Property Risk Consultant

About the Job

Evaluates real estate investments to ensure compliance with architectural, construction and environmental risk policies for the Real Estate Investment Department within the mortgage loan portfolio and select equity investments within the equity portfolio as directed by the Director of Environmental and Architectural Services. Manages the consultation processes within specifically assigned MSAs in conducting and reviewing due diligence for Property Condition Assessments, Environmental Site Assessments and Seismic Risk Analyses.

Assists, communicates and advises business teams in the management and accounting of acceptable risks within the portfolios and against individual underwriting analyses. Monitors construction quality and schedules with developers and partners on construction projects and approves changes/modifications to them. Regularly contracts, hires and manages outside consulting firms for third‑party evaluations. Responsible for understanding the entire Construction Draw management system, including reconciling development budgets and draw requests, attending construction draw meetings, and verifying construction status on individual projects on an as‑needed basis to assist the Construction Audit group.

Evaluates and enforces policies and procedures for architectural and environmental due diligence process. Advises Director of ACE on potential deviations from policies and procedures and assists in amicable resolution thereof. Provides the production team with economic evaluations of capital expenditures and management of environmental risks and deferred maintenance. Reviews and approves requested documentation including drawings, specifications, surveys, soils reports, consultants reports and other documents to provide analysis as necessary to close new investments per established schedules.

Reviews and approves construction‑related documentation (design and construction contracts, budgets, soils reports, drawings and specifications) prior to construction commencement, monitors compliance, progress and quality during construction. Hires and manages nationally consulting firms on a project‑by‑project basis to manage due diligence process. Interprets outcomes and discusses or debates issues with external consultants, borrowers’ consultants and legal counsel, and represents Northwestern Mutual in a professional and ethical manner.

Effectively manages costs associated with hiring third‑party consultants. Provides timely support to the Closing Unit including performing daily database entries to ensure adequate communication and management of transactions. Where appropriate ensures appropriate disbursement of construction loan and equity fundings. Participates in deal review process for all new investments. Short‑term national travel is required and the candidate must be located in the Northwestern Mutual Home Office Campus in Milwaukee, WI.

A bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, environmental or construction management with direct, relevant real‑estate experience working with institutional investors and lending of a minimum of 7 years. Candidates with longer, more specific real‑estate experience in lieu of educational experience may also be considered. Knowledge of multiple building types and potential issues regarding each type (high‑rise, mid‑rise, industrial/flex space, garden apartments, etc.)

is required. Strong communication skills are a must, and the courage to defend protocols established within Real Estate Services is mandatory. Cross‑training to various disciplines described herein is required, and willingness to train (including internal and external classes) is a requirement. Must be willing and able to be located in the Northwestern Mutual Home Office Campus in Milwaukee, WI. Short‑term national travel is required on a scheduled and unscheduled basis.

Specific experience working within and for an institutional investor will receive the highest prioritization.

Compensation will be discussed based on experience, market conditions and other factors. Salary range will be disclosed during the interview process.

Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes talented individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.