Chief Operating Officer

CRE Recruiting; Phoenix (AZ); Remote; USD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A premium debt fund is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead operations, finance, and investor relations. The role requires strong leadership and analytical skills, focusing on strategic planning and relationship management within the commercial real estate sector, while working remotely.

Qualifications

• 15-20+ years in commercial real estate lending.
• Strong credit and risk management background.
• Tech-savvy with process improvement skills.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing business pipeline and coaching the team.
• Monitoring portfolio challenges and managing asset health.
• Participating in Investment Committee leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Mindset

Communication

Relationship Management

Risk Mitigation

Strategic Planning

Job description

Our client, a premium debt fund focused on providing bridge and construction finance to real estate professionals, builds long-term relationships by delivering a superior client experience. They seek an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join their small but growing, entrepreneurial team.

The COO works closely with the firm's CEO and Partner, overseeing a range of responsibilities including administration, finance, operations, loan production, portfolio management, investor relations, and strategic planning.

The ideal COO candidate has 15-20+ years of experience in commercial real estate lending, with a well-rounded career in credit/underwriting, relationship management, portfolio management, and leadership roles.

The COO will understand the full loan lifecycle, from prospecting and credit analysis to closing, onboarding, workouts, servicing, and maintaining client relationships.

The candidate should be self-motivated, analytically minded, and an effective communicator. They will contribute to the firm's financial health, culture, and future growth.

This role is primarily remote, but proximity to Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ, is preferred for in-person meetings.

A typical day includes:

• Overseeing business pipeline and coaching the relationship management team

• Utilizing storytelling and marketing to engage with the CRE community

• Monitoring maturities, managing portfolio challenges, and reviewing asset health

• Assisting with financial management, reporting, taxes, and banking relationships

• Participating in Investment Committee leadership

• Building relationships with investors and industry partners

• Staying informed on economic trends affecting CRE lending

• Charting strategic direction with the CEO and gaining stakeholder buy-in

• Addressing insurance needs

• Recruiting and onboarding new team members

The ideal COO possesses:

• 15-20+ years in CRE loan disciplines, including construction/bridge products

• A strong credit background with risk mitigation expertise and relationship skills

• Self-motivation and ability to work remotely

• A growth mindset with a record of profitable growth

• A hands-on, leadership, and individual contributor approach

• Excellent communication skills and credibility with stakeholders

• A positive, solution-oriented attitude

• Tech-savviness and process improvement skills