Asset Manager - Timberland

Acre is exclusively partnering with the Church Commissioners for England to recruit an investment professional for their Timberland Asset Management division.

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The Church Commissioners for England manages a diverse investment fund of over £10 billion of assets. Their Timberland portfolio comprises investments in forest land totalling 90,000 acres and makes up a significant part of their overall investment holdings (£450 million), a large proportion of which is invested directly.

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The role will take an active role in the day-to-day and strategic management of the timberland portfolio looking to maximise sustainable investment returns through value-add strategies in addition to timber production e.g. renewable energy, mitigation banking, subdivision strategies and carbon credits.

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This is a newly created position reporting to the head of the team (Principal Asset Manager for Timberland). The Church Commissioners for England is looking for an individual with a strong understanding of investment fundamentals in a real asset context (doesn't need to be within timberland) and an interest in developing expertise in forestry and natural capital.

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Responsibilities:

• Development and implementation of both long-term and short-term strategies for the Timberland portfolio.

• Review new investment opportunities. Working with colleagues and external advisors, screen investments and support due diligence on new investment opportunities as appropriate.

• Oversee investment management by external managers to ensure it is undertaken sustainably and to maximise total investment return.

• Strategically evaluate opportunities and recommendations relating to, for instance:

• Investment management strategies for each investment.

• Proposals and reports by external managers and advisors.

• Annual budgets, including ongoing monitoring.

• Ensuring Higher and Better Use opportunities are explored.

• Reviewing opportunities to improve approaches to sustainability as appropriate.

• Prepare written reports as required relating to, e.g., performance, management, sustainability, transactions, and strategy.

• Take forward key initiatives including a review of opportunities for portfolio-level monitoring of carbon and natural capital, a review of sustainability initiatives, and updating of portfolio carbon analysis.

• Undertake inspections of key assets (in the UK and overseas)

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Requirements:

• Degree in Finance, Real Estate Investment or similar, or equivalent qualifications.

• Experience in asset/investment management and/or financial analysis.

• A clear understanding of investment fundamentals in a real estate context.

• Enthusiasm to develop expertise in forestry and natural capital. Experience in the asset class is beneficial but not a requirement.

• Experience in proactively implementing strategies to deliver investment returns.

• Experience in managing business and stakeholder relationships.

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This is a fantastic opportunity to join an influential asset owner and develop expertise within the fast-expanding area of natural capital.

For more information, please reach out to Katy Quicke at Acre via katy.quicke@acre.com, or apply with your CV.