Transaction Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Company Overview:

Hillwood Investment Properties is a leader in acquiring and developing high-quality industrial properties with 309.5 M SF across the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe. Hillwood pursues well-located, functional land in the path of progress and has one of the largest land banks with a capacity of over 133 M SF for future development. Hillwood collaboratively builds successful partnerships with public and private landowners, as well as other developers, to execute and invest in a broad spectrum of industrial projects. As a privately held company, Hillwood possesses the depth of capital, market expertise, industry relationships, and a forward-thinking vision to buy and build industrial properties that meet evolving markets’ logistics, distribution, and manufacturing demands. For more information on Hillwood’s latest industrial availabilities across the U.S., U.K., and E.U., visit Hillwood.com.

Position Summary:

Hillwood Investment Properties (HIP) is seeking a Transaction Associate to join our team in Chicago, Illinois. In this role, you will support the Vice President (VP) of Transactions in new business development across multiple Midwest markets. This position offers exposure to all phases of industrial real estate transactions, including site selection, leasing, acquisitions, and dispositions. You will collaborate closely with the VP of Transactions, the Midwest Development team, and the Dallas-based national analyst and marketing teams.  

Responsibilities:

• Conduct and track market research to maintain a deep understanding of target markets throughout the Midwest region.
• Cultivate relationships with the brokerage community across active Midwest markets.
• Assist in preparing responses to tenant Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and facilitate property tours to support tenant engagement.
• Coordinate and implement marketing strategies, materials, and events in partnership with the Dallas-based marketing team to increase visibility and drive business development.
• Assist in all aspects of industrial development, including land purchase proposals, leasing strategies, contract negotiations, and business development efforts.
• Support lease, purchase, and sale agreement negotiations to ensure alignment with strategic and economic goals; review contracts and provide feedback to the transaction lead.
• Partner with the development team to understand site challenges and relay relevant information to leadership, including due diligence findings, site planning updates, and pre-construction considerations.
• Collaborate with the Dallas-based analyst team to coordinate project underwriting, obtain investment committee approvals, and ensure seamless coordination with acquisition, finance, debt, and disposition teams.
• Coordinate with development directors and coordinators to ensure project data is accurately tracked and reported to senior leadership.
• Prepare and maintain internal and external project reports, data, and presentations.
• Support regional and market leadership with ad hoc requests—acting as a reliable utility player across teams.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated professional integrity, strong work ethic, adaptability, and leadership qualities.
• Ability to foster respectful, professional relationships and promote inclusivity.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, with a customer service orientation.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.
• Proficient in MS Office applications.
• Familiarity with AI tools, such as Microsoft Copilot.
• Proficient in Google Earth and other GIS-enabled applications.
• Skilled negotiator, adept at securing favorable terms while nurturing key relationships.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to address and resolve complex business challenges.
• Strategic and market-savvy thinker with a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Demonstrates a high level of professionalism, integrity, ethics, and leadership.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in real estate or a related field required.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in the commercial real estate industry; prior leasing experience strongly preferred.
• Industrial experience strongly preferred.
• Proven track record with supporting industrial land purchasing, leasing and sales; preferably in the Midwest.
• Proven track record in sourcing, negotiating, executing, and closing transactions.
• Demonstrated success in supporting industrial land purchasing, leasing, and sales, preferably in the Midwest.
• Knowledgeable about current market dynamics, with specific experience in the target markets.

Benefits Highlights:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) dependent on plan elections
• Paid time off, holidays, and floating holidays
• Paid parental and family caregiver leave
• Mental health and wellness resources
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Additional programs to support Associates and their families

EEO Statement:

Hillwood is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, handicap, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

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