Property Operations Manager Jobs in East Rutherford, NJ

Job Title: Assistant Operations Manager

Department: Operations

Reports To: General Manager and Operations Manager

Summary

The Assistant Operations Manager serves as a key member of the center leadership team, partnering closely with the General Manager and Operations Manager to support the overall performance, operational excellence, and physical integrity of the shopping center. This role is responsible for assisting in the day-to-day management of property operations, facility maintenance, tenant coordination, and specialty leasing support while ensuring exceptional customer and tenant experience.

The Assistant Operations Manager plays an integral role in maintaining a safe, efficient, and well-presented environment that supports tenant success, drives operational efficiencies, and upholds the asset's brand standards and long-term value.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Property Operations & Facility Management

• Support the overall management and operation of the shopping center, with a primary focus on facilities management, operational performance, and asset preservation.
• Conduct routine property inspections to identify maintenance needs, safety concerns, and opportunities to enhance customer experience.
• Oversee the daily operation, maintenance, and performance of building systems, equipment, and infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted center operations.
• Coordinate and manage third-party vendors, contractors, and service providers to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company standards.
• Maintain the cleanliness, appearance, functionality, and security of all common areas and exterior grounds.
• Respond to and manage operational emergencies in a timely and effective manner.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including environmental, safety, and risk management programs.

Tenant Coordination & Specialty Leasing Support

• Partner with Tenant Coordination and Specialty Leasing teams to facilitate temporary and specialty leasing installations and tenant activations.
• Prepare tenant drawings and documentation required for specialty leasing installations.
• Coordinate permit applications, review signage shop drawings, monitor construction progress, and schedule final inspections with local authorities to obtain certificates of occupancy where required.
• Manage tenant openings, relocations, and closings by coordinating utilities, barricades, signage installations, and space readiness.
• Supervise tenant construction projects and serve as an operational liaison between center and senior corporate teams throughout the build-out process.
• Support leasing initiatives by maintaining a strong understanding of the center's merchandising strategy and occupancy objectives.

Tenant Relations

• Serve as a primary operational point of contact for tenant inquiries, concerns, and service requests.
• Assist with new tenant onboarding and orientation to ensure seamless integration into the property.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with tenants, local municipalities, first responders, utility providers, and external business partners.
• Act as a liaison with local police, fire departments, and utility companies to support property operations and emergency preparedness.

Reporting and Administrative Functions

• Prepare operational reports, analyses, and project updates as requested by leadership.
• Maintain accurate documentation for compliance programs, including the Hazard Communication Program and other legally required records.
• Conduct periodic operational audits, including evening and weekend inspections, to ensure vendors and service providers are meeting performance expectations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and assist leadership with special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Facilities Management, Construction Management, Real Estate, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in shopping center management, commercial property operations, facilities management, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working in retail, mixed-use, or high-traffic commercial environments is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of commercial property operations, building systems, and facility management principles.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with tenants, vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven leadership capabilities with prior supervisory experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and other property management software platforms.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make effective decisions under pressure.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Ability to regularly walk the property, including interior and exterior common areas, rooftops, parking areas, and mechanical spaces.
• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, reach, climb, and navigate uneven surfaces for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate tools, equipment, and computer systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically.
• Vision sufficient to operate computers, review documents, and perform property inspections.
• Ability to frequently push, pull, and lift up to 40 pounds and occasionally lift 75 pounds or more.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and respond to after-hours emergencies as business needs dictate.

This job description is not all inclusive. Other duties and responsibilities may be required. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this job description lists only those responsibilities and qualifications deemed essential to the position. Equal Opportunity Employer.