Director of Engineering, Facilities & Construction

Institute of Real Estate Management; California, Chicago (MO, IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Mon Ami Real Estate in the United States is seeking a Director of Engineering, Facilities & Construction to oversee construction and maintenance across a national portfolio of retail and industrial properties. This leadership role requires technical expertise and strong project management abilities.

The ideal candidate will lead projects, manage vendor relationships, and ensure property performance while working alongside asset management teams. Travel across the U.S. will be necessary.

Qualifications

• Hands-on knowledge of building systems is required.
• Experience with commercial real estate is preferred.
• Ability to evaluate buildings independently.

Responsibilities

• Manage capital improvement plans nationally.
• Lead construction and maintenance projects from start to finish.
• Evaluate building systems and conduct property inspections.

Skills

Engineering background

Project management

Facilities management

Negotiation skills

Education

Degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Director of Engineering, Facilities & Construction

National Portfolio · Orange County, CA (Chicago considered)

About Mon Ami Real Estate

Mon Ami Real Estate is a value-driven investor-operator specializing in sub-$20 million retail and industrial properties across the United States. The firm focuses on the overlooked middle market, targeting assets with intrinsic value and clear opportunities for operational improvement and value creation.

Over the past 15 years, Mon Ami has acquired more than 350 properties across 30+ states and currently manages a portfolio exceeding $400 million in assets. The firm's success is built on disciplined acquisitions, entrepreneurial thinking, and a hands-on approach to asset management.

Unlike many institutional real estate firms, Mon Ami is highly action-oriented. The team excels in complex, time-sensitive transactions where it can identify opportunities others overlook, close quickly and reliably, and execute business plans internally. Team members have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working directly with senior leadership on acquisitions, operations, and value creation initiatives.

Opportunity

Mon Ami Real Estate is seeking a Director of Engineering, Facilities & Construction to oversee construction projects, capital improvements, property maintenance, building systems, and vendor relationships across a national portfolio of retail and industrial properties.

This highly visible leadership role is responsible for protecting and enhancing the value of the portfolio through effective project management, preventative maintenance programs, and disciplined capital deployment. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise with strong project management and leadership skills and is comfortable operating in an entrepreneurial environment where priorities can shift quickly.

The Director will oversee the full lifecycle of construction and maintenance projects, including budgeting, bidding, vendor selection, scheduling, execution, and quality control. Responsibilities include managing tenant improvements, renovations, roof and parking lot projects, building system upgrades, deferred maintenance initiatives, and ongoing repair programs across the portfolio.

The position works closely with asset management, acquisitions, leasing, and property management teams to identify opportunities, evaluate building conditions, forecast capital expenditures, support due diligence efforts, and improve overall property performance. Travel to properties throughout the United States will be required.

What You'll Own

• Develop and manage capital improvement plans across the national portfolio
• Evaluate building systems—roofing, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, structural, site—independently and accurately
• Lead construction and major maintenance projects from scope through completion
• Conduct property inspections and condition assessments; produce actionable findings
• Build and implement preventative maintenance programs that actually get followed
• Source, vet, and manage contractors nationally—negotiate pricing, contracts, and scopes
• Support acquisitions and due diligence: review engineering reports, flag deferred maintenance, size capital requirements
• Assist with budgeting and capital forecasting
• Create standards, specs, and best practices across the portfolio

What We're Looking For

• Background in engineering, construction management, facilities management, or architecture with hands-on building systems knowledge
• Commercial real estate experience strongly preferred
• Can evaluate a building and form an independent opinion, not just read someone else's report
• Experience managing multiple simultaneous projects across different geographies
• Strong negotiator who pushes back on scope creep, inflated bids, and unnecessary spend
• Comfortable traveling regularly throughout the portfolio
• Highly organized, cost-conscious, and practically minded

What Makes You the Right Fit

• You've caught problems before they became expensive and you have examples
• You know when to hire a specialist and when the answer is already obvious
• You're comfortable challenging consultants and contractors when the numbers don't make sense
• You spend capital like it's your own money

Compensation & Structure

This role reports directly to the VP of Asset Management & Operations and carries company-wide authority on all technical and construction matters. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Orange County preferred; Chicago considered.

Contact

Reach out with interest to:
Caleb Baze
Director of Operations
Mon Ami Real Estate
[e-mail]
312-741-1874