Director of Commercial

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

About Heatherwood

For over 75 years, Heatherwood has been dedicated to developing upscale residential rental communities, commercial properties, and luxury urban spaces. Our reputation for quality construction, innovative design, and exceptional service has made us a recognized leader in the industry. At Heatherwood, we believe our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we prioritize professional development and promote from within.

Position Summary

As our commercial portfolio continues to expand, we are seeking an experienced Director of Commercial to lead the strategic management and growth of our commercial real estate platform. Our current commercial portfolio consists of approximately 400,000 square feet across 50+ commercial units, including retail, office, and mixed-use properties located throughout Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, with continued expansion into additional markets outside of the tri-state area. This is more than a traditional property management role. We are looking for a strategic leader who can increase asset value, drive leasing initiatives, develop scalable operating procedures, and help build the future of our commercial division.

The position will oversee all aspects of the Company's commercial portfolio, including property operations, leasing, financial performance, capital planning, tenant relations, budgeting, and operational strategy. This individual will work closely with executive leadership to maximize property performance, increase Net Operating Income (NOI), develop long-term asset strategies, and create standardized systems that support the continued growth of our commercial platform. The ideal candidate combines strong commercial property management experience with an asset management mindset and thrives in an entrepreneurial environment.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Commercial Property Management & Portfolio Strategy

• Oversee a portfolio of approximately 400,000 square feet of retail, office, industrial, and mixed-use properties.
• Develop strategies to maximize occupancy, increase NOI, and enhance long-term asset value.
• Evaluate portfolio performance and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, financial performance, and investment returns.
• Partner with executive leadership on long-term portfolio planning, capital improvements, and commercial real estate growth initiatives.

Financial & Operational Management

• Prepare and manage annual operating budgets, capital budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
• Analyze property financial performance, cash flow, rent rolls, and variance reports.
• Manage CAM budgeting, reconciliations, and expense recoveries.
• Identify opportunities to reduce operating expenses while improving overall asset performance and profitability.
• Prepare presentations with recommendations: signed deal letters, potential tenants, renewal options, tenant disputes, and other matters affecting existing or proposed locations.

Property Operations & Vendor Management

• Oversee day-to-day commercial property operations across the portfolio.
• Manage capital improvement projects, preventative maintenance programs, vendor contracts, and service providers.
• Ensure properties are maintained to the highest operational standards while delivering exceptional tenant experiences.

Systems, Technology & Leadership

• Develop and implement standardized operating procedures for lease administration, inspections, maintenance, emergency response, reporting, compliance, and KPI tracking.
• Optimize technology platforms including Yardi, CoStar, LoopNet, and Microsoft Excel to improve operational efficiency and portfolio reporting.
• Collaborate with Marketing to promote available commercial space and strengthen leasing initiatives.
• Mentor and support the Commercial Property Manager while helping build a scalable commercial real estate platform.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Real Estate, Finance, Property Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of managing a team in the commercial property management industry overseeing retail, office, industrial, and mixed-use portfolios.
• Proven track record in deal-making, and proactive leasing, with a strong background in commercial real estate strategy, lease executions, and revenue generation.
• Demonstrated success in commercial leasing, lease administration, budgeting, financial analysis, capital planning, CAM reconciliations, and portfolio management.
• Strong knowledge of commercial real estate operations, property financials, lease negotiations, and tenant relations.
• Experience using Yardi, CoStar, LoopNet, or similar commercial real estate software.
• Excellent leadership, communication, analytical, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to create processes, improve operations, and support portfolio expansion.

Travel Requirements:

• Regular regional travel is required across Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens to conduct property inspections, meet with tenants, oversee on-site operations, and lead marketing and broker relationship initiatives.