Chief Operating Officer (COO), Student Housing

Chief Operating Officer (COO), Student Housing

Location: Dallas, United States of America

Company: Mapletree

About The Company

Headquartered in Singapore, Mapletree is a global real estate development, investment, capital and property management company committed to sustainability. Its strategic focus is to invest in markets and real estate sectors with good growth potential. By combining its key strengths, the Group has established a track record of award-winning projects, and delivers consistently attractive returns across real estate asset classes.
The Group manages three Singapore-listed real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and nine private equity real estate funds, which hold a diverse portfolio of assets in Asia Pacific, Europe, the United Kingdom (“UK”) and the United States (“US”). As at 31 March 2025, Mapletree owns and manages S$80.3 billion of logistics, office, data centre, student housing and other properties.
The Group’s assets are located across 13 markets globally, namely Singapore, Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong SAR, India, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, the UK, the US and Vietnam. To support its global operations, Mapletree has established an extensive network of offices in these countries.

Role Summary

The newly created role of Chief Operating Officer (COO), Student Housing will lead the strategic and operational management of Mapletree’s student housing portfolio across North America. Based in Dallas, the role reports to the CEO, Student Housing, who is based in London.

Initially, the role will focus on working closely with the Investment and Asset Management leadership team to develop and build an operating platform, including designing policy and procedure, recruiting and hiring the appropriate staff, and software and systems procurement and implementation.

The role will be the primary leader responsible for day-to-day property operations, driving financial performance and operational efficiency, providing high quality facilities management, and ensuring a consistent resident experience aligned with the company’s brand and investment goals.

Key Responsibilities

Developing the Operational Platform

• Focus on designing the systems, software, staffing, and policy/procedures required to manage a significant US student housing portfolio
• Lead the implementation of the required software and ensure all operating policies/procures are in place
• Work closely with Investment and Asset Management to align operational priorities to Group requirements

Operational Management & Governance

• Oversee day-to-day operations of student housing assets, ensuring high occupancy, tenant satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead efforts to streamline operational processes, enforce SOPs, and ensure consistent compliance across all properties.
• Partner with other departments to implement initiatives that enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Implement governance structures to operations are executed to a high standard and the owner and operator reputation are protected.

Facilities Management & Capex

• Ensure consistently high standards are maintained at all operational properties through focus on curb appeal and customer experience.
• Implement rigorous PPM protocols to ensure building systems, plant, and equipment are maintained at a high standard and fully operational to end of life.
• Oversee complex capex work, both defensive and value-add in nature, to maintain and add value to the properties being managed.
• Monitor and optimize financial performance, including NOI, occupancy, and ancillary revenue.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting in partnership with finance and asset management teams.
• Monitor and optimize cash management strategies, ensuring robust coordination with senior leaders.
• Conduct comprehensive reviews of regional financial performance using benchmarking data and BI reports.
• Guide financial discussions with stakeholders, addressing performance metrics and strategizing adjustments to meet lender requirements if required.

Resident Experience & Brand Management

• Ensure delivery of a high-quality, consistent student living experience aligned with Mapletree’s brand promise.
• Promote adoption of innovative technologies and engagement platforms to enhance resident satisfaction.
• Monitor resident feedback and reputation scores to drive service improvements.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison between Mapletree senior leadership and senior Investment and Asset Management leaders regarding property operations.
• Provide insightful updates on market performance and strategic initiatives to the CEO and senior leadership.
• Engage in high-level stakeholder interactions, including executive strategy sessions and planning meetings.
• Participate in new business diligence and evaluate financial aspects of potential deals to support strategic growth.
• Facilitate weekly meetings with direct reports, focusing on strategic initiatives and underperforming assets.
• Drive the development of financial expertise within the team, ensuring ongoing training and professional growth.
• Set and review ambitious goals for regional and professional development, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, health and safety standards, ESG commitments, and procurement policies.
• Oversee implementation and adherence to risk mitigation plans, ensuring alignment with legal and regulatory updates.
• Manage staffing needs and collaborate with Recruiting to fill senior operational positions efficiently.
• Coordinate with legal teams on critical contractual matters.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in real estate operations, student housing, multifamily, or hospitality. (Student Housing strongly preferred)
• Proven track record managing large, geographically diverse portfolios
• Strong financial acumen and experience driving NOI growth.
• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills, including C-suite engagement and reporting.