Company: Sahara Investment Group
Location: [Location] TBD-
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: Las Vegas, NV, Boise, ID, Utah
About the Firm:
Sahara Investment Group (“SIG” or the “Firm”) is a direct lender in commercial real estate, leveraging its
local market knowledge and institutional competencies to provide flexible, fast and creative financing
solutions to its borrowers. Based in Las Vegas, NV, the Firm targets investment opportunities across all
real estate product types within select markets in the Southwest and Mountain West States. We believe the
success of our approach is rooted in our team’s proven skillset, an empowering company culture,
differentiation in our target markets, the ability to think like principals and a respect for the entrepreneurs
that we serve.
Sahara Investment Group is the investment arm of a broader integrated company and invests out of a
discretionary fund structure. Its sister company, CORE Advisory Partners, provides strategic advisory and
capital markets services to family offices, real estate developers and other investors in its target markets.
We believe that SIG benefits from this broader platform through shared knowledge, investment
opportunities and greater human capital.
About the Position:
As the Managing Director (Originations), you will lead the team’s originations effort, working to source
underwrite and close first lien mortgage loans, mezzanine financing, and related investments that align
with the Firm’s investment mandate.
You will be responsible for leading and overseeing the team and process, driving the company's
origination strategy, cultivating strong industry relationships and elevating the Firm’s reputation through
thought leadership in the market.
SIG recently completed its first fund and is in the process of raising Fund II with an expected first close in
Q4 2023 and a focus on lending in NV, UT, ID, AZ, TX and NM. The Managing Director (Originations)
will play a critical role in shaping the future of the Firm, building and growing the platform through this
investment vehicle and others in the future.
Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree in business, real estate, finance, or a related field preferred.
Comprehensive understanding and experience as a senior leader in origination, lending, or related
roles within the commercial real estate industry, with a strong understanding of various property
types (10+ years of experience and $200M+ of prior originations preferred).
Strong relationships with borrowers, commercial and investment banks, real estate brokers, real
estate owners, developers, third party real estate professional service companies, finance
companies and investors
Expertise and track record in UT, ID, AZ, TX, NV and/or NM (existing borrower and market
relationships preferred).
Strong credit, structuring, and underwriting experience in commercial real estate
Proven ability to take on material responsibility and accountability for transaction underwriting,
asset management and credit outcomes.
Experience negotiating loan agreements, Agreement Among Lenders and equity-related
documentation.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
In-depth knowledge of financial products, market dynamics, and risk management.
Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and competitive environment.
Well-developed and professional interpersonal skills; strong attention to detail, ability to interact
effectively with people.
Why Join Us:
Opportunity to be a critical senior leader of a growing organization.
Competitive compensation and benefits package with upside tied to performance.
Culture that empowers the team to take on new challenges with the support of the Firm.
Opportunity to help shape an enduring financial institution in the markets we serve.
A platform to be creative, grow professionally, broaden relationships and identify greater business
opportunity.
Benefit from shared resources and insights across the Firms other business lines.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Originations
Originate, underwrite, structure and close first lien mortgage loans, mezzanine financing, and
related investments that fit the Firm’s investment mandate.
Lead the team to ensure successful execution of transactions.
Identify and cultivate relationships with borrowers, commercial and investment banks, real estate
brokers, real estate owners, developers, third party real estate professional service companies,
finance companies and investors.
Use strong analytical skills to evaluate and vet loan opportunities through property analysis,
financial market analysis, site visits, evaluation of strengths/weaknesses and exit/repayment
strategies.
Monitor micro/macro commercial real estate market conditions to inform your investment
perspective.
Collaborate with legal counsel to draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements with
borrowers, vendors, and partners.
Team Management & Development
Provide strong leadership, mentorship, and guidance, setting a positive example that aligns with
the company’s values, culture, and goals.
Conduct regular performance reviews, assess individual and team performance, and provide
constructive coaching, feedback and recognition.
Strategic Leadership
Develop and execute the companys short-term and long-term strategic plans in alignment with
the overall business objectives.
Continuously monitor and identify market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging
opportunities to inform strategic decisions and capitalize on growth potential.
Regularly assess the Firm’s systems and processes, offering solutions and furthering a culture of
constant improvement.
Uphold and promote high ethical standards and professional conduct within the firm and among
team members.
Recruiting & Industry Involvement
Participate in the development and recruitment process to attract and retain top talent.
Publicly represent the firm, effectively showcasing its capabilities to a broader audience.
Identify potential business partners, service providers, and collaborators within the real estate
ecosystem.
Elevate both yourself and the Firm’s reputation as thought leaders by attending key conferences,
speaking at industry events, contributing articles, and participating in panel discussions within the
industry.
Reporting & Communication
Participate in regular meetings with executive leadership and ownership, providing insights into
firm performance and market trends.
Contribute insights that inform asset management / portfolio management strategy and external
investor reporting.