Cecilian Partners Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Company Overview:

Hillwood, a Perot company, is a premier commercial and residential real estate developer, investor and advisor of properties throughout North America and Europe. With a diverse portfolio of properties and home to many of the world's leading companies, Hillwood is committed to bringing long-term value to our customers, partners and the communities we serve.

Through its Communities division, Hillwood has delivered 50,000 single-family lots in master-planned communities across 13 states and Costa Rica. These communities continue to raise the bar in terms of quality, innovation, and the unmistakable sense of community that sets each property apart. Before laying the physical groundwork for any new residential development, Hillwood Communities takes the time to focus on the ideals that draw people together — and the everyday interactions that strengthen those bonds. By purposefully designing trails, gathering spaces, and structural amenities to spark spontaneous encounters and foster shared interests, Hillwood Communities believes in the power of community. For more information, please visit www.hillwoodcommunities.com.

Position Summary:

Hillwood Communities is seeking a highly capable and proactive Senior Manager of Operations to play a critical role in supporting the successful delivery of residential single‑family, master‑planned communities. Based in Dallas, TX, this role is responsible for driving operational efficiency, scalability, and consistency across a complex portfolio of residential real estate development projects. The Senior Manager of Operations partners closely with Development, Project Management, Finance, IT, and other key stakeholders to optimize processes, enable effective use of technology, and ensure operational rigor throughout the development lifecycle—from contract administration and cost tracking to reporting, risk oversight, and system integration.

The ideal candidate brings strong project and change management expertise, a systems‑oriented mindset, and a deep understanding of real estate development operations. This role is instrumental in building and sustaining the operational infrastructure required to support Hillwood Communities’ continued growth and long‑term success.

Responsibilities:

Operational Strategy, Process Improvement and Systems Enablement:

• Identify, evaluate, and implement process improvements to streamline operations and enhance efficiency across the real estate development lifecycle.
• Establish and maintain standardized workflows, operating procedures, and controls to support scalable growth and operational excellence.
• Lead the assessment, selection, and implementation of technology solutions supporting project management, development cost tracking, analytics, and reporting.
• Partner with IT and senior leadership to ensure systems and tools align with operational needs and long‑term growth objectives.
• Oversee change management efforts, including planning, communication, and training, to ensure successful adoption and effective utilization of new systems.
• Monitor and support operational system integrations, including Salesforce and Cecilian XO integrations with JD Edwards (JDE).

Cross‑Functional and Vendor Partnership:

• Act as a liaison across Project Management, Development, Marketing, FP&A, Accounting, HR, IT, and Enterprise Risk Management to align operational activities with company‑wide objectives.
• Partner with division leadership, Finance, and HR to support workforce planning aligned with business growth and operational demands.
• Oversee relationships with vendors and service providers, particularly those supporting technology and operational services.
• Ensure vendor deliverables meet quality standards, timelines, and budget expectations, and manage performance, renewals, and cost effectiveness.

Reporting, Analytics and Risk Oversight:

• Generate and deliver regular reporting on development activity, operational metrics, project timelines, budget status, and revenue.
• Partner with FP&A team to analyze data and provide senior management with actionable insights and recommendations.
• Ensure data integrity, consistency, and accuracy across systems of record.
• Partner with the Enterprise Risk Management team to ensure projects are appropriately insured.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for insurance‑related reporting, documentation, and inquiries.

Team Leadership and Management:

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of contract coordinators and managers, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee contract administration activities, including builder contracts, amendments, change orders, insurance documentation, and pay applications.
• Oversee residential lot coordination activities, ensuring all lot closings are accurate, timely, and properly documented.
• Identify training needs and oversee the development of role‑based onboarding, systems training, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, ownership, and collaboration across the division.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and scale efficient operational processes across the real estate development lifecycle, including contracts, change orders, insurance, pay applications, and lot closings.
• Strong systems and technology aptitude, with experience evaluating, implementing, and optimizing operational tools, supporting system integrations, and translating business needs into functional system and reporting requirements.
• Proven ability to lead process improvement and change management initiatives, including stakeholder communication, training, and driving adoption of new tools and workflows.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational and financial data, identify trends, and deliver clear, actionable insights to senior leadership.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across cross‑functional teams and influence outcomes without direct authority.
• Experience managing vendors and external partners, ensuring quality, cost‑effectiveness, contract compliance, and timely delivery.
• Proven people leadership skills, including mentoring teams, setting expectations, driving accountability, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and sound judgment in managing risk, compliance, and data integrity across systems of record.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in operations management within real estate development, construction, or a related industry, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or people leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated success leading process improvement, systems implementations, and change management initiatives.
• Strong understanding of development operations, contracts, financial tracking, and cross-functional workflows.
• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., JDE), CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce), and related operational technologies.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and influencing stakeholders at multiple levels.

Benefits Highlights:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) dependent on plan elections
• Paid time off, holidays, and floating holidays
• Paid parental and family caregiver leave
• Mental health and wellness resources
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Additional programs to support Associates and their families

EEO Statement:

Hillwood is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of, race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, handicap, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

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