The complex mix of job vacancies is due to the wide array of assets that the investment and property player owns across Asia, including logistics and commercial real estate in Hong Kong. Last year, the company acquired the Festival Walk office and commercial complex in Kowloon Tong from Swire Properties, resulting in the need for an ice-rink operator.
"Supporting our business is a professional team comprising functions such as fund management, asset management, investments, finance, investor relations, development management, treasury and corporate services, as well as property management, retail management, marketing and leasing," says Chua Tiow Chye, group chief investments officer and chief executive of regional investments at Mapletree Investments. "We view every function in our business as being critical for our success," he adds.
The company has 1,400 employees - a seven-fold increase from just 200 in 2002. And in a mere three years, the proportion of its overseas staff grew from 20 per cent to 53 per cent, in tandem with its growing investment portfolio across the Asia Pacific.
In Hong Kong, Mapletree has two immediate objectives, says Chua. One is to add value to Festival Walk, and the second is to establish a Hong Kong-focused private equity fund to capture more opportunities in the city's commercial, retail and office real estate sectors.
The company also has numerous projects in the pipeline in other Asian markets, including Chinese cities. "The diversity of our business portfolio and geographical reach demand that we look for talent who are able to offer new ideas that add value to our business, no matter what role they play in the company," says Chua.
"Our belief in `shaping new ways of unlocking value' means that we constantly challenge the status quo with fresh perspectives, and we seek talented individuals who share the same passion," he adds.
The company's business model combines capital and fund management with real estate expertise. "Those equipped with strong capital management or real estate skills will thrive well at Mapletree," Chua says.
There are cross-functional and cross-border career development opportunities, and employees will be exposed to different work cultures in the region, Chua says. The company offers job rotations in different sectors, as well as overseas postings for career development.
"We offer employees the opportunity to participate in the complete real estate capital management cycle - from sourcing, business development, structuring and fund-raising to construction, marketing and leasing, asset management and operations, property management, and so on," Chua says.
Training programmes are also available for functional and personal advancement, and leadership and people management excellence.
Career paths follow a linear functional route or cross-functional alternative, with lateral moves across different functions and management. There is also the leadership route, with management responsibilities and regional work experience.
