high standards.

MetLife:

MetLife, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

We are one of the largest institutional investors in the U.S. with over $670 billion of total assets under management as of December 31, 2021. We are ranked #44 on the Fortune 500 list for 2019. In 2019, we were named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for the fourth year in a row. DJSI is a global index to track the leading sustainability-driven companies.

MetLife is committed to building a purpose-driven and inclusive culture that energizes our people. Our employees work every day to help build a more confident future for people around the world.

We want to make it simple for all interested and qualified candidates to apply for employment opportunities with MetLife. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please call our Employee Relations Department at 1-877-843-3711.

MetLife is a proud Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at MetLife without regards to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

MetLife maintains a drug-free workplace.

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