Shape the Future with the National Wealth Fund
At the National Wealth Fund, our mission is to swiftly and effectively mobilise trusted sector insights and investment expertise to unlock billions in private finance for projects across the United Kingdom. Providing £27.8bn of capital and an expanded mandate, we are ready to help the market invest with confidence, continue to drive forward the Government's growth ambitions.
We are looking for skilled and results oriented individuals who are motivated to help us build the National Wealth Fund into an industry-leading institution.
Job Purpose
How to Apply: We are delighted to be partnering with Search Specialist, Korn Ferry in the recruitment of this role. To apply please share with you our application via email to this address: ApplicationsKF@kornferry.com
Location: Hybrid working with 3 days per week in the Leeds office.
Deadline to Apply: 12th Jan 2026. Early submission is encouraged, and applications will be reviewed by Korn Ferry on an ongoing basis.
Director - Real Estate Lead Role Purpose:
Provide strategic leadership and direction for the organisation’s investment activities, with a particular focus on real estate elements of both public and private sector transactions. The role is accountable for originating, structuring, and executing transactions that deliver strong commercial outcomes and align with policy objectives. The Director will leverage deep market knowledge and technical expertise to develop innovative financing solutions across debt, equity and guarantee products. Acting as a senior representative of the organisation, the role will engage with investors across all sectors and have deep rooted networks within the real estate industry.
Core Accountabilities:
• Lead Market Engagement: Engage with investors, developers, banks, and industry to enhance the profile of the National Wealth Fund. This includes speaking at industry events and proactively generating new investment opportunities.
• Originate and Screen Projects: Identify and evaluate potential projects, making recommendations to the Investment Committee based on their commercial viability, impact and policy credentials.
• Develop Strategic Solutions: Utilise the full product suite, including debt, equity and guarantees, to deliver financing solutions aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives.
• Lead Deal Teams: Manage a team through the structuring, negotiation, and due diligence processes.
• Partner on Government Programmes: Work closely with government departments on their support programmes and business models to address market challenges in specific sectors.
• Foster Internal Collaboration: Engage constructively with colleagues across the National Wealth Fund to share expertise, develop sector strategies, and assess the suitability of prospective deals.
• Build External Relationships: Develop positive working relationships with external stakeholders, including government departments, similar arms-length bodies, investors, advisers, and project sponsors.
• Lead and Mentor: Inspire and motivate a high-performing team, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
Knowledge Skill and Experience Requirements:
• Career Experience: Extensive real estate experience and market knowledge with in-depth understanding of debt products.
• Technical Knowledge: Highly numerate with modelling and technical skills, and transaction structuring and negotiation experience dealing at Board level with investors, contractors, and advisors on complex projects.
• Leadership Skills: Wide-ranging leadership experience with a proven ability to manage high-performing teams, coupled with a strong enthusiasm for developing talent.
• Highly motivated: Driven, self-starting and creative with the discipline, diplomacy and team orientation to work in a fast-paced deal environment.
• Confidence and Credibility: Ability to act with a high level of confidence, maturity, and credibility, positively influencing outcomes in the best interests of the National Wealth Fund.
• Network Building: Significant track record in building a strong network of market relationships.
• Communication Skills: Skilled communicator with a passion for contributing to the positive culture of the organisation.
A career with us offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact and work on cutting-edge technologies that will drive the UK’s future. We value diversity in our people and inclusion is at the heart of what we do.
We offer competitive benefits and unique learning opportunities from combining both private and public sector skills and experience. Please note, referencing and background checks are carried out for all roles here at the National Wealth Fund.