Director of Real Estate Operations

About the role

A privately owned U.S. commercial real estate firm that owns and operates a growing portfolio of small bay industrial properties is looking for a Director of Real Estate Operations. The role is the CEO's operating partner, turning strategy into repeatable systems, accountability and execution. It is a hands-on builder's role with limited travel; after onboarding you run the portfolio independently, directing vendors and contractors on site.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor property-level financial performance (expenses, cash flow, budget-to-actual variances), review and approve invoices and payments, oversee rent collection and accounts receivable, and prepare regular property management reports.
• Manage operating expense reconciliations, tenant reimbursements and the annual operating and capital budgets alongside the Director of Finance.
• Keep properties maintained to ownership standards, understand lease obligations, monitor tenant compliance and act as main point of contact for tenants.
• Oversee maintenance, inspections, capital projects, vendors, contracts, insurance and compliance with licenses, regulations and safety procedures.
• Build processes, workflows, SOPs, technology and reporting, including a dashboard of occupancy, collections, NOI, maintenance, leasing pipeline and projects, and keep Yardi data accurate.
• Lead and develop two direct reports, define responsibilities, set KPIs and run performance evaluations.
• Assist with acquisitions and dispositions, including due diligence, inspections and capital expenditure evaluations, and help identify ways to increase property value.

Required profile

• 7+ years of experience in commercial property management, asset management or commercial real estate operations.
• Experience with U.S. commercial real estate, ideally industrial; Latin America-based candidates are welcome with strong knowledge of U.S. leases and property operations.
• Track record of building processes, SOPs or reporting where none existed, and experience leading a team with KPIs and performance reviews.
• Bachelor's degree in real estate, business, finance or a related field is a strong plus.

Required skills

• Yardi experience strongly preferred; MRI, AppFolio or RealPage considered for exceptional candidates.
• Strong understanding of commercial leases, including NNN structures, operating expense reconciliations and lease compliance.
• Hands-on experience with budgets, variance analysis, accounts receivable and financial reporting.
• Full professional English fluency, advanced Excel skills, and ability to run a portfolio with minimal direction.