Head of Operations & Leasing

Blue-Signal-Search; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive executive-level compensation package

High visibility with executive leadership

Collaborative, entrepreneurial environment

Job summary

HOUSTON APARTMENT FOUNDATION is seeking a Head of Operations & Leasing in Austin, TX, to build and lead operations and leasing functions across a growing residential portfolio. This role involves architecting and scaling the operations infrastructure and requires a hands-on leader with extensive experience in property management.

You will define operational functions, implement strategies, and oversee teams to drive performance in a fast-paced environment. A competitive compensation package, including bonuses, is offered, along with opportunities for significant influence on company growth strategies.

Qualifications

• 7 plus years of experience in property management, leasing, or real estate operations.
• Proven experience overseeing multiple residential communities or portfolios.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead operations, leasing, and property management functions.
• Design and implement scalable systems and operational processes.
• Develop and execute leasing strategies, including pre-leasing and lease-up.

Skills

Property management

Leasing

Financial acumen

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Job description

Head of Operations & Leasing

Location: Austin, TX (On-Site)

Are you ready to build something from the ground up and leave a lasting mark on a growing real estate platform? A rapidly expanding owner operator in the residential housing space is seeking a senior leader to architect and scale its operations and leasing infrastructure across a dynamic portfolio of build-to-rent communities. This is a high-impact opportunity to shape strategy, drive performance, and create best-in-class resident experiences across multiple markets.

This role is ideal for a hands‑on leader who thrives in fast‑paced environments and has successfully taken residential communities from development through stabilization. You will play a critical role in defining how operations, leasing, and property management functions evolve as the organization continues to grow.

This Role Offers:

• Competitive executive‑level compensation package, including bonus potential
• Opportunity to build and lead a fully integrated operations platform from the ground up
• High visibility with executive leadership and direct influence on company growth strategy
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial environment with strong backing and long‑term vision
• The ability to drive innovation across leasing, operations, and resident engagement

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and lead operations, leasing, and property management functions across a growing residential portfolio
• Design and implement scalable systems, reporting frameworks, and operational processes
• Hire, develop, and oversee on‑site teams and third‑party partners to ensure strong performance
• Develop and execute leasing strategies, including pre‑leasing, lease‑up, and stabilization efforts
• Establish leasing policies, qualification standards, and occupancy optimization strategies
• Monitor and drive key performance metrics such as leasing velocity, absorption, and occupancy
• Serve as a primary liaison between internal stakeholders and external partners, ensuring alignment and communication
• Create standardized operational playbooks that support consistency while allowing for market flexibility
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and expense management to meet financial performance goals
• Partner with development and construction teams to lead successful transitions from project delivery to stabilized operations

Qualifications:

• 7 plus years of experience in property management, leasing, or real estate operations
• Proven experience overseeing multiple residential communities or portfolios
• Background working with real estate developers or property management organizations
• Demonstrated success leading lease‑up and stabilization of new developments
• Exposure to a mix of housing types such as market‑rate, affordable, or student housing preferred
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting and operational performance management
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills

What We Are Looking For:

• A strategic builder who can create and scale operational infrastructure
• A leader who takes ownership and drives measurable outcomes
• Someone who understands multiple housing models and applies best practices effectively
• A hands‑on operator with a proactive, solutions‑oriented mindset