REPE - Reviewing Job Offer at New Fund

Seeking feedback from peers. Through my network, I just recieced a job offer to run asset management for a $200M fund focused on value-add multi-family real estate. The principals are from institutional shops and seem to have good reputations.

I've been offered the following:
Salary - $140k
Bonus - Up to 50%
Carry - 10% vesting over 4 years

Plenty to dig into and negotiate. On its face, is this an attractive offer? Been an associate for the last 4 years and they seem eager to find someone younger with potential (who would be cheaper on salary).

Any feedback would be appreciated.

14 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, your offer seems competitive, especially for someone transitioning into a leadership role in asset management for a $200M fund. Here's a breakdown of the key components:

1. Salary: $140k

  • This is solid for a mid-level role in asset management, particularly for a fund of this size. It aligns with compensation data for similar positions in value-add multifamily real estate.

2. Bonus: Up to 50%

  • A bonus of up to 50% is attractive and on the higher end for asset management roles. However, you should clarify the criteria for achieving the full bonus (e.g., fund performance, individual KPIs, etc.).

3. Carry: 10% vesting over 4 years

  • A 10% carry is a strong incentive, especially if the fund performs well. Ensure you understand:
    • The fund's projected returns and timeline for distributions.
    • Whether the carry is gross or net of fees.
    • The vesting schedule and what happens if you leave before the 4 years.

4. Role and Responsibilities

  • Running asset management for a $200M fund is a significant step up from an associate role. It offers leadership experience and exposure to fund-level decision-making, which can be a great career accelerator.

5. Negotiation Points

  • Salary: If you feel the $140k is on the lower side for the responsibilities, you could negotiate for a slight bump, especially given your 4 years of experience.
  • Bonus: Seek clarity on how the bonus is structured and whether it's realistically achievable.
  • Carry: Confirm the fund's expected IRR and how carry distributions are calculated.
  • Support: Ask about the team structure and resources available to you. Will you have analysts or associates to assist, or will you be expected to handle everything solo?

Final Thoughts

This offer is attractive, especially with the carry component and the opportunity to step into a leadership role. However, ensure you fully understand the fund's strategy, performance expectations, and the support you'll receive. If the principals have strong reputations and the fund has a clear path to success, this could be a fantastic opportunity to grow your career.

Sources: IB Associate with PE Offer (package question), What is your compensation in Real Estate Finance?, PE Comp Question - VP / Principal Level, 2021 S&T Bonus

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

The cash comp seems low for someone running all asset management, but the carry is attractive. I would try to get as much detail into how carry is paid out at your firm and some annual estimates. 

But, all that said, I’d take the job. Being handed the keys is almost never a negative for your resume and getting a job offer in this market is pretty damn difficult. 

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 
Most Helpful

If they've already raised the fund - that's great, take it (as others have said).  However, the skeptic in me wonders, if they have raised it (or a 99% lock to do so), why are they giving up so much carry?  If I'm the founding partner, I make this offer if I don't have the fund locked-in/committed, and want someone to share the downside/upside risk and limit amount of cash comp going out the door in the downside scenario it's not fully raised.    And being from an institutional shop and having a good reputation is not a guarantee of raising a fund - especially in this environment.

Just some food for thought.  Congrats on the offer. 

 

It is a new venture and based in the SE. Fully vested over 4 years and stays vested if I leave by choice. If fired for cause (to be defined), no payout on whatever is vested at that point. 

Even if I leave by choice, I'm skeptical of receiving actual payout as I've heard horror stories from colleagues. 

 

getterbuckets79

It is a new venture and based in the SE. Fully vested over 4 years and stays vested if I leave by choice. If fired for cause (to be defined), no payout on whatever is vested at that point. 

Even if I leave by choice, I'm skeptical of receiving actual payout as I've heard horror stories from colleagues. 

FL or actually in southeast/sunbelt? Regardless if you don’t trust you’ll get payout if you leave by choice, then that’s a giant red flag and to be avoided regardless of the offer. 

 

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