Director of Real Estate Research & Strategy 80-100%

Are you passionate about the built environment? Would you like to apply your knowledge of global real estate markets in an institutional setting and influence investment decision making? Are you curious by nature, numerate, and keen to use new analytical methods to elevate traditional real estate analysis? If this sounds like your profile, we should have a conversation!

The role reports directly to the Global Head of Real Estate Research and Strategy of Zurich Insurance. Group Real Estate is part of Alternative Assets within Investment Management. Real Estate is an important asset class to Zurich Insurance, which manages approximately USD 25bn of real estate assets. As a substantial property insurance provider, owner-occupier, investor, and third-party fiduciary, Zurich has direct real estate investments in more than 20 countries. The portfolio is well-diversified, and we are actively considering emerging real estate sectors and strategies, fostering an intellectually stimulating environment. Group Real Estate operates with a flat hierarchy, and the Research and Strategy team plays an essential role in investment decisions, with critical, evidence-based views highly valued.

The position also offers the opportunity to contribute to the Group’s sustainability strategy, aiming to reduce the CO₂ intensity of the real estate portfolio by 45% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. If you are ready to take on this challenge, we invite you to apply and join our dynamic team.

What you will do

• Analyse global real estate markets using various research methods to develop a view for Zurich’s portfolio performance prospects. Switzerland, Eurozone and the United States are of primary focus.

• Participate in the bi-annual production of the strategic asset allocation (SAA) for real estate: engage with local real estate colleagues and communicate findings to senior business leaders.  

• Produce real estate investment committee memos to support informed decision making.

• Take responsibility for regular market reporting for third-party investors.

• Contribute to the production and promotion of the Annual Real Estate Outlook and topical white papers.

• Foster the positive reputation of Zurich’s real estate brand through internal and external stakeholder engagement.

• Assist in monitoring investment performance; contribute to annual portfolio reviews.

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, real estate management, geography, urban planning or related field required; Master’s Degree in a similar field preferred.

• Pursuit of professional accreditations such as CFA, CIIA, MRICS, etc. is advantageous.

• 5-7 years’ experience in an institutional real estate setting, ideally some of which was in a research, strategy, or analytics function.

• Experience maintaining and evolving large and complex datasets; proven ability to identify trends and generate insights; willingness to learn proprietary investment management software.

• Quantitatively literate but having dexterity communicating research findings across stakeholder groups.

• Self-directed with an ability to identify and solve problems efficiently

• Adaptable to changing work priorities.

• Fluent in English and German, knowledge of Spanish, Italian or French is advantageous. 

Additional Information

We look forward to receiving your online application. 

At our Quai Zurich Campus, our culture and our people are what set us apart. We thrive on face-to-face interactions that drive collaboration, nurture our unique culture, and amplify our success. Enjoy the best of both worlds with the flexibility to work up to two days remotely per week within Switzerland, allowing you to balance personal commitments while excelling in your career. Please discuss your flexibility needs with us during your interview.

Information for recruitment agencies

Zurich does not accept any applications from recruitment agencies for this position. We refuse any responsibility for unsolicited applications as well as any associated fees. 

Why Zurich

At Zurich, we like to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. We take an optimistic approach by focusing on the positives and constantly asking What can go right? 

We are an equal opportunity employer who knows that each employee is unique - that’s what makes our team so great! 
Join us as we constantly explore new ways to protect our customers and the planet.
 

• Location(s):  CH - Zürich 
• Remote working: Hybrid
• Schedule: Full Time
• Recruiter name: Mélina Carnal