Department: Property Management
Reports to: SVP, Property Management
Location: Nashville, TN
ABOUT THE ROLEThe Operations & Project Manager will report directly to the SVP, Property Management and will serve as a key operational leader for a portfolio of mixed-use office and retail assets in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood of Nashville, TN. This is a hybrid role that bridges day-to-day building operations with capital project management, requiring an individual equally comfortable overseeing building systems and engineering staff as they are managing contractor bids, tenant improvement scopes, and capital improvement budgets. The Operations & Project Manager will be responsible for ensuring properties are maintained to AJ's hospitality-driven high standards, that vendors and service contractors are performing at or above expectations, and that capital and tenant improvement projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in alignment with AJ's asset strategies. This role works in close collaboration with the development team, the leasing team, and ownership on all operational and project-related matters.
WHAT YOU WILL DO- Oversee day-to-day building operations across the portfolio, ensuring all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, life safety, and common area systems are properly maintained and functioning at a high standard.
- Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for all building equipment and systems; ensure all inspections, service logs, and maintenance records are accurate and up to date.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for building engineering, maintenance staff, and contracted service providers; supervise vendor performance and hold contractors accountable to scope, schedule, and quality standards.
- Solicit and evaluate bids, prepare RFPs, negotiate vendor service contracts, and manage ongoing vendor relationships across the portfolio in partnership with the SVP, Property Management.
- Lead the execution of capital improvement and tenant improvement (TI) projects from project initiation through closeout, including scope development, budget preparation, contractor oversight, permitting coordination, site inspections, and punch list completion.
- Partner closely with the leasing team to translate Letters of Intent (LOIs) into executable TI scopes; ensure landlord obligations are clearly defined and delivered on time and within budget.
- Coordinate directly with tenants and their contractors throughout TI construction to ensure alignment, approvals, and smooth delivery; manage phased turnover where applicable.
- Prepare and manage annual operating and capital improvement budgets for assigned properties; track actual expenditures against budget and report variances with recommended corrective actions to the SVP, Property Management.
- Conduct regular property walks and inspections to proactively identify physical and operational deficiencies; develop and prioritize action plans to address findings.
- Ensure all properties and operations are in compliance with applicable local codes, OSHA regulations, lease requirements, and AJ operational standards.
- Maintain Certificates of Insurance for all vendors, contractors, and service providers; ensure all required permits are obtained prior to the start of any project or maintenance work.
- Collaborate with the property management team on tenant relations, service request resolution, and any operational issues that affect tenant experience.
- Identify operational inefficiencies and proactively recommend initiatives that can improve quality of operations, reduce costs, and enhance the tenant and guest experience.
- Additional duties as assigned by the SVP, Property Management.
WHO YOU AREAJ Operations is seeking a hands-on, operationally sharp individual who thrives in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment and takes genuine pride in the physical quality and performance of the assets they oversee. The ideal candidate brings a blend of technical building knowledge and project management discipline, and approaches both with the same hospitality-first mindset that defines everything AJ does. This role also requires the following capabilities:
- A natural problem-solver who instinctively moves toward operational challenges rather than away from them, and who takes ownership of outcomes rather than deferring to others.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams - from active construction projects to day-to-day building issues - with strong organizational discipline and minimal supervision.
- Highly effective communicator with the ability to translate technical building and project information clearly for tenants, ownership, and non-technical internal stakeholders.
- Strong vendor and contractor management skills; able to hold third parties accountable to commitments while maintaining productive, professional working relationships.
- Financially literate with a firm grasp of budget management, cost forecasting, and the relationship between operational decisions and asset value.
- Collaborative team player who works fluidly with the property management, leasing, development, and finance teams to advance shared goals.
- High personal standards for quality, presentation, and follow-through that are consistent with AJ's brand and hospitality ethos.
YOUR QUALIFICATIONSRequired
- 5+ years of experience in commercial property operations, facilities management, or construction project management, with direct experience in office and/or retail environments.
- Demonstrated experience managing capital improvement and tenant improvement projects from initiation through closeout, including budget management, contractor oversight, and permitting.
- Working knowledge of commercial building systems including HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire/life safety; ability to identify, diagnose, and resolve building system issues.
- Proven experience soliciting bids, managing vendor contracts, and holding service providers accountable to performance standards.
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Facilities Management, Real Estate, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
- Strong financial acumen with the ability to build, manage, and report on operating and capital budgets.
- Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, construction documents, and engineering specifications.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Yardi or comparable property management software preferred.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel between portfolio properties as needed.
Preferred
- Experience in a vertically integrated real estate firm, lifestyle or hospitality-driven real estate environment, or mixed-use portfolio setting.
- Familiarity with Yardi, Procore, Smartsheet, or comparable project management and property management platforms.
- Applicable trade certifications or licenses (e.g., HVAC/R, electrical, or plumbing licensure) are a plus.
- CPM, RPA, or PMP designation a plus.
