Regional Property Operations Manager

Fairlawn is a vertically integrated firm specializing in real estate investment, management, and development. Based in Chicago and Champaign, Illinois, we have a more than 10-year track record in value-add projects, development, student housing, and build-to-rent communities. With a portfolio of approximately 5,700 units and $850 million in assets under management, Fairlawn has established a strong presence across Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. We are actively expanding into additional Midwest markets. 

We are seeking a highly motivated Regional Property Operations Manager to join our awesome team here at Fairlawn! The ideal candidate will embody Fairlawn’s core values: Be Kind, Own It, Be Flexible, and Always Improve.

The Regional Property Operations Manager is accountable for the successful operations of a portfolio of properties in the Indiana and Kentucky area. This includes ultimate ownership of talent, training on and execution of the property management process, and keen oversight of the leading indicators of successful property performance. The Regional Property Operations Manager will have strategic and operational roles in the onboarding of assets, as well as providing ongoing management and leadership to Property & Market Managers. The Regional Property Operations Manager reports to our Senior Vice President of Property Management and has frequent support from and interaction with all corporate functions within Fairlawn Real Estate.

What will you do? 

• Exemplify the core values of Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It and Always Improve
• Serve as integrator for our regional team with ongoing oversight of a portfolio of properties
• Recruit, train, manage and lead property teams, holding them accountable for their assigned responsibilities 
• Lead regularly scheduled meetings to report on both leading and key performance indicators for all properties. Take action as necessary if goals are not being met 
• Provide flex capacity to teams as needed, including filling in for managers during scheduled and unscheduled absences, and augmenting capacity during high demand times 
• Review and audit property performance vs. budget, communicating with corporate office and ownership entities as necessary 
• Collaborate with the Fairlawn team to set rents, conduct market research, and define leasing objectives
• Review and approve leasing and performance incentives 
• Contribute to budget planning, monitor progress, and ensure financial goals are met
• Inspect properties to ensure the highest standards are maintained, evaluating maintenance and grounds. Conduct regular inspections of vacant units for market ready condition
• Audit leases, resident files, and move-in paperwork to ensure accuracy and completion 
• Handle any resident services that need to be escalated beyond the Property Managers 
• Maintain good rapport with all prospective and current residents, vendors, and Fairlawn team members 
• Provide leadership and support to properties during turnover 
• Have a thorough knowledge of lease terms, specifications, and policies 
• Learn and ensure compliance with all Fair Housing Laws including local, state, and federal housing regulations (We provide training)
• Pivot, roll up your sleeves and jump in where needed! 

Why should you work here?

• Competitive Pay. We are ready to invest in you!
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance to access care for positive health outcomes and your overall wellbeing
• Employee sponsored benefits including Short Term Disability, Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, Flexible Spending, and H.S.A. Accounts to avoid costly medical expenses due to gaps and ensure that all your medical needs are met
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Match to invest in your future wealth and retirement 
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holiday Pay to help you reset and come back rejuvenated and refreshed
• Company events to promote team cohesion 
• Wellness Days to focus on being your best self. We want you to have time to disconnect and recharge in a way that works for you
• The opportunity to work for a growing organization where you are valued and can have a direct impact 
• Quarterly off-site meetings with your manager to celebrate wins, issue solve and ensure you are set up for success. Plus, the process is rewarding, and the results are great for your career

Who you are – We’d love to hear from you if you: 

• Have at least 7 years progressive management/operations experience, with a strong customer service background, preferably in property management or hotel management 
• Have at least 3 years people/supervisory experience
• Have a bachelor’s degree OR 5+ years Property Management Experience in lieu of a bachelor’s degree
• Preference to candidate holding at least one industry designation/certification (Such as CPO, COS, ARM, CPM, HCCP etc.)
• Are proficient with relevant technology (e.g., Microsoft Office, AppFolio, Outlook) and can easily adapt to changing technology
• Experience working with financials, budgets, customer service, and sales
• Demonstrate superior attention to detail, high energy, and a positive attitude
• Have an ability to give and receive real-time feedback with a positive mindset
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Have a strong understanding and experience with budgets and overall financial reporting
• Embody our core values: Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It and Always Improve

Some additional things you will need:

• A valid driver’s license and dependable transportation.  Limited in-town usage of a personal vehicle for errands, any out-of-county personal mileage reimbursed at the Federal rate
• Flexibility to be “on the go,” regularly visiting properties and working from multiple locations
• Availability to work longer hours and weekends during prime leasing season and turnover (specific dates vary from year to year)
• Able to serve as one of the emergency contacts for the community. Availability to be on-call and assist in after-hours emergency situations
• Able to complete the physical functions of the position, including lifting requirements

We are seeking candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with the requirements listed above. While meeting all qualifications is preferred, we understand that exceptional candidates may bring comparable experience and skills to the table including prior experience at Fairlawn. We value diversity of thought and experience, and we are committed to considering all applicants [internal and external] and to identifying and selecting the most qualified applicant for the role.

Our company uses the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to run and help grow our business – the tools from EOS contribute to finding the right people and putting them in the right roles, effectively solving issues as they arise, and building a culture of accountability. In short, it gets everyone on the same page and working toward the same goals. If you have an ownership mindset and take pride in all the details, joining our team may be perfect for you!

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.