At Barings, we are as invested in our associates as we are in our clients. We recognize those who work diligently for us and reward them for personal and professional integrity, communication skills, distinct competencies and expertise in specific strategies, ability to collaborate as a team member and true dedication to the interests of our clients.
We thank you for your interest in joining the Barings team, and invite you to explore our current employment opportunities.
Job Title: Real Estate Debt, Associate/Senior Associate
Corporate Title: Associate or Senior Associate
Department: Real Estate Debt
Location: Chicago
The Associate/Senior Associate plays a critical role in evaluating, structuring, and advancing commercial real estate debt opportunities. This position supports the full underwriting lifecycle—from initial screening and financial analysis through due diligence, investment committee preparation, and closing. The role partners closely with Origination, Asset Management, Capital Markets, and Legal to ensure thorough, accurate, and timely evaluations of transactions. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical rigor, excellent modeling skills, and the ability to communicate insights clearly in a fast‑paced, deal‑driven environment.
Responsibilities
- Prepare financial models in Excel and ARGUS to analyze real estate financing opportunities.
- Gather and analyze market information including sales and rent comparables, supply/demand fundamentals, capitalization rates, and other factors influencing underwriting assumptions.
- Assist with the preparation and presentation of loan investment summaries/briefs to internal investment committees.
- Coordinate with Origination and Underwriting teams through the due diligence and closing process.
- Review legal documents and other materials as part of the due diligence process; abstract key documents; assist in closing process.
- Provide assistance to asset management and capital markets teams on closed loans as needed.
Qualifications
- 2-5 years of commercial real estate investment analysis experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a finance or real estate emphasis or related field is preferred.
- Ability to develop complex financial models in Excel and ARGUS.
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills and the ability to convey findings clearly with effective writing.
- Experience with mezzanine debt and preferred equity structures preferred.
Competencies
- Ability to break down complex issues into component parts and pursue resolution
- Understands business issues and processes; effectively translates initiatives into action plans
- Makes and defends key recommendations and decisions
- Strong analytical skills
- Advanced Excel skills
- Develops strong and effective relationships with all areas across the organization
- Highly developed written and verbal communication skills
- Works independently and as part of a team
- Attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects
- Strong time management, organizational, facilitation and collaboration skills
#LI-CM2
Base Salary Range: $100,000-140,000 and additional incentive compensation.
Requisite Skills
Commercial Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate Investment, Due Diligence, Microsoft Excel, Real Estate Financing, Real Estate Investments, Underwriting
Additional Skills
Barings is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer; Minority/Female/Age/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Individual with Disability/Protected Veteran. We welcome all persons to apply.
Barings offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
CORE BENEFITS & WELLNESS
- Medical (including Virtual Care), Prescription, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Fitness Center Reimbursement Program (Including Online Memberships)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Fertility Benefits
FINANCIAL WELL-BEING
- Highly competitive 401(k) Plan with Company Match
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Contributions
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care & Dependent Care
- Retirement Health Reimbursement Account
LIFE INSURANCE
- Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
- Spouse and Child Life Insurance
TIME OFF, DISABILITY AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE
- Paid Vacation, Sick Days and Annual Holidays
- Paid Leave of Absences (Maternity Leave, Parental Leave, Caregiver Leave, Bereavement Time)
- Short and Long Term Disability Plans
- Paid Volunteer Time
OTHER BENEFITS
- Education Assistance Program
- Charitable Matching Gifts Program
- Commuter Reimbursement Program
- Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement Program