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Real Estate Operations Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Vantive

Real Estate Operations Manager

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Your Role The Corporate Real Estate Operations Manageroversees a Vantive's real estate portfolio for the Americas region, focusing on lease administration, transaction management, portfolio ...

Reflecting Walls Real Estate Photography

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Real Estate Media Specialist

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

We are a real estate media company looking for a versatile, highly reliable, and positive Real Estate Photographer to join our field operations team, as well as assist with day-to-day operations such ...

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Real Estate Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Prepare Real Estate Committee packages, including financial proforma, operational support, demographic intel and market level information * Strong financial and analytical skills necessary to present ...

Highland Holdings

Vice President, Real Estate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$175K - $275K/yr

This is an executive-level position with the opportunity to lead a major real estate operation from the ground up. Why Join Us? * Direct exposure to principals and decision-making that actually ...

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All JobsReal Estate Operations JobsReal Estate Operations Jobs in Chicago, IL

Real Estate Operations information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33.5K

$64.5K

$101.5K

How much do real estate operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for real estate operations in Chicago, IL is $64,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $76,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is real estate operations?

Real Estate Operations refer to the management and coordination of activities involved in the buying, selling, leasing, and maintenance of real estate properties. This field encompasses tasks such as property management, transaction coordination, compliance, budgeting, and overseeing day-to-day processes that keep real estate businesses running smoothly. Professionals in real estate operations ensure that properties are efficiently managed, legal requirements are met, and that clients and stakeholders receive high-quality service. Their role is essential for maximizing property value and ensuring smooth business operations within real estate firms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in real estate operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Real Estate Operations, you need strong organizational skills, knowledge of real estate processes, and often a background in business administration or real estate licensing. Familiarity with property management software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and document management tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are valuable soft skills that set top professionals apart. These competencies ensure smooth transactions, regulatory compliance, and excellent client service in a dynamic property environment.

What are some common challenges faced in a real estate operations role, and how can they be effectively managed?

In a Real Estate Operations role, professionals often face challenges such as coordinating multiple transactions simultaneously, keeping up with regulatory changes, and ensuring seamless communication between agents, clients, and vendors. Effectively managing these challenges usually involves strong organizational skills, proficiency with real estate management software, and proactive communication. Building robust processes for document management and staying updated on industry regulations can also help streamline operations and minimize errors, contributing to a smoother workflow and better client experiences.

What is the difference between Real Estate Operations vs Real Estate Agent?

AspectReal Estate OperationsReal Estate Agent
CredentialsTypically requires real estate license, business or management backgroundRequires real estate license
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, supporting agents and brokersField-based, client-facing property transactions
Employer & Industry UsageReal estate firms, brokerages, property management companiesReal estate brokerages, independent agents
Primary FocusOperational support, process management, complianceClient representation, property sales, negotiations

Real Estate Operations professionals focus on managing the backend processes, compliance, and support functions within real estate firms, while Real Estate Agents primarily work directly with clients to buy or sell properties. Both roles require a real estate license but differ significantly in daily responsibilities and work environment.

How to get into real estate operations?

To enter real estate operations, candidates typically need a background in real estate, business, or related fields, along with strong organizational and communication skills. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles in property management, real estate firms, or administrative positions can be helpful. Certifications such as a real estate license or property management credentials may also improve job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Real Estate Operations jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Real Estate Operations jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Real Estate Operations jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Real Estate Operations jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Real Estate Operations jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Real Estate Operations jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Real Estate Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Real Estate Operations job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,522 per year, or $31 per hour.

Real Estate Operations Manager

Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc.

Hoffman Estates, IL • On-site

$102K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

The Manager, Real Estate Operations manages real estate and facility/site improvement projects across departments, including lease administration, transaction support, and strategic portfolio planning. This role reports to and supports Company legal leadership.
Essential Functions
  • Prepare and review real estate documents, including LOIs, leases, amendments, estoppels, and other transactional documents.
  • Manage and track lease expirations, coordinating with executive leadership to evaluate renewal, relocation, expansion, consolidation, and disposition opportunities.
  • Utilize CoStar Real Estate Manager software to streamline operations, create reports, track lease data, manage critical dates and property information, and maintain legal files for all real estate transactions.
  • Assist management with the creation of short-term and long-term strategic planning for the entire real estate portfolio.
  • Assist in the creation and execution of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for real estate and facilities projects, such as new facility requests, move management, relocations, and overall transactions.
  • Create vendor requests in the accounts payable portal for new landlords or real estate vendors and process special check requests.
  • Work with local jurisdictions to obtain Certificates of Occupancy for new locations.
  • Develop a deep understanding of the Company's business and the needs of its operating locations, including branches, hubs, depots, treatment and recycling facilities, and railroad sites.
  • Develop slides and presentations for approval of real estate transactions and assist with crafting negotiation strategies to close transactions with optimal terms for the Company.
  • Work with Company departments and managers to develop standards, objectives, and characteristics for each property type to ensure each property meets or exceeds business goals.
  • Develop strong relationships with vendors, including landlords, real estate brokerage resources, and permitting consultants, to support real estate goals.
  • Monitor and ensure full compliance for property-related activities, including leases, zoning, certificates of occupancy, environmental regulations, and other requirements.
  • Partner with the lease accounting and finance teams to review annual budgets and monthly or quarterly reports; approve invoices, CAM reconciliations, and property taxes; and oversee database management and the third-party lease administration vendor.
  • Work with the EHS team to address facility hazards and potential environmental risks associated with leased and owned properties.
  • Own, track, and manage CARs and MOCs for all real estate projects.
  • Perform additional duties as directed.

Education & Essential Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree and at least 8 years of experience in commercial real estate transactions, lease administration, property acquisitions, or corporate real estate operations OR a high school diploma/GED and at least 10 years of the same experience.
  • Experience in project management involving real estate transactions, facility projects, or capital improvement and fit-out projects
  • Experience establishing and implementing a robust process for KPI reporting
  • Experience supporting permitting, certificates of occupancy, and zoning reviews
  • Knowledge of real estate
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong negotiation and networking skills
  • Ability to adhere to established schedules and deadlines
  • Ability to maintain confidential information

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with real estate management platforms
  • PMP Certification

Work Environment: Primarily indoor office environment; noise level is generally quiet. May require sitting for long periods. Regularly requires talking, hearing, seeing, and often reaching with hands. Regularly requires standing and walking. Regularly requires use of a computer keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other office equipment.
Crystal Clean LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Crystal Clean expressly values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages the applications of individuals from diverse backgrounds, so that Crystal Clean reflects the communities and customers that we serve.
The anticipated salary range for this position is $102,000.00 - $130,000.00, and includes benefits such as the following:
  • Health, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Wellness Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Experience with real estate management platforms
  • PMP Certification

Apply