What are the responsibilities and job description for the VP of Real Estate Transactions position at Avery Duke?
A global leader in ground lease acquisitions is expanding its presence in Australia and is seeking a Vice President of Closing to support its transactions team. This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing group and manage real estate closings across a dynamic and fast-growing portfolio in Australia.
We are seeking a detail-oriented, proactive professional with a background in real estate, property law, conveyancing, or legal project management. Law graduates with strong analytical and critical thinking skills will also be considered.
As Vice President of Closing, you will be the primary transaction manager, overseeing all aspects of the property acquisition process from deal execution through post-settlement. You will coordinate legal, financial, and administrative components to ensure timely and accurate settlement of commercial real estate transactions. You will report directly to the Senior Vice President of Closing based in the United States.
- Review initial due diligence materials, including lease agreements, title searches, vendor documents, RFSNA, and identity verification (KYC) for preparation and submission of transaction request to external law firms
- Identify gaps or impediments in the settlement process and develop a clear project timeline
- Maintain deal data in our proprietary system and deliver timely reporting to the SVP of Closing
- Review and analyse legal due diligence materials such as law firm due diligence summaries, title searches, security instruments (caveats/mortgages), easements, and subdivision plans, ASIC, PPSR, local councils, and main roads departments
- Liaise with internal teams, external lessors, sellers, solicitors and conveyancers
- Draft, review, and negotiate settlement documentation and confirm acquisition funding in coordination with SVP Closing (Global) and external solicitors
- Coordinate execution of settlement and transaction documents with lessors, assignors and/or sellers and external legal counsel
- Ensure all settlement conditions are met, and transaction funds are disbursed appropriately by external counsel.
- Track and report on post-settlement lodgement and registration of caveats and property documents and FIRB registration data delivery by external solicitors
- Ensure legal and financial compliance with applicable Australian laws and internal company protocols
- 3 years’ experience in commercial real estate, property settlements, or related legal/transactional work
- Experience with land transactions, including acquisitions, easements, leases, and land use matters
- Strong knowledge of land title systems (Torrens title, strata title), encumbrances, caveats, PPSR, and property law principles
- Familiarity with surveying issues, planning overlays, and council regulations
- Strong project management and problem-solving skills
- Able to work independently, manage deadlines, and coordinate multiple deals concurrently
- High attention to detail and effective communication with senior leadership and external stakeholders
- Conveyancing, real estate legal, telecommunications, renewable energy, or infrastructure experience highly valued
- Legal practising certificate not required but a plus
- Bachelor's degree in law, property, business, or related discipline
- Flexible within Australia | Reporting to SVP, Closing (Global) in the US.
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure
- Flexible location and work-from-home options
- 20 days of annual leave plus public holidays
- Superannuation contributions in line with Australian legislation
