Senior Commercial Property Manager – Montreal Portfolio Lead

Recruitment BeeLink is looking for a Senior Commercial Property Manager for one of its clients, a well-established real estate owner and developer based in Montreal, to join a growing commercial property management team.

About the company:
Our client owns and manages a diversified portfolio of commercial and industrial properties, including retail, commercial, and industrial spaces, located primarily in Montreal. The portfolio is a mix of newer and older buildings, several of which are currently undergoing major capital improvement projects.

Job description:
Reporting directly to ownership, the Senior Commercial Property Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the commercial and industrial properties in the portfolio while mentoring and supporting a team of two commercial property managers. This is a senior, hands-on role for a candidate who can take full ownership of a mixed commercial and industrial portfolio, including buildings with complex mechanical systems (HVAC, boilers, chillers, generators, etc.). As the primary emergency contact, the position requires availability on a 24/7 basis to respond to situations arising across the portfolio. The role is based on-site at the company's head office in Montreal, with regular visits to properties throughout the day. For the right candidate, this role offers the potential to grow into a Director of Commercial Properties position.

Key responsibilities:

• Coordinate, supervise, and follow up on the daily maintenance and operations of buildings, including work performed by the maintenance team and subtrades.
• Manage tenants' service requests on a daily basis, developing strategies to better meet their needs while maintaining a strong focus on customer service.
• Implement, coordinate, and follow up on the service work order system, ensuring repairs are prioritized and completed in a timely manner.
• Inspect properties, facilities, systems, and equipment to ensure proper functioning, and schedule maintenance as required; coordinate work with building maintenance staff and/or subtrades and follow up to ensure completion.
• Evaluate the current and future needs of all assigned buildings, particularly the condition of elevators, roofs, ventilation systems, and fire alarms.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of maintenance activities.
• Make recommendations, solicit quotes, and/or negotiate service contracts as needed (monthly, seasonal, or yearly) for all properties in the portfolio.
• Assist in the preparation of annual budgets for the various buildings, and mentor two commercial property managers on budgeting and daily operations.
• Continuously evaluate and compare budgeted figures against actuals, explaining variances.
• Enforce building regulations, issue verbal and written notices when necessary, and report all infractions to head office.
• Program access cards, remotes, and similar systems as needed.
• Supervise, coordinate, and follow up on leasehold and tenant improvements.
• Ensure buildings comply with applicable laws and regulations (health and safety, environment, etc.); manage communication and resolution of any infractions issued by the municipality, and follow up with city inspectors.
• Read and interpret commercial leases, and ensure lease terms are properly reflected in Yardi.
• Formulate building safety and security manuals as needed.
• Oversee and contribute to capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects on older buildings undergoing major renovation work; OPEX budgeting experience is an asset.
• Perform any other related duties as required.

Profile sought:

• Bilingual (French and English), spoken and written—required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a property manager in a commercial real estate environment, ideally with industrial exposure as well; a background primarily in commercial/industrial properties is strongly preferred over one primarily in residential.
• Strong knowledge of construction and real estate, including basic mechanical/building systems (pumps, emergency generators, HVAC, boilers, chillers, sprinklers, pools, etc.)—an engineering background is a significant asset.
• Experience with capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects on building renovations; OPEX budgeting experience is an asset.
• Ability to read and understand commercial leases.
• Solid financial acumen, with the ability to build and manage various budgets.
• Superior organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to listen, understand, and respond appropriately.
• Ability to work independently and use sound judgment when assessing difficult si