Investment Associate

Nido is on an exciting journey to become Europe’s leading Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) provider. Our story began with a vision to create exceptional living spaces that bring together quality, community, and design — a vision that continues to guide our growth today. With 12,000 beds across 32 properties in the Iberian Peninsula and our new European headquarters in Madrid, we’re shaping the future of how students live, connect, and thrive. In 2025, we welcomed Livensa Living into the Nido family, creating one of Europe’s largest and most dynamic living platforms. Together, we’re expanding into new markets like Germany and Italy, bringing our passion for design, community, and exceptional resident experiences to even more people across Europe. We are seeking a Madrid-based highly analytical and commercially-minded Investment Associate to join our central investment team. The successful candidate will be responsible for originating, analysing, structuring, and executing real estate transactions, with a primary focus on operational real estate assets including student housing. This is not an advisory role — we are looking for someone who has managed capital directly and played a hands-on role in transactions, from origination through to execution and closing. The ideal candidate will have 5–6 years’ experience in real estate investment, a strong educational background, direct transaction experience, and a clear understanding of operational real estate. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of complex deals, liaise with internal and external stakeholders, and contribute meaningfully to Nido Living’s investment strategy across Europe. KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to) Deal Origination & Evaluation: Identify and assess investment opportunities in line with Nido’s strategic objectives. Lead early-stage underwriting and business plan development for potential acquisitions and developments. Transaction Management: Lead and manage all phases of the transaction process, including due diligence, financial structuring, internal approvals, and coordination with legal and tax advisors. Ensure deals are efficiently executed and risks are appropriately managed. Financial Analysis & Modelling: Build and refine complex financial models to evaluate deal economics, returns, and risk. Conduct sensitivity analyses and scenario planning to stress test assumptions and support investment decisions. Market Intelligence & Strategy: Monitor trends in the student living and broader operational real estate markets. Provide strategic insight on market dynamics, competitor positioning, and potential investment theses. Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with internal functions such as development, operations, finance, and senior leadership. Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, JV partners, institutional investors, and external advisors. Investment Committee Preparation: Draft investment memoranda and present compelling recommendations to senior decision-makers. Support post-deal onboarding and integration with asset management and operations teams. Requirements 5–6 years of relevant experience in real estate investment, principal investing, or private equity. Demonstrable track record of executing real estate transactions, preferably in operational asset classes (e.g., student housing, co-living, hotels, BTR, or senior living). Experience managing capital (on-balance sheet or through joint ventures) rather than acting in an advisory or brokerage-only capacity. Strong academic credentials; a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Real Estate, Economics, or a related discipline from a top-tier institution. Fluent in English; Spanish, German and / or Italian are highly desirable KEY PERSONAL SKILLS & TRAITS Integrity : Commitment to upholding ethical standards, honesty, and integrity in financial reporting and decision-making, promoting a culture of transparency and accountability. Analytical Thinking : Proficiency in analysing complex financial data, identifying trends, and interpreting financial results to support strategic decision-making and risk management. Problem-Solving : Capacity to identify issues, assess alternative solutions, and implement effective problem-solving strategies to address challenges and optimise financial processes and controls. Resilience : Ability to remain composed and focused under pressure, demonstrating resilience and composure in challenging situations to lead the team effectively.