Director, Ancillary Services and Commercial Leasing

Essex Property Trust • Irvine, CA

17d • $142,000 - $177,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Ancillary Services and Commercial Leasing leads enterprise-wide initiatives that create new ancillary income streams, optimize ROI, and elevate the resident and tenant experience across a diverse multifamily portfolio. This role is responsible for designing, executing, and scaling innovative ancillary service programs—including amenities, technology partnerships, convenience offerings, and value‑add services—while also overseeing commercial (retail) leasing strategies. Reporting to the Vice President of Investment Management, the Director brings strong financial, operational, and strategic expertise, a passion for innovation, and a proven ability to turn ideas into measurable business results.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Real Estate, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 8–10+ years of proven experience leading ancillary services with a demonstrated ability to build, scale, and optimize revenue-generating programs across a large portfolio. ‑generating programs across a large portfolio.
• Knowledge in commercial (retail) leasing, including market analysis, tenant mix optimization, negotiations, and long‑term portfolio strategy.
• Minimum 5+ years of people leadership experience, with a strong track record of developing high-performing teams and guiding organizational change.‑leadership experience‑performing teams and guiding organizational change.
• Demonstrated, in‑depth expertise in designing, implementing, and scaling ancillary revenue programs, including amenities, technology partnerships, convenience services, and value‑add offerings—with a proven track record of driving NOI growth and operational excellence within a multifamily portfolio.
• Strong understanding of the commercial real estate industry, including market trends, best operational practices, and emerging technologies.
• Experience with property management software (e.g., Yardi), preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation, innovation, and expansion of ancillary services programs that generate meaningful revenue, increase NOI, strengthen portfolio performance, and enhance the resident and tenant experience.
• Identify and evaluate new income opportunities, including vendor partnerships, amenity programs, digital services, convenience solutions, and technology-based offerings that drive scalable ROI.
• Build business cases for new initiatives through financial modeling, market analysis, and ROI forecasting.
• Oversee and guide the commercial (retail) leasing team, ensuring effective marketing of vacant spaces, lease negotiations, renewals, and tenant mix optimization.
• Partner with senior leadership to define goals, KPIs, and the long-term strategic direction of ancillary services and commercial leasing. ‑term strategic direction of ancillary services and commercial leasing.
• Monitor regulatory developments at local, state, and national levels that impact ancillary income strategies or commercial leasing operations.
• Lead, mentor, and empower the team, ensuring alignment with company goals and consistent delivery of high-impact ancillary services and leasing results.
• Maintain departmental budgets and forecasts, providing actionable insights and data-backed recommendations.
• Collaborate with internal teams including Operations, Marketing, Legal, Insurance/Risk, IT, Finance, Construction, Asset Management, Facilities and HR to ensure successful program implementation and outcomes.
• Provide actionable recommendations to Investment Management leadership to maximize portfolio performance.
• Build and maintain strong vendor partnerships aligned with investment and income strategies.
• Cultivate and sustain productive relationships with commercial tenants to improve satisfaction, retention, and long-term performance.
• Continuously research and stay up to date on emerging trends and best practices in tenant engagement, amenities, commercial leasing strategies, and technology solutions to enhance the overall resident/tenant experience.
• Develop a deep and comprehensive market understanding and competitive analysis by understanding sales, traffic trends, demographics, and leasing visions for the commercial portfolio of properties.
• Analyze competitor offerings and monitor and assess new technologies to proactively introduce innovative programs and services that increase and improve resident/tenant satisfaction and ROI.

Benefits

• All full-time regular associates are offered competitive salaries, experience career growth, and are eligible for benefit packages that include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 401k employer match, excellence rewards, wellness programs, and much more.
• With our 12 paid holidays and 15 PTO days, work/life balance is a priority!
• Additionally, most positions are eligible for a housing discount of 20%.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director