Investment Analyst

Investment Analyst

Location: Chicago, IL

Company: Pearlmark Real Estate

Overview:

Pearlmark is a Chicago-based investment firm that targets domestic core-plus to value-add real estate opportunities via commingled funds, separate accounts, and joint venture structures. Since 1996, the Pearlmark team has sponsored more than 15 real estate equity and debt investment programs and completed over 600 real estate equity and debt transactions on behalf of investors, representing $6.3 billion in equity capital commitments and $14.7 billion in gross investment value. The firm is currently investing on behalf of a senior debt fund, mezzanine debt fund, and value-add equity fund. The company currently employs 30+ professionals and is based in Chicago.

Job Description:

Pearlmark is actively seeking a highly-motivated, self-starter to join its private equity investments group in its Chicago headquarters office as an Investment Analyst supporting the debt and equity platforms. This team member will be responsible for analyzing new acquisition, development, and debt investment opportunities and take part in every aspect of the deal lifecycle, from initial underwriting to disposition. The individual will work directly with senior leaders and will report to the Managing Director of Investments.

Key Responsibilities

Investment Screening and Underwriting

• Create and maintain detailed, complex cash flow analysis for acquisition and debt transactions
• Conduct market research to build pro forma assumptions leveraging various data sources, calls with brokers, and conversations with other market participants
• Interface with Asset Management to review key inputs; defend and articulate key assumption drivers to senior team members
• Identify and communicate key risks and mitigants
• Run sensitivity and scenario analyses

Transaction Support

• Create investment committee memoranda with input from team members; present materials internally and to investors
• Draft soft quotes and term sheets for equity and debt transactions
• Collaborate with Asset Management to conduct property and sponsor due diligence; compile, review, and summarize third party reports, property level data, contracts, and sponsorship history; ensure closing checklist is complete and all issues are appropriately flagged and resolved
• Participate in joint venture and loan document negotiation; coordinate legal review
• Review closing statements for accuracy and completeness
• Prepare investment committee materials for business plan updates and dispositions

Asset and Portfolio Management

• Maintain financial models post-closing; update quarterly for valuation review
• Create PowerPoint slides on new equity investments and debt originations for quarterly investor presentations; draft ongoing business plan updates for senior team review
• Assist Asset Management with ad-hoc analyses

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree; concentration in real estate or finance preferred
• 1-2 years of real estate private equity, REIT, debt, brokerage, banking, or valuation experience
• Analytical and cash flow modeling skills, including distribution waterfalls and construction draws
• Transaction closing experience
• Highly proficient in Excel and PowerPoint; proficiency in Argus preferred
• Strong team player able to work and solve problems independently and proactively
• Excellent written/verbal communication and organizational skills
• Familiarity with AI use cases for commercial real estate
• Ability to travel

Preferred Attributes

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Proactive mindset with a desire to take ownership of workstreams
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with cross-functional teams

What We Offer:

Pearlmark offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees including medical, dental, vision, life insurance/ADD, 401(k) retirement plan, long-term disability insurance, and FSA.

Pearlmark is backed by Generali, one of the world’s largest insurance asset managers. This backing offers the financial strength and global reach of an established institution while preserving the agility and conviction-driven culture of an entrepreneurial firm. For professionals early in their careers, the environment at Pearlmark is designed to accelerate growth. This individual will work closely with senior leadership, benefit from structured mentorship within the firm, and develop relationships across the broader real estate industry. Pearlmark encourages and supports its employees in participating in real estate boards, networks, and events across the industry.