Institutional Office Building Manager (General Manager)

Owens Realty Services•Chicago, IL

31d•$150,000 - $200,000

About The Position

The Institutional Office Building Manager (General Manager) is responsible for the full operational, financial, and strategic performance of a Class A office property. This role oversees all aspects of building operations, including engineering and maintenance, financial management, vendor and contract administration, leasing leadership, tenant relations, brand positioning, budgeting, and compliance. The General Manager ensures the property meets ownership's financial goals, market expectations, and operational standards while delivering an exceptional tenant experience.

Responsibilities

Develop, manage, and present comprehensive annual operating and capital budgets.
Monitor financial performance through monthly financial reports, variance analysis, and reforecasts.
Oversee rent collections, resolve delinquencies, and ensure proper application of payments.
Approve and track all property-related expenditures to ensure alignment with approved budgets.
Lead cost-saving and operational efficiency initiatives without compromising service quality.
Oversee CAM reconciliations, tax payments, and insurance compliance.
Manage and direct engineering, maintenance, and custodial staff to ensure optimal building performance.
Ensure all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and life-safety systems operate reliably and efficiently.
Implement preventive maintenance programs and oversee capital improvement projects.
Ensure compliance with local, state, federal, and environmental regulations.
Implement best-practice operational standards and sustainability initiatives.
Lead competitive bidding for all contracted services, including janitorial, security, landscaping, and maintenance.
Negotiate and manage service contracts to ensure value, quality, and accountability.
Monitor vendor performance, safety adherence, and contract compliance.
Serve as the primary leasing lead for the building, acting as the on-site "lead leasing agent" responsible for driving occupancy and maximizing rental income.
Proactively identify, pursue, and engage prospective tenants through direct outreach, market canvassing, networking, and relationship building.
Maintain an active pipeline of prospects and consistently track and report on leasing activity, market conditions, and occupancy trends.
Lead the full leasing process including conducting property tours, preparing proposals, analyzing deal economics, negotiating terms, and coordinating with ownership and legal teams.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with tenant-rep brokers, ensuring strong ongoing engagement and competitive property visibility in the market.
Partner with ownership and marketing teams to implement branding initiatives, marketing campaigns, promotional programs, and broker events.
Provide ongoing insight into market trends, competitive buildings, rental rates, and concessions to inform pricing, positioning, and capital strategy.
Support tenant improvement planning and collaborate with construction management to deliver spaces aligned with leasing commitments and schedules.
Develop and maintain strong, positive relationships with tenants, promoting high satisfaction and retention.
Oversee tenant communications, events, newsletters, and engagement efforts.
Resolve tenant concerns promptly and professionally.
Coordinate move-ins, move-outs, and tenant construction activities to ensure a smooth experience.
Lead, supervise, and develop on-site property management, engineering, and administrative staff.
Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate team members to promote a culture of excellence and accountability.
Foster adherence to safety protocols, customer service standards, and operational best practices.
Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and emergency-preparedness regulations.
Manage insurance claims, incident reporting, and risk-management practices.
Conduct regular property inspections, safety drills, and systems testing.
Serve as the primary liaison to ownership groups, asset managers, and investment partners.