Technical Services Associate - Germany

M7 is looking for an experienced Technical Services Associate to join the Technical Services team who will be responsible for the delivery and oversight of capital expenditure projects across the German portfolio. This role sits within the Technical Services team at M7 Real Estate and is responsible for the delivery and oversight of capital expenditure projects across the German portfolio, with additional coverage of assets in Denmark. Based in Frankfurt and reporting directly to the Director of Technical Services, the Associate will manage external consultants, drive project delivery to programme, budget and M7 design standards, and act as the technical interface between the design team, asset management and the wider business.

Working at M7

M7 is a European real estate investment management firm, with a total of €5bn assets under management. We specialise in urban and last-mile logistics, leveraging local expertise and active asset management to maximise performance. These strategically located assets help occupiers reduce delivery times, lower emissions and respond quickly to consumer needs.

We take a value-oriented investment philosophy combined with a hands-on asset management platform. From acquisition through to on-going operations, we create spaces that maximise value and meet the evolving needs of occupiers.

Our culture is open, fast moving and performance driven, with a team focused approach that keeps work rewarding and fun. We are a collaborative organisation with 135 employees across the UK and Europe. At M7, we know it’s the efforts of our teams across all offices that make our success possible, so we provide a generous total rewards package and support for our employees’ wellbeing, growth and work–life balance.

Key Responsibilities

·       Lead the end-to-end delivery of capex projects across the German portfolio (typical project values €3–5m+), ensuring works are completed on programme, within budget and to M7 design standards

·       Manage and hold to account external consultants and design team members including architects, structural engineers, M&E engineers, fire engineers, cost consultants and project managers, ensuring their outputs are co-ordinated, timely and of the required standard

·       Collaborate with the internal Asset Manager on project strategy, specifications, finishes, unit layouts and IRR implications, obtaining their formal approval at each design stage gateway

·       Maintain accurate and current project data within the M7 capex tracker, ensuring the tracker reflects the live position of all projects including programme, cost, risk and change control

·       Develop a thorough understanding of German building regulations (Bauordnung, Landesbauordnungen), HOAI fee structures and VOB contract frameworks, and apply this knowledge to inform project strategy and procurement

·       Monitor and interpret upcoming or evolving German and EU legislation (energy performance, fire safety, sustainability) and advise on the impact to current and future project strategies

·       Ensure design co-ordination across all disciplines, chairing design team meetings and driving resolution of interface issues between consultants

·       Robustly challenge project costs, fee proposals and contractor rates. Benchmark against market data and build an internal cost database from completed projects to inform future underwrites and acquisition appraisals

·       Oversee projects in Denmark as required, applying the same rigour to programme management, consultant oversight and regulatory compliance in that market

·       Contribute to the continuous improvement of M7’s Technical Design Guide, standard specifications and delivery processes

·       Have a strong network of consultants, suppliers and contractors that can be utilised for projects

·       Assist the Director of Technical services with underwrites for acquisitions, informing €/m2 rates for post-acquisition projects. This will also include advising on specialists to be used as part of the technical due diligence team for acquisitions

Skills and Behaviours

Skills / Knowledge / Experience

• Strong technical understanding of commercial and industrial/logistics building construction, refurbishment and fit-out in the German market


• Proven ability to manage multi-disciplinary design teams and external consultants through all HOAI project stages (Leistungsphasen 1–9)


• Direct experience delivering capex projects in the €3–5m+ range within industrial, logistics or commercial real estate.


• Working knowledge of German building regulations (Bauordnung, Landesbauordnungen), VOB contract structures and statutory compliance requirements


• Ability to critically analyse cost plans, fee proposals and contractor pricing, with the commercial acumen to challenge and negotiate effectively


• Familiarity with Danish building regulations and construction practices is desirable but not essential

Behaviours / Ways of Working

• Proactive and self-directed: identifies issues early, escalates risks appropriately and drives resolution without waiting to be asked


• Commercially sharp: understands the investment context behind every project and makes decisions that protect returns


• Confident communicator: able to hold their own in discussions with asset managers, shareholders and senior consultants, presenting project positions clearly and defending cost challenges under scrutiny


• Collaborative but rigorous: builds productive relationships with consultants and internal stakeholders while maintaining accountability for deliverables


• Detail-oriented with a structured approach to project reporting, data management and programme tracking

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant built environment discipline (e.g. architecture, civil/structural engineering, building surveying, construction management). Professional accreditation such as MRICS, Dipl.-Ing. or equivalent is required


• Bilingual in German and English


• Minimum 5–8 years of post-qualification experience in project delivery, employer-side construction consultancy or an equivalent client-side technical role within commercial real estate


• A valid driving licence and willingness to travel regularly across Germany, and periodically to Denmark, are essential

Additional Information

Reports to: Director of Technical Services

Location: Frankfurt, Germany (office-based with hybrid flexibility)

Travel: Regular travel across German assets; periodic travel to Denmark and infrequent travel to UK for HQ meetings