Director of Operations

Savills North America; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Savills North America in Chicago is seeking a Director of Operations to lead on-site management of the Chicago office and oversee three remote offices. The role requires strong administrative, HR, and accounting leadership, with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a best-in-class organization.

You will manage workflows, budgets, vendor contracts, and cross‑functional projects while partnering with corporate teams to maintain compliance and drive efficiency.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of administrative management experience; commercial real estate experience a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Strong proficiency in MS Office, Salesforce, and accounting systems; familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee HR workflow and staff performance reviews.
• Manage day-to-day accounting processes and reporting.
• Oversee office facilities, leases, security, and vendor contracts.
• Coordinate remote management of multiple offices and regional moves.
• Collaborate with corporate departments on finance, HR, legal, and marketing projects.

Skills

Financial reporting

Team management

Accounting management

Multitasking

MS Office

Salesforce

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Salesforce

Accounting systems

Adobe Creative Cloud

Job description

Savills is an organization full of extraordinary individuals. Brilliant people who are driven to succeed, hungry to remain at the forefront of their specialties, and eager to propel themselves, our clients, and our business forward. We are one of the preeminent commercial real estate firms with services ranging from tenant representation and project management to workplace strategy and occupant experience - showcasing the breadth and depth of our expertise.

Find your place to thrive

No matter the role you’re in, we all share one purpose: to help people thrive through places and spaces. The DNA ingrained in our business guides us on this mission, shaping the way we behave to deliver the best results. When you join Savills, our ask for you is simple:

Be extraordinary, together.

The Director of Operations is responsible for the day-to-day on-site operation of the Chicago office in addition to overseeing 3 offices remotely. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates with experience in administrative management and the ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and to assume a highly visible role in a best-in-class organization.

Human Resources Management

• Oversee workflow for optimum service from administrative staff.
• Follow all required human resource policies and procedures and update personnel when changes or conditions warrant.
• Recruit and interview administrative staff positions. Onboard/Offboard new hires and terminations including preparation and review of new hire and termination documentation.
• Assist with all employee benefit enrollment processes.
• Train and supervise administrative staff.
• Conduct performance/salary reviews and disciplinary reviews.
• Track employee time reporting and paid time off schedules, review and reconcile biweekly payroll.

Accounting Management

• Manage and oversee all day-to-day aspects of the accounting process such as accounts payable, accounts receivables and collections, broker statement reconciliation review, direct transaction expense (POT) account maintenance and statement reconciliation, and review/approve expense reports.
• Responsible for reviewing commission billings, managing approval process, and monitoring billing status.
• Assist Region Lead with quarterly revenue projections.
• Preparation of annual budgets for region including monthly review and quarterly maintenance.
• Produce regularly scheduled and ad-hoc reports for the accounting department.

Local Facilities Management

• Interface with landlord/building management regarding office lease, rental payments, security measures, and parking facilities. Liaison between building management and employees.
• Oversee and ensure the upkeep and maintenance of the office space.
• Purchase and order approved equipment, furniture and fixtures.
• Review and approve office supply orders.
• Manage and review vendor contracts for goods and services.
• Manage regional office moves, expansions, and/or space coordination.

Additional Responsibilities

• Liaison with Savills corporate departments regarding finance, human resources, legal (including broker licensing and compliance with respective State licensing laws), technology, research, marketing, events, advertising and public relations.
• Manage multiple offices remotely.
• Work on local, regional, and national special projects as required.
• Coordinate special events as needed.

Qualifications/Attributes

Qualified applicants will possess the following attributes, skills, experience and education:

• Strong and comprehensive command of financial and accounting reporting practices.
• Promote compliance with company policies and employment laws.
• Effective manager experienced in hiring, training, coaching, motivating, and developing staff.
• Ability to influence, motivate, resolve conflict and creatively problem solve at all levels.
• Detail-oriented with ability to multi-task and accurately meet deadlines in a demanding and dynamic environment.
• High degree of proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Salesforce, and accounting systems. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud a plus.
• Willingness to “do what it takes to get the job done” including assuming general office administrative responsibilities as needs require.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Consistently demonstrate a high level of performance and professionalism.
• Work well individually and in a collaborative environment.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in administrative management; experience in commercial real estate a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

Savills values a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status,or any other protected characteristic. Savills participates in the E-Verify program.