Active Searches

Position Description:

The Company has an opportunity for an experienced leader to oversee its industrial portfolio in Florida.  The successful candidate will lead the Florida team responsible for the leasing and management of the 14 million square foot Florida portfolio, while also seeking new investment opportunities in both new and existing markets. Additionally, this position will have the opportunity to work closely with Construction Management on development projects in multiple markets. The position is ideally based in the Company’s largest Florida office located in Orlando.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the Florida team including asset managers, construction manager, project manager, as well as the property management teams in four markets.
• Source land acquisitions for industrial development and assist in the entire development process including development leasing.
• Source building acquisitions.
• Underwrite transactions and development proformas.
• Negotiate Purchase and Sale Agreements.
• Maintain and cultivate the Company’s branding with ongoing broker relationships.
• Maximize total return for each asset through the analysis of property efficiencies and identifying opportunities for improved performance.
• Work closely with leasing agents, brokers, and outside counsel to negotiate LOIs, leases and lease renewal transactions.
• Manage and coach each market’s property management team to achieve or exceed Company operational objectives including customer satisfaction and asset profitability.
• Preparation of budgets, leasing plans, and capital expenditures programs for review by Senior Management.
• Prepare the necessary monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting for Senior Management.
• Review, analyze, and interpret market data to identify trends that may impact the performance of the portfolio, and work with Senior Management to develop and implement market plans that drive occupancy and revenue growth.
• Perform valuations of each asset on a quarterly basis, working with the Executive Vice President, to develop and implement strategic business plans for each asset that will govern its daily operations, position in the market, and ultimate disposition.
• Manage the capital improvement strategies and processes, including oversight of the construction management activities.
• Manage the due diligence and activities related to the acquisition and disposition of any properties.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, economics, or related field; advanced degree a plus.
• A proven track record of success in commercial asset management, leasing or development.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must have exposure to development, site acquisitions and existing building acquisitions.
• Solid understanding of financial terms and principles, with ability to conduct complex financial analysis.
• Existing broker relationships are highly beneficial.
• Excellent communication (both written and verbal) skills are required.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, ability to analyze and solve problems involving multiple factors in various situations.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to maintain effective tenant relationships.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Proficient with all Microsoft applications and experience with property management software, preferably Yardi.

To learn more about this position, contact: Christine Pinkerton | (919) 679-9149 | cpinkerton@crownsearch.com

Position Description:

The VP, Acquisitions, will help source acquisitions, redevelopment, and development opportunities within the Eastern United States with a focus on Florida, Charlotte and New York/New Jersey markets.

Key responsibilities include:

• Drive deal flow by identifying acquisition and development opportunities which could include green-field land acquisition and development, value-add redevelopments, portfolio and single asset acquisitions of industrial buildings.
• Develop key longstanding relationships with third parties including brokers, architects, contractors, and engineers.
• Identify, anticipate, communicate and capitalize on market trends to bring industry leading returns to the company.
• Lead preparation of investment memos and other presentations for senior management and Investment Committee.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or Economics or industry related fields such as civil engineering and/or construction management.
• 5+ years’ experience in the Real Estate industry with a focus on acquisitions, development and/or private equity to effectively present information to senior management, executives and other key stakeholders.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze, interpret and create real estate documents including, but not limited to LOIs, RFPs, property offering memorandums, market reports and tenant leases.
• Strong knowledge of financial concepts such as net present values, internal rates of return, cap rates, etc.
• Create or modify cash flow models using Argus and Microsoft Excel.
• Other software knowledge to include Microsoft Word, Outlook, Internet Explorer, Google Earth, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks while still meeting deadlines.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
• 25% domestic travel.

To learn more about this position, contact: Natasha Brill | (786) 216-7281 | nbrill@crownsearch.com

Position Description:

Our client is creating a new position of Director of Preconstruction. This position offers a long-term prospective pathway to become one of the senior-most construction executives in the company, with regular interaction with C-suite executives.

Our client owns two office-to-residential conversion projects in pre-development in Washington, DC totaling 1.8M square feet, the first of which is in the construction drawing phase and being actively bid to contractors. They are bidding both to general contractors and subcontractors directly and aim to have the work substantially bought out by the second quarter of 2024. The immediate responsibilities of the role are a successful buyout of the first project with a hands-on approach for each subcontractor, along with a direct engagement for potential direct subcontracts with trades following structure and envelope.  The Director of Preconstruction will be the point of contact and face of the company for Washington, DC general contractors and subcontractors.

The medium-term goal of the DC activities is to grow the skillset, network, and reputation to directly field, contract, and manage all subcontractors on future DC construction projects (if the pool of existing general contractors is deemed not sufficient to meet the end cost and quality goals). To this end, our client expects to be in touch with every aspect and minutia of a hired GC’s scope and buyout to successfully manage the GC and have the relationship and ability to perform the same if called to do so. The Director of Preconstruction will be the vanguard of this  expansion into  Washington, DC; an enterprising individual who has field and office experience, combining leadership traits with the intimate knowledge of the costs which constitute each subcontractor’s scope.

The candidate may be based in either Washington, DC or Philadelphia, with at least 1-2 days per week spent in each Philadelphia and Washington, DC.

Critical skill sets for this role include:

• High level of comfort reading Architectural, Structural, MEP plans
• Ability to create scope sheets, building on a library of what has already been created
• Estimation and takeoff ability
• Ability to create a project budget, building on templates that have been created from past projects
• Knowledge of relevant unit value metrics for all major trades, and the ability to discern unit values resourcefully from subcontractors and dissecting bids
• Ability to create a thorough schedule of values for all trades, building on company library, to ensure proper cost loading and sectoring of the subcontract for billing and managing risk

Critical performance traits for this role include:

• Comfortable taking responsibility for a project and proactively engaging people and resources to achieve the goal of a fully contracted buyout within the budget constraints
• Salesmanship and persuasiveness in engaging valuable subcontractors (i.e. beyond the roster that every GC typically bids to) and engaging them in company’s project to competitively bid
• Ability to interact with smaller subcontractors without administrative staff
• Comfortable presenting both good and bad information, identifying risks along with solutions or mitigation measures
• An entrepreneurial spirit to push past roadblocks and industry norms, not settling for what an institutional GC or Subcontractor finds is comfortable and creating new solutions

To learn more about this position, contact: Jon Nowikowski | (412) 339-5376 | jnowikowski@crownsearch.com

Position Description:

Our client develops, operates and manages logistics properties that play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry. As they continue to grow, we are seeking a VP of Development to join the team. The VP will be responsible for sourcing, due diligence, budgeting, permitting, overseeing the entitlement process, and managing every facet of the development cycle. The VP will report to the President with a day-to-day interface with other team members. Experience in predevelopment, construction budgeting and development management is required.  The company is actively pursuing new investment opportunities, so the VP will assist the team in qualifying new development projects.  The VP is expected to have market knowledge and a strong base of relationships throughout Florida.

Essential Job Functions:

• Building Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with architects and contractors, effectively sourcing construction.
• Team Leadership: Lead a team of consultants and contractors to achieve regional capital deployment goals and objectives.
• Cost and Timeline Management: Manage costs and timelines for development projects, tenant improvement jobs, and capital expenditure projects as necessary.
• Site Planning: Lead and manage the establishment of site plans that deliver best-in-class products, aligning with market demands and our brand standards.
• Due Diligence: Lead and participate in due diligence investigations for new investment opportunities, including coordination with third parties.
• Entitlement and Due Diligence: Coordinate all site entitlement and building due diligence processes, such as environmental site assessments, hydrology, boundary surveys, easements, geotechnical evaluations, platting, permitting, etc.
• Budgeting: Assist in preparing physical due diligence reports, replacement cost budgets, and capital improvements budgets for acquisition properties.
• Meeting Facilitation: Establish, plan, and chair regularly scheduled development meetings to communicate company expectations and oversee timely milestone completion.

 Qualifications:

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree (a degree in engineering, accounting, finance, or real estate preferred).
• Minimum of 7-10 years’ experience in predevelopment, construction budgeting, development management, and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel (advanced level), Project, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Previous real estate finance-related experience is strongly desired.
• Proven track record in design, engineering, and construction.
• Thorough knowledge of the construction and development processes.
• Knowledge of the market and a strong base of relationships throughout Florida.
• The experience and gravitas to manage internal and external resources, consultants, and contractors.
• Proficiency in oral and written communication, with the ability to craft and present detailed work product.
• Intelligent and forward-thinking, with a focus on efficiency and effectiveness.
• A positive, “can-do” attitude, coupled with a collaborative nature.
• Highly organized, patient, and strategically oriented, with the ability to defend positions in a well-reasoned, articulate fashion.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, with the ability to adapt nimbly and navigate complex situations.
• Travel to other areas of Florida and out of state will be required, sometimes necessitating multiple-night stays.
• Proficiency in using general office equipment, including computers, calculators, copy machines, and fax machines, is essential for this role.

Executing for Results:

• The Vice President of Development must set clear and challenging goals while committing to improved performance, remaining tenacious and accountable in driving results. This role should thrive in an environment characterized by ambiguity and uncertainty, demonstrating adaptability in navigating complex situations.

To learn more about this position, contact: Margie Arcangelo | (239) 362-1335 | margie@crownsearch.com

Position Description:

Our client is actively seeking an Executive Vice President (EVP) – Regional Market Leader to assume a pivotal role in leading and overseeing our operations in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest Region. This executive-level leadership position entails comprehensive responsibility for their business within the specified geographical area and reports directly to the President. The EVP – Regional Market Leader will serve as a dynamic leader, managing and directing a highly talented transaction, development and administrative team as well as managing all aspects of our business, including transactions, development, and leasing efforts. In addition to these responsibilities, the individual in this role will adopt a “player-coach” approach, actively engaging in the identification and pursuit of new opportunities to foster growth in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest Region.

Primary Job Functions

Leadership and Team Management:

• Provide visionary leadership to the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest Region, setting strategic goals, and driving the execution of business plant to achieve them.
• Lead and oversee a high-performing transaction, development, and administrative team, fostering collaboration, growth, and excellence within the team.

Business Oversight and Growth Initiatives:

• Take full ownership of business operations in the specified geographical area, including transaction, development, and leasing efforts, ensuring they align with company objectives.
• Proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities to promote growth in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest Region, leveraging market knowledge and industry trends.
• Lead recommendations related to buy/sell hold decisions in conjunction with the Company’s leadership team.
• Build and maintain strong relationship with clients, partners, and key internal and external stakeholder, enhancing the company’s reputation and market presence.
• Oversee financial aspects of the region, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance analysis.

Primary Job Duties

• Manage and mentor all Associates within the region.
• Drive investment strategy for the region.
• Lead all search efforts for additional land site selection and land acquisition; work directly with landowners and local brokers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with customers, brokers, governmental officials, 3rd party consultants, economic development authorities, and industry associations in major markets.
• Ensure customer satisfaction and exceed customer’s expectations on each transaction and project.
• Coordinate proposals for acquisitions of land and buildings, leases, and build-to-suit projects with brokers and internal transaction and development team.
• Identify and structure option positions in attractive land opportunities.
• Lead all required due diligence related to transactions and development.
• Monitor competing developments.
• Negotiate and manage the leases and purchase and sale agreements with the transaction associates.
• Respond to RFP’s.
• Lead the transaction and development teams through planning, design, underwriting, investment committee approvals, and coordination with acquisition, finance, debt and disposition teams for all developments, including build-to-suits and speculative development projects.
• Lead all marketing efforts for the region.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• A leader with a proven track record of being results oriented with a strong sense of urgency and commitment to achieving these results.
• Strong, demonstrated management and leadership skills with the ability to manage “up and down” the organization.
• Hands on approach and ability to roll-up your sleeves, dive into the details, and demonstrate by example, not just delegation.
• Excellent negotiations skills with ability to obtain favorable terms for the Company while enhancing key relationships and empowering the internal team to transact and develop.
• Ability to manage deadline expectations across a team of independent transaction associates and development associates.
• Ability to successfully oversee the entire transaction and development process for complex industrial projects.
• Ability to handle confidential information and protect intellectual privacy.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with executive level internal and external clients.
• Demonstrate a high level of professional demeanor, integrity, ethics, and leadership.
• Exceptional strategic planning and execution skills.
• Financial acumen and ability to manage budgets and financial performance effectively.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field required, MBA or advanced degree a plus.
• Significant industrial real estate transaction experience with a demonstrated track record of excellence in sourcing, executing and profitably divesting industrial investments and managing teams is required.
• Demonstrated experience with building and supervising real estate operations, transaction, and development teams.
• Proven track record of leadership in a senior executive role.
• Strong and verifiable network of investors, brokers, lenders, and real estate professionals.
• Extensive knowledge of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest industrial market is preferred.

To learn more about this position, contact: Matthew McAulay | (704) 770-6110 | mmcaulay@crownsearch.com

Position Description:

The Senior Vice President, Development Investment is responsible for executing a successful multifamily development program for an international development company in Charlotte, NC.  This includes sourcing new development opportunities, managing the entitlement and development process, networking and communicating with government officials, interacting with contractors, architects, and engineers throughout design and construction and building/growing a team of high quality professionals that will position the company for long term growth in the region.  The position will be the main interface with the real estate community in the greater Charlotte region.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Source:  Source new development projects by networking with area brokers, contractors, consultants, and landowners to find new opportunities.

Shape:  Lead all aspects of development and predevelopment process to include preparing initial proformas and project summaries, due diligence, entitlements, risk mitigation, and overall deal viability within budget and cost constraints.  Be accountable for assumptions in the development underwriting.  Manage relationships with key stakeholders and consultants, architects, attorneys, and officials within specific municipalities through coordination of the design and construction phases.  Coordinate with Development Management team to create and refine building plans and specifications to ensure the business plan is met.

Capitalize Deals:  Assist in sourcing debt and equity capital for projects, including developing and reviewing investment summaries, redlining agreements (term sheet, JV documents, loan agreements), and participating in presentations to capital as well as the Investment Committee.  Coordinate with  Capital Markets to identify and track feedback of capital partners and gather proposed terms from a variety of debt and equity sources to be used in determining optimal capital structure for project.  Conduct property tours with prospective lenders and joint venture partners as needed.

Present:  Create investment packages and present and manage projects through internal Investment Committee process.  Oversee the preparation of project marketing materials, lender, and joint venture partner packages and RFP response packages.  Prepare financial analyses and projections and manage all aspects of due diligence in support of acquisition, development, and financing activity.  Make presentations to Design Review Boards, Planning Commissions, City Councils, and community groups.

Design:  Supervise and approve all design decisions to maximize the physical and aesthetic quality and overall performance of the project in a cost effective manner.

Execute:  Work with architects, engineers, contractors, land-use attorneys and brokers to conceptualize and create viable projects.  Responsible for leading the business plans for development projects, including determination of budgeted market rents and lease structures, operating expenses, and capital budgets.  Responsible for asset management of pre-stabilized assets in business unit portfolio, including negotiation of leases, administration of project loan issues pertaining to property operations, directing property managers and leasing agents, communicating with capital partners, and working with business unit principals and investment sale brokers at time of monetization.

Update:  Regularly review all the company proprietary asset management system (ELITE) information on assigned projects to ensure completeness and accuracy of data.

Relationship Management:  Develop and maintain successful relationships with clients, partners, consultants, architects, contractors, and brokers. Active involvement in the community, industry organizations, and appropriate city, county, and agency officials within the jurisdictions that the company conducts business to promote the company and its development projects.

Negotiate:  Support deal document redlining, tracking and completion for term sheets, purchase and sale agreements, loan documents, and lease agreements.  Maintain interface with external clients and internal business units, ensuring fast response time for all prospective investments, tenants, and potential third-party sponsor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND TRAVEL:  Role is primarily in office with expected travel to job sites within the region.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or architecture from an appropriate 4-year college program, a law degree, MBA, or other relevant graduate degree preferred.

Industry Experience:  It is preferred, but not required, for candidates to have significant experience in commercial real estate, finance, investment, or consulting role that requires strong analytical, financial, and project management skills.

Negotiating Skills:  Demonstrated track record of successful negotiation with key stakeholders, including employees, top management, investors, lenders, sellers, tenants, public and private stakeholders, and community groups, to take desired action.

Financial Knowledge:  Demonstrated understanding of financial and real estate terms and principles.  Ability to calculate intermediate figures such as percentages, discounts, present value, internal rates of return, and/or commissions.  Ability to analyze financial statements from outside sources.

Problem Solving Skills:  Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret business documents and financial analysis.  Ability to solve problems and progress projects in complex, ambiguous situations.  Ability to prioritize activities to best support the company’s business.

Entrepreneurial Spirit:  Self-motivated attitude and mentality.  Action-oriented, productive, decisive, inspirational, innovative, and self-sacrificing. Ability to embrace change, critical questioning, and continuous improvement.

Communication Skills:  Support all stakeholders and company clients by communicating effectively throughout the development process.  Ability to conduct research and draft reports, presentations, and other forms of internal and external communication using a distinctive style.  Ability to provide efficient, timely, reliable, and courteous service to coworkers and partners.  Ability to respond effectively to sensitive issues.  Demonstrated strength in both written and verbal communication.  Strong organizational and time management capabilities.

Project Management Skills:  Ability to work with multiple stakeholders to create achievable project schedules, track milestone dates, and meet project deadlines.  Ability to manage multiple consultants and synthesize information and report out status and key decision points to senior members.

To learn more about this position, contact: Matthew McAulay | (704) 770-6110 | mmcaulay@crownsearch.com

Position Description:

This position will be responsible for establishing the Data Center development business.  Initially this business will be focused within the USA and may eventually expand across North America or a wider geography.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The role will include (but not be limited to) the establishment, overall management, and profitability of the Data Center business, including the following specific tasks:

• Prepare a business strategy, ongoing annual business plans, and annual operating budgets.
• Recruit and manage an appropriate team to execute the strategy and annual business plan.
• Operate a profitable data center business and ensure current cash flow, long-term market value of assets, and overall enterprise value and profitability are maximized for all stakeholders.
• Represent the business to the data center community including brokers and other business stakeholders.
• Oversee deal sourcing, development, construction, and management of operations, and deal exits.
• Work with and leverage capital markets, construction, management, legal, accounting and all other team resources across the platform to maximize financial and business outcomes.
• Ensure that the reputation and credibility of the brand name is retained and enhanced within the real estate and stakeholder community.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Data center development experience for a minimum of 15 years, including experience in determining target markets and locations, site sourcing, financial underwriting, ability to establish program, knowledge and network of consultants to determine building specifications, and familiarity and credibility with sources of equity and debt capital (the ability to raise capital is not essential)
• Undergraduate degree in finance, real estate, or related business field
• Collaborative approach, team player with a focus on analytical and problem-resolution

To learn more about this position, contact:

Position Description:

The Vice President of Construction will report to the local Principal and head of Charlotte office and assume responsibility to manage, implement, and complete construction and execution activities within the Carolinas Region.  This position represents our client in all respects of the construction process, from general contractor selection and GMP negotiation through construction and project closeout.  External contacts, including customers, brokers, landowners, consultants, contractors, governmental officials, and staff view the Vice President of Construction as a leader and direct extension of our client.

Pre-Construction

• Interface with brokers, marketing, contractors, consultants, city/county officials, and other governmental entities and economic development personnel
• Assist development team with project schedules and construction schedule expectations
• Analyze and recommend early value engineering opportunities
• Recognize and lead opportunities to directly subcontract selected horizontal work – i.e. demolition, utility work, site work, etc.; develop subcontractor relationships for these activities
• Assist development team in formalizing budgets, schedules, and market assumptions for the financial model
• Understand entitlement process and/or rezoning if required
• Assist in obtain grading, foundation, and building permits as required by city
• Lead the general contractor interviewing and selection process and develop general contractor relationships in the market
• Once general contractor is selected, lead the Construction Management Agreement and GMP contract negotiation process; must be familiar with AIA contracts
• Assist communication with investment partners on general contractor selection, contract negotiation, and finalization

Financing

• Assist development team as needed with financing due diligence, checklists, etc.
• Develop relationship with bank inspector and attend site walks/inspections with Development Managers
• Track and complete post-closing issues as required; understand financing agreement processes
• Assist Development Managers with monthly draws as needed

Construction

• Work with city to expedite permitting and maintain city relationship through construction process
• Track pricing/bids and buyout process
• Find additional value engineering opportunities throughout construction phase
• Review and finalize construction contract
• Attend weekly job meetings and monitor job progress
• Oversee construction draw and requisition process with Development Managers; walk job site and meet with general contractor as needed to finalize and approve
• Facilitate owner decisions in a timely manner
• Negotiate utility connections, relocations, and costs
• Review and approve sub-contractor buy-out recommendations
• Update the Development Cost Summary on a monthly basis and track cost exposures
• Work with bank inspector to quickly process pay-applications
• Oversee, review, and negotiate all Change Orders with Development Managers
• Recognize construction issues before they arise to mitigate cost exposures and keep schedule on track
• Oversee project closeout and TCO process
• Work with property management and general contractor to expedite the punch-list process
• Conduct post-construction lesson learned discussion
• Review monthly cost reports

Required Skills/Abilities/Experience

• Effective written and verbal communicator who can operate within a wide spectrum of internal executives, municipal authorities, community groups, industry professionals, and brokers
• Expert knowledge of construction process, materials and building systems for Type III mid-rise multifamily wrap and podium style development, Type I high rise knowledge also preferred
• Ability to troubleshoot design and construction issues that arise during the course of construction document production as well as on-site field work
• Ability to lead a team and make quick decisions
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a fast moving, demanding, and dynamic organization
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of professionals and consultants
• Must have the aptitude to efficiently and effectively act as a liaison between the key team members (Development & Construction)
• Must act in a professional manner inside of the work environment as well as outside
• Intuitive, creative, market-savvy with demonstrated capacity to recognize market trends
• Collaborative, team-oriented work style, which seeks the benefit of the company, and utilizes the best human resources available
• Willingness to travel across Carolinas as needed
• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably with a concentration in architecture, engineering or construction management
• Masters degree preferred in Real Estate Development, Construction, Architecture, Engineering, or related field

To learn more about this position, contact: Matthew McAulay | (704) 770-6110 | mmcaulay@crownsearch.com