Property Manager

NewMark Merrill Companies, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NewMark Merrill Companies, Inc. is seeking a Property Manager in Chicago, IL. The Property Manager will oversee day-to-day operations of retail centers, ensuring high quality tenant experiences and strong control over expenses.

This role includes vendor management, budget oversight, and fostering relationships with communities. With a focus on operational execution, the successful candidate will require a Bachelor's degree and at least three years of retail property management experience.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in retail property management.
• Ability to manage property operations and performance.
• Strong financial acumen managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day property operations.
• Develop and manage operating and capital budgets.
• Maintain strong on-site presence to enhance customer experience.

Skills

Property operations management

Vendor management

Budget management

Interpersonal skills

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Job description

At NewMark Merrill Companies, the Property Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operational performance of the centers in their portfolio, ensuring their properties are well-maintained, operate with strong control over expenses, and deliver a high-quality tenant and customer experience.

This role focuses on operational execution, vendor management, and property standards, with limited involvement in rent collection and accounting responsibilities. Property Managers are expected to be highly visible and engaged on-site—building relationships, understanding the surrounding community, and identifying opportunities to enhance how each center serves its customers.

Working closely with Regional Property Managers and cross-functional teams, the Property Manager supports leasing efforts, strengthens tenant performance, and helps ensure each center remains a relevant and valued part of its neighborhood. Success in this role requires strong operational discipline, sound judgment, and a proactive, hands‑on approach to managing both property performance and community experience.

Essential Job Functions

• Oversee day-to-day property operations, ensuring properties consistently meet company standards for physical condition, performance, and tenant experience
• Maintain a strong on-site presence, regularly walking properties to identify opportunities, address issues proactively, and ensure a high-quality customer experience
• Develop and manage operating and capital budgets, monitoring performance and addressing variances through cost control and operational adjustments
• Participate in capital planning and oversee execution of approved projects, ensuring scope, budget, and timelines are effectively managed
• Build and maintain strong relationships with tenants, vendors, and community stakeholders to support property performance and long-term engagement
• Support leasing efforts by providing insights on tenant performance, merchandising opportunities, and overall center dynamics
• Evaluate service needs, oversee vendor contracts, and manage third-party service providers to ensure quality performance and cost effectiveness
• Partner cross-functionally with accounting, marketing, leasing, and other internal teams to support property initiatives and overall portfolio performance
• Identify opportunities to enhance the customer experience and strengthen each center’s connection to the surrounding community
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and environmental requirements
• Respond to after-hours issues and emergencies as needed

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience, with 3+ years in retail property management
• Demonstrated ability to manage property operations with accountability for performance and execution
• Strong financial acumen, including experience managing budgets and controlling expenses
• Experience overseeing capital projects from planning through execution
• Ability to make sound, timely decisions and exercise good judgment on when to elevate matters
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships with tenants, vendors, and internal partners
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and support broader property objectives
• Highly organized with strong time management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); familiarity with property technology systems a plus