Real Estate Investment and Operations Manager

DescriptionAt Ruddell Group, LLC we are a nimble and entrepreneurial real estate investment and development firm focused on small-to-mid-sized industrial developments across the Southeastern U.S. We move fast, think long-term, and build a best-in-class portfolio through disciplined execution, strong tenant relationships, and relentless problem-solving.Job OverviewRuddell is looking to scale. We want to be at 5 parks in the next two years. 50 parks in the next four years and in 7 years we would like to have 200 parks that we are building out. We are looking for someone to help reach these aggressive growth targets.We are seeking a Real Estate Investment & Operations Manager to serve as a strategic right-hand partner to the Founder. This role blends investment analysis, development execution, operational leadership, and capital strategy. The ideal candidate thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and wants to help build and scale a high-performing industrial real estate platform.Position OverviewThis role will lead underwriting, development coordination, leasing oversight, and cross-functional execution across the portfolio — while also contributing to broader portfolio strategy, capital planning, and long-term platform growth.The Investment & Operations Manager will operate across the full deal lifecycle: site selection, underwriting, entitlement, construction, lease-up, stabilization, and portfolio optimization.Key ResponsibilitiesInvestment & Financial StrategyUnderwrite and model potential acquisitions and development projectsStructure capital stacks in coordination with lenders and equity partnersPrepare detailed investment memoranda for internal decision-making and capital partnersSupport debt sourcing and lender relationship managementAssist in debt support, bank reporting, and performance updatesMonitor project budgets, timelines, and financial performance against pro forma targetsContribute to portfolio-level growth planning and capital deployment strategyDevelopment & Project LeadershipManage permitting, entitlement, and construction timelines across multiple projectsInterface with architects, engineers, general contractors, and municipalitiesTrack budgets, change orders, and construction drawsOversee punch lists, delivery schedules, and project milestonesIdentify risks early and proactively solve execution challengesEnsure projects are delivered on time and on budgetUse Data to determine which markets to enter and which to stay out of Leasing & Portfolio OptimizationSupport leasing strategy development to minimize vacancy and optimize tenant mixCoordinate with brokerage teams and respond to tenant inquiriesAssist in lease structuring and negotiation supportTrack leasing pipelines and CRM updatesAnalyze portfolio performance and recommend optimization strategiesStrengthen tenant relationships to support long-term retentionDevelop relationships with a variety of tenants to be anchors in various parks Operational & Platform ExecutionLead task tracking, follow-ups, and reporting across all active projectsDrive accountability across deal teams to ensure seamless executionImprove internal systems and processes as the portfolio scalesAnticipate operational bottlenecks and proactively implement solutionsServe as a strategic extension of ownership across projects and stakeholdersStrategic Growth & Capital PlanningContribute to long-term portfolio strategy and Southeastern market expansionEvaluate new markets, submarkets, and industrial product typesAssist in refining the firm’s investment thesis and underwriting assumptionsSupport investor communications and portfolio performance reportingHelp architect scalable processes as the platform growsQualifications7+ years of experience in real estate investment, development, or leasing (industrial preferred)Strong financial modeling and Excel proficiencyDeep understanding of the real estate lifecycle from site selection through stabilizationExperience in entrepreneurial or high-growth environments preferredExperience interfacing with lenders, investors, or capital partners strongly preferredBachelor’s degree required (Finance, Real Estate, or related field)Key AttributesHigh ownership mentality with strong attention to detailStrategic thinker who can zoom out to portfolio-level decisionsComfortable both in Excel and on a job siteEmbraces AI Strong communicator capable of representing ownership with investors, tenants, municipalities, and partnersGrowth-oriented, loyal, and aligned with long-term platform buildingHungry to learn and scale alongside a tight-knit teamLocationThis role is based in Birmingham, AL, and regional travel throughout the Southeast.Why This Role Is DifferentThis is not a narrow execution role. This position offers the opportunity to help shape investment strategy, capital planning, and portfolio growth while remaining deeply involved in deal execution. The right candidate will have the opportunity to grow into a senior leadership position as the platform scales.Ruddell Group, LLC is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.