Head of Industrial Growth and Leasing

GVW Group, LLC•Birmingham, AL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Ruddell Group acquires, develops, and operates light industrial real estate throughout the Southeastern United States. Our focus is on industrial parks and buildings generally under 100,000 square feet serving growing; Light manufacturers, Advanced manufacturers, Assemblers, Regional distributors, and Business-to-business service companies. These users typically occupy between 20,000 and 100,000 square feet and require flexible industrial space with combinations of office, warehouse, showroom, service areas, outdoor storage, specialized utilities, and room for expansion. As our portfolio grows, we are seeking a proven leader who can help drive leasing performance while creating tenant relationships that support future development. Build the Leasing Engine of a Growing Industrial Platform Ruddell Group is seeking a Head of Industrial Growth & Leasing to help scale our industrial real estate platform across the Southeast. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on leasing existing assets, creating tenant demand before buildings are developed, and helping drive the next phase of the company's growth. You will work directly with company leadership to increase occupancy, originate build-to-suit opportunities, cultivate relationships with expanding industrial companies, and influence where and how future developments are built. This role is designed for a commercially minded operator who enjoys building relationships, creating opportunities, and turning market intelligence into executed transactions. The Opportunity This role combines industrial leasing, business development, tenant origination, market intelligence, and strategic growth. Success is measured by creating relationships with growing companies before they enter a formal real estate search process and converting those relationships into leases, build-to-suits, expansions, and long-term partnerships. The ideal candidate will help Ruddell: Maintain industry-leading occupancy Increase cash flow and portfolio value Create a pipeline for future tenants Support future public-private partnership opportunities Shape future development decisions based on real tenant demand

Requirements

Experience developing business relationships and generating opportunities
A proven ability to negotiate and close complex transactions
Confidence building relationships with executive decision-makers
Understanding of industrial operations and facility requirements
Strong networking and business development skills
Commercial and financial acumen
Knowledge of Southeastern markets and economic drivers
An entrepreneurial mindset with a desire to help build something meaningful
Someone who wants to help grow an industrial real estate platform, not simply manage an existing portfolio.

Nice To Haves

Industrial leasing
Industrial development
Industrial brokerage
Build-to-suit development
Corporate real estate
Site selection
Economic development
Manufacturing business development
Industrial operations or expansion planning

Responsibilities

Lead leasing strategy across the existing portfolio
Maintain occupancy targets of 95%+
Protect rental rates and drive NOI growth
Identify expansion opportunities within existing tenant relationships
Develop retention strategies that strengthen occupancy and tenant satisfaction
Build relationships with expanding industrial companies throughout the Southeast
Develop a qualified pipeline of prospective tenants before formal site searches begin
Generate build-to-suit opportunities
Create anchor tenant relationships for future developments
Develop long-term relationships with company executives and decision-makers
Identify expansion requirements before they become active market requirements
Strengthen relationships with brokers, site selectors, economic development organizations, and municipal leaders
Stay informed on labor trends, incentives, infrastructure investments, and industrial market conditions
Help identify future development opportunities and target markets
Increase visibility and awareness of the Ruddell platform throughout the region
Advise leadership on future building programs and development timing
Provide market intelligence that influences investment decisions
Support public-private partnership initiatives and municipal relationships
Help shape the long-term growth strategy of the platform