Partner - Real Estate Advisory

  • Full-time
  • Office Location: Melbourne
  • Division: Advisory
  • Department: Real Estate

Company Description

For more than 20 years, KordaMentha has supported businesses through some of their most complex matters and opportunities. Founder owned and led; we are an advisory firm that helps corporations, financiers, lawyers, private investors and government clients to grow, protect and recover value.

That’s what we do, but it’s how we do this that makes us who we are.

Proudly independent, strategically local, and with a bias for action to get things done, we focus on doing what is right by our clients, our people, and the wider community. Our track record shows that we help navigate the best path forward in challenging times, and do so across cities, regions and territories.

In the most stressful or demanding environments, we continue to drive change where it really counts.

Job Description

KordaMentha’s Real Estate Advisory team provides independent, outcomes-focused advice across the full real estate lifecycle, supporting clients through some of their most significant and complex property decisions.
The team works across high-value assets, sensitive stakeholder environments, matters under public scrutiny and engagements with material financial implications. 

We advise private, institutional and government clients across all asset classes, with services spanning transaction and deal advisory, asset and development strategy, and implementation and delivery.
What differentiates our approach is our focus on outcomes — not just reports — by working alongside clients to execute strategy and manage delivery risk.

This role sits within a nationally integrated real estate advisory platform and forms part of the broader KordaMentha group, leveraging deep multidisciplinary capability and trusted senior relationships across Australia and New Zealand.

We are seeking an accomplished Partner to join our Real Estate Advisory team and play a pivotal role in leading complex engagements, growing client relationships and shaping the continued success of the business.
This role will lead real estate advisory engagements, originate new opportunities, deliver high-quality commercial advice across both private and public sector clients and manage a small team of professionals.
While the role spans a wide range of industries, a key focus is supporting clients across banking and finance, government and corporate sectors with significant real estate decisions. 

The role requires strong strategic judgement, commercial acumen and leadership capability, with accountability for client outcomes, team performance and the overall growth and reputation of the Real Estate Advisory business.

There is also a strong emphasis on internal collaboration, particularly supporting client engagements that involve real estate elements across the broader firm, including with the Restructuring team in relation to real estate distress matters.

This is a key leadership opportunity for someone who can combine trusted advisory capability with execution focus, helping clients navigate transactions, asset repositioning, development strategy, capital structuring and implementation in often constrained, high-pressure or highly scrutinised environments.

Business development and market presence

  • Originate new real estate advisory opportunities through trusted client relationships and market networks across financial institutions, government agencies, corporate and not-for-profit clients. 
  • Build and deepen senior client relationships across banks, non-banks, super funds, alternative lenders and Commonwealth, State and Local Government bodies. 
  • Identify emerging client needs driven by market and policy conditions, including capital constraints, asset underperformance, funding stress, portfolio rationalisation, fiscal pressure and government policy change. 
  • Contribute to thought leadership, tenders, government panels, procurement processes and proposals across both public and private sector clients.
  • Leverage broader KordaMentha relationships to cross-originate real estate advisory opportunities.
  • Represent KordaMentha in senior client forums, industry engagements and government briefings. 

Client advisory and delivery

  • Lead and deliver end-to-end real estate advisory engagements for lenders, government agencies and corporate clients, from initial strategy through to implementation. 
  • Advise boards, executives and senior public sector stakeholders on strategic property decisions, risk, value optimisation and delivery pathways. 
  • Navigate complex stakeholder environments involving government, community, joint venture partners and financiers.
  • Provide clear, commercially grounded recommendations supported by robust analysis and sound professional judgement, balancing commercial outcomes with governance, probity and accountability requirements. 
  • Bridge the gap between advice and execution by supporting clients through implementation and delivery phase.

Leadership and people

  • Lead and mentor project teams, setting clear expectations for quality, commercial thinking and delivery discipline. 
  • Set high standards for analytical rigour, communication, professionalism and practical problem-solving. 
  • Provide structured coaching and development to Directors, Managers and Analysts. 
  • Support the development of emerging leaders by involving them in client origination, proposal preparation and relationship management. 
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability and strong execution

Qualifications

We are looking for a senior real estate advisory leader with a strong market profile, commercial credibility and the ability to build lasting client relationships while leading high-quality delivery.
You will likely bring: 

  • 12+ years’ experience in real estate advisory, government, consulting or related fields, with demonstrated leadership responsibility.
  • Practical experience in real estate development or real estate development advisory, which will be highly regarded. 
  • A proven track record advising either public and private sector clients on complex property matters and/or the financial sector on distressed real estate matters.
  • Demonstrated experience across the full real estate lifecycle, including transactions, asset strategy, development and implementation. 
  • Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to balance strategic insight, financial rigour and practical delivery. 
  • Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, including the ability to engage credibly with boards, executives and government leaders.
  • Credibility operating in confidential, high-profile and high-value situations.
  • A leadership mindset with a genuine commitment to developing people and building long-term client relationships. 
  • Professional qualifications in property, finance, economics, law, planning or engineering, which are desirable.

Additional Information

Join KordaMentha — Where Your Growth Is Our Priority

We don’t just hire talent; we invest in it - with support that accelerates your success in every way

Why Join Us?

  • Professional Development: Expert mentorship, tailored training via KordaMentha Business School, study support, and our Accelerate program for Analysts to Associate Directors — build your brand, expand your network, and gain strategic insights from senior leaders
  • Flexibility: We champion work/life integration with options that fit your lifestyle.
  • Career Growth: Merit-based promotions, secondments, and opportunities to work alongside senior leaders on impactful projects.
  • Leave That Works for You: Buy extra leave and access volunteer, generous parental leave and career break options.
  • Culture & Connection: Social events, cultural celebrations, and our bi-ennial black-tie ball.
  • Family Support: Flexible parental leave, return-to-work support through our partner GracePapers, and resources for every stage of family life.
  • Health & Wellbeing: Inclusive wellness initiatives and confidential and industry leading EAP for you and your family.

This isn’t just a job — it’s a place where your ambitions are nurtured, your wellbeing is valued, and your contributions celebrated. Ready to shape your future with us?

At KordaMentha, we believe there is strength in difference. Our entrepreneurial spirit expands the possibilities for action. We approach situations, challenges, and opportunities with optimism, curiosity, and diversity of thought. We seek novel solutions to problems and encourage unconventional and innovative approaches. 

Our team's diverse skillsets, backgrounds and experiences fuel KordaMentha's different mindset. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, recognising that talent and potential extend beyond traditional qualifications. Our selection process values diverse perspectives and considers each applicant's unique strengths and capabilities.

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