Senior Director of Asset Management

We are seeking a seasoned, customer-centric Senior Director of Asset Management to lead the operational and financial success of a diverse 6+ million square foot portfolio of full-service office properties. In partnership with the Division SVP, this role combines people-focused leadership and strategic financial management to drive both portfolio performance and team engagement.

The Senior Director of Asset Management will champion the growth and development of the operational asset teams, including property managers, maintenance, and administration staff, advocating for their continuous improvement while ensuring exceptional customer experiences across all properties. This individual will balance operational efficiency, financial performance, and customer satisfaction to meet and exceed company standards, fostering a customer-focused culture that adds value and enhances tenant retention.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational & Financial Management:

• Lead the operational and financial performance of a 6+ million square foot office/retail portfolio, ensuring alignment with company policies and standards
• Overall responsibility for understanding and providing oversight of the portfolio's financial condition: budgeting, forecasting, allocating and reporting of the portfolio's financials on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis as appropriate
• Overall responsibility for developing managing and overseeing comprehensive Asset Management Plan for the assigned portfolio to achieve respective physical property condition goals
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize portfolio operations, ensuring maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness
• Provide direct and indirect management of all property tax costs and respective appeal activities/strategies with HIW tax consultants

• Develop and maintain five-year capital expenditure plans for all properties within the assigned portfolio
• Provide direct and indirect bidding, management, and detailed oversight of applicable building improvement capital expenditure projects
• Oversee the negotiation and management of all vendor contracts within the assigned portfolio, in accordance with applicable company standard operating procedures.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead and support the professional development of the property management and maintenance teams
• Foster a customer-centric culture through coaching, mentoring, and strategic direction that promotes high-performance, customer-focused teams
• Responsible for all aspects of customer satisfaction including overseeing the customer experience and customer engagement program for the portfolio
• Oversee customer experience and engagement programs, including proactive feedback collection, acting on insights, and managing recovery efforts to address issues and enhance satisfaction
• Partner with the Director of Property Management to guide the property management team in delivering high-quality, personalized customer interactions and services that exceed expectations
• Foster relationships within the respective local municipality(ies) and within the local business communities
• Maintain contact with customers and owner representatives to ensure solid, reliable relationships

Process Improvement & Compliance:

• Continuously evaluate and refine processes to improve operational efficiency, optimize customer service tracking, and streamline workflows
• Partner with cross-functional teams (e.g., leasing, marketing, customer experience) to align asset management strategies with organizational goals, ensure the accuracy and maintenance of portfolio data, and provide reliable information that supports other job functions.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards and regulatory requirements, including OSHA, sustainability guidelines, and other codes and regulations to reduce risk and enhance operations
• Ensure portfolio adheres to the company standard of excellence by conducting regular property inspections with team members to prevent problems/identify opportunities
• Review and monitor daily work order reports and weekly outstanding work order reports
• Responsible for instituting and adhering to the company's Safety Program
• Identify and implement procedures to minimize our insurance risks

Documentation & Lease Oversight:

• Review and understand leases related to the portfolio
• Assist leasing team in lease negotiations as needed to ensure accuracy in documentation and compliance with terms across the portfolio
• Oversee property management team members to ensure leases are implemented as executed.

Crisis Response & Special Projects:

• Coordinate proper response to all building emergencies and support the property management team with effective crisis management
• Work closely with Market Leader SVP regarding business continuity plans
• Work closely with corporate Safety and Risk Management Director regarding portfolio security and threat assessment plans
• Lead or assist in special projects and department-wide initiatives as required to enhance portfolio performance and customer experience.

Qualifications:

• Proven ability to lead, inspire, mentor, and grow a large team, with a commitment to high performance, team engagement and continuous improvement
• A thorough understanding of commercial building construction methods and building systems, including sewer, water, HVAC, energy controls, utilities, roofing, paving, life safety, and fire protection systems
• The ability to read and interpret building system plans and drawings
• Required significant experience with commercial real estate project management specifically related to repair and replacement efforts
• A thorough understanding of general real estate accounting principles and financial reporting methods
• Strong interpersonal skills with a genuine passion for building customer relationships and delivering exceptional service
• Demonstrated strength in critical thinking, time management, organization, and an eye for detail to drive proactive solutions and improvements
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with an emphasis on active listening, tact, and professionalism
• Comprehensive understanding of property management principals, including customer utility metering, building sustainability and LEED certification prosses
• Demonstrated experience with property dispositions, acquisitions, and new property start-ups.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, paired with at least 10 years in commercial real estate property management, with an emphasis on class A office properties
• Certified Property Manager or Real Property Administrator designation preferred
• Excellent computer proficiency in MS Office Suite, especially in MS Excel

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to inspect all areas of the properties, including roof, basement
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk
• May occasionally need to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch
• Lift and/or move up to 10 pounds

Work is of a general office nature; while performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and see; required to use arms and hands to reach and handle; typing on computer keyboard and using phone required. Ability to read, understand, and to communicate information and ideas clearly in writing and orally required.

Why Join Us?

At Highwoods, we're more than just a commercial real estate company-we're in the business of creating remarkable workplaces that inspire and support growth, community, and connection. Our mission is to build environments and experiences that empower our teammates and customers to achieve more together. Through a blend of innovation, care, and commitment to quality, we deliver exceptional spaces that are worth the commute, add value to our customers, and positively impact our communities.

What Sets Us Apart

As part of the Highwoods team, you're not just taking on a job; you're joining a culture that values integrity, collaboration, and growth. We believe our culture is the key to success in the dynamic world of commercial real estate. Every member of our team plays a role in defining and upholding this culture-it's not just words on a page, but a way of working and living every day.

When you join Highwoods, you'll bring your unique skills, experiences, and values to life through our shared mission. Together, we create a thriving workplace where every teammate has the support and opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Our Vision in Action

• People-Focused Culture: As a Highwoods teammate, you'll work in a supportive environment where your growth and success are as important as that of our customers.
• Customer-Centric Design: Everything we do is driven by the goal of delivering greater value to our customers, their teams, and our shareholders.
• Community Vitality: We build and operate spaces that are more than workplaces; they are vibrant parts of the community where success and creativity flourish.

Ready to make an impact?

Join us as we lead the evolution of commercial real estate for the benefit of our customers, communities, and investors. Let's create exceptional experiences and environments together.