Operations Manager - Plaza del Lago & Edens Plaza

WS Development is looking for a Facilities Manager in Chicago’s North Shore for two recently WS-acquired historical properties currently undergoing revitalizations: Plaza Del Lago and Edens Plaza. The Facilities Manager will work closely with the General Manager (GM) and will be expected to be a leader in operational excellence for both of our distinct brands – an elegant retail oasis and a power center, both featuring a mix of best-in-class retail, gathering spaces, art and more. The Facilities Manager has overall responsibility for the successful operations of the property and onsite coordination, assistance, and general oversight for various phases of construction projects occurring onsite. The ideal candidate will be both a strategic leader and a detail-oriented executor. We work in an entrepreneurial environment, so the candidate must possess the ability to pivot and evolve, and to make decisions in a rapidly moving environment. An orientation toward customer service is also paramount as we work to serve our customers, our tenants, and our communities. The day-to-day work of a Facilities Manager is highly cross-functional in nature with emphasis on coordination with the General Manager onsite and Tenant Coordinator at Corporate.

Key position accountabilities

• Managing day to day operations of both Edens Plaza and Plaza del Lago, including but not limited to disruptive construction work (both LL and T), deliveries, snow removal, landscaping, trash removal, contracted cleaning services, contracted security services, physical plants and systems.
• Plan, organize, and monitor the scheduling, completion, and documentation of Preventative and Corrective Maintenance for both Tenant and base building related equipment. Ensure that all maintenance records are kept up-to-date and maintained as required
• Build relationships with key local partners/officials such as Building Department, Fire Safety, Board of Health, Police Department, DOT, and Emergency Services.
• Establish good relationships with + support tenants with best-in-class customer service
• Work alongside onsite management team members, tenants, and Tenant Construction to create a healthy “onboarding” experience for new tenants getting to know the area and for local tenants getting to know WS.
• Partner with internal construction + development teams to build and maintain the property, including identifying improvement opportunities in an effort to always make our center(s) best in class
• In partnership with the GM, build & manage the property’s Common Area Maintenance (“CAM”) budget and critically evaluate financial trade-offs. Select great + knowledgeable vendors and negotiate the best deals
• Responsible for partnering in the oversight of the construction process related to tenant build outs and building development on property.
• Plan review, specifically related to constructability with an eye on items that will be a maintenance concerns post-construction. Both LL and T plans should be reviewed with an eye towards what could impact aesthetically, such as sidewalk and/or sidewalk modifications.
• Prepare reports after any site visit for distribution to the construction team to highlight progress, concerns, and onsite conversations, with pictures included.
• Overseeing day to day construction activities as a partner to the Construction team, including daily check-ins with contractors, attending weekly Owner, Architect and Contractor (“OAC”) meetings, schedule monitoring, ensuring specifications and GC Rules & Regulations are being strictly followed (both Landlord and Tenant), and coordination of all aspects that impact the property, specifically other tenants. Coordinate and oversee tenant upgrades throughout the term of the Lease on behalf of the corporate team, which may include but not be limited to the replacement of HVAC equipment, storefront repairs or minor modifications/renovations of the space.
• Partner with insurance companies + lenders on property-related items
• Manage vendors including contracts, insurance requirements, and day to day optimization of staffing and staff performance
• Oversee large expense projects on property from RFP to completion
• Understand role is public-facing and requires nurturing of key relationships with the entire community
• Perform assessments to assist in the development of long-range capital plans and budget
• Stay abreast of lease terms for both new and existing tenants to understand maintenance obligations and the effects those obligations have on the day-to-day operations of the center.
• Serve as a member of the Manager on Duty (“MOD”) rotation (1 weekend day per month)

Requirements

• Enthusiasm, entrepreneurial initiative, and a strong work ethic
• Strong organizational skills
• Clear, concise communication skills
• Desire to work hard & with a strong sense of urgency
• A team player
• Can-do, optimistic attitude
• Orientation toward innovation and trying new things
• Consistent focus on optimization and improvement (both self-improvement and the work)
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Word, Excel and Outlook
• General proficiency in reading construction drawings.  Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• General knowledge of construction means and methods
• Ability to identify deficient work by general contractors and provide resolution.
• Desire to adapt to and embrace new technology
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously +ability to prioritize tasks
• Comfort with ambiguity and adaptability to change
• Occasional out-of-state travel is required
• Curiosity – comfortable asking questions, seeking answers from colleagues.
• Customer Service Oriented
• Ability to manage adversity

Education and experience

• College degree required
• Experience in property management, construction, or store management preferred
• Experience working in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving workplace

About WS Development

Massachusetts-based WS Development is a mixed-use developer with a singular mission: creating places people want to be. With an approach that values art, science, innovation and, above all else, people, WS strives to engage each community it serves with best-in-class experiences, designed with our customers, tenants and partners in mind. Established in 1990, WS is one of few vertically-integrated real estate companies that conceptualizes, owns, operates and leases more than 100 properties that range from cutting-edge urban spaces to lifestyle and community centers. With over 22 million square feet of existing space and an additional nine million square feet under development, it is one of the largest privately-owned development firms in the country.

WS is where great ideas and great people come together to design, build, and operate some of the best loved real estate projects in the country. We live at the intersection of entrepreneurship and establishment. We have the infrastructure of decades supporting a culture of free-thinking excellence.

We expect every WS employee to feel welcomed and valued irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, and life experiences. Or for any other reason.