Associate, Non-Core Lending Mortgage

Who We Are:

BGO is a leading, global real estate investment management advisor and a globally-recognized provider of real estate services. BGO serves the interests of more than 750 institutional clients with approximately $85 billion USD of assets under management (as of September 30, 2024) and expertise in the asset management of office, industrial, multi-residential, retail and hospitality property across the globe. BGO has offices in 27 cities across thirteen countries with deep, local knowledge, experience, and extensive networks in the regions where we invest in and manage real estate assets on behalf of our clients in primary, secondary and co-investment markets.

BGO is a part of SLC Management, the institutional alternatives and traditional asset management business of Sun Life. For more information, please visit

BGO promotes a corporate culture that attracts and retains the highest caliber people. We encourage opportunities for growth, development, and promotion by providing our employees with the resources to work effectively and continually strive to perform better. We are committed to a safe and sustainable work environment.

The Opportunity:

The Associate, Real Estate Construction Lending plays a key role in the origination, underwriting, execution, and ongoing management of construction loans secured by real estate mortgages. This individual takes the lead on structuring and underwriting more complex transactions, ensures rigorous risk assessment, and manages external and internal relationships in coordination with senior management. The Associate also mentors Analysts and supports the broader team through portfolio oversight and process improvement.

What You Will Do:

Underwriting & Deal Execution

• Lead the underwriting of new loans including but not limited construction loans, development loans, bridge loans, and preparing detailed financial models, sensitivity analyses, and credit memoranda.
• Assess borrower strength, guarantor financial capacity, project feasibility, and market conditions.
• Draft and negotiate loan terms, ensuring alignment with internal credit risk appetite.
• Present recommendations to Credit Risk Management and senior management for approval.
• When required prepare term sheets and commitment letters in case of approved loans.

Due Diligence & Risk Management

• Oversee third-party due diligence: appraisals, cost consultant reports, environmental assessments, market studies.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to cost overruns, schedule delays, absorption risk, or regulatory changes.
• Monitor covenant compliance, conditions precedent, and undertakings throughout the loan term.

Loan & Portfolio Monitoring

• Manage ongoing monitoring of construction projects: reviewing draw requests, analyzing quarterly reports, and ensuring adequacy of project contingency.
• Prepare loan extensions or work on loan amendments for active loans.
• Flag emerging risks and recommend proactive measures.

Client & Stakeholder Interaction

• Act as a contact for brokers, borrowers, developers, and guarantors, building strong professional relationships.
• Coordinate with legal counsel, external consultants, and internal credit/risk teams to ensure efficient execution.
• Support business development by identifying opportunities with existing clients and referral networks.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide guidance and training to Analysts and junior staff on underwriting techniques, financial modeling, and loan monitoring best practices.
• Review work prepared by junior team members for accuracy and completeness.
• Contribute to building a collaborative and high-performing team culture and live up to the BGO Culture Code.

Reporting & Process Improvement

• Prepare periodic portfolio reports and presentations for senior management and stakeholders.
• Recommend enhancements to underwriting models, monitoring tools, and reporting processes.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives related to portfolio growth such as business plans and risk management.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Real Estate, Accounting, Business, or a related field.
• Advanced degree CFA designation, CPA, or similar is an asset.
• 5 years or more of relevant work experience in real estate construction lending, commercial real estate finance, or underwriting.
• Demonstrated experience structuring and underwriting complex real estate construction or development loans.
• Exposure to a broad range of asset classes (residential, mixed-use, commercial, industrial, etc.) is preferred.
• Loan underwriting and structuring skills, scenario testing, and risk sensitivity analyses.
• Deep understanding of construction budgets, cost monitoring, and development timelines.
• Knowledge of loan documentation, mortgage security structures, and Canadian
• lending/regulatory frameworks.
• Good credit judgment and ability to balance risk with business opportunity.
• Strong communication skills: capable of drafting clear, persuasive credit recommendations and presenting to senior stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple complex transactions simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word; Argus or other real estate modeling tools is an asset.

Other Attributes:

• Client-oriented mindset with strong relationship management skills.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and solution-focused.
• Comfortable mentoring junior team members and providing constructive feedback.
• Demonstrated initiative, leadership, and sound business judgment.

At BGO, we recognize that each employee’s unique experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints strengthen our ability to create and deliver the best value to our clients, partners, and stakeholders/investors. Therefore, we strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and life experiences to apply to our career opportunities.