Chief Real Estate Management Officer

RETS Associates, on behalf of its client, an impact-driven, vertically integrated real estate investment firm, is conducting a search for a Chief Real Estate Management Officer (CREO) to oversee its $5.5B AUM portfolio of 26,000+ units owned and under development. Location-Jacksonville, FL (preferred) | Atlanta, Houston, or Dallas considered.This is a true enterprise leadership role for a multifamily executive who combines portfolio-level ownership, investment acumen, and operational depth across asset management, development, acquisitions, and property management.THE OPPORTUNITYReporting directly to the CEO, the CREO will serve as the owner's representative across the platform, with full accountability for portfolio performance, investment execution, and operational alignment.This leader will drive strategy while remaining deeply engaged in execution-ensuring the business plan is realized across all assets and that capital is deployed and managed effectively. The role oversees a 65+ person team and sits at the intersection of investments, development, construction, and operations.The ideal candidate is decisive, metrics-driven, and highly execution-oriented, with the ability to lead at scale while maintaining close visibility into asset-level performance.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESPortfolio & Asset Management LeadershipOwn performance of the full portfolio, ensuring alignment with underwriting, business plans, and return targetsDrive NOI growth through revenue optimization, expense management, and operational efficiencyIdentify and execute turnaround strategies for underperforming assetsLead valuation processes (BOVs, NAV) and make hold/sell/refinance recommendationsOversee property management strategy and ensure alignment with ownership objectivesEstablish and maintain best-in-class reporting, including executive-level performance metrics and impact reportingTeam Leadership & Platform IntegrationLead and develop a 65+ person team, including 3 direct reportsBuild a high-performance culture across asset management and operationsDrive alignment across investments, development, construction, and property managementEstablish clear reporting cadence, including weekly CEO updatesAttract, develop, and retain talent aligned with the firm's mission and valuesInvestment Execution & StrategyPartner with investment teams on underwriting, diligence, and investment committee materialsReview and guide underwriting assumptions and capital deployment decisionsSupport growth initiatives and scalability of the platformCollaborate with capital markets and finance on structuring and executionCapital & Risk ManagementOversee portfolio-level capital planning and liquidity in partnership with treasuryEnsure compliance with loan documents, JV agreements, and regulatory requirementsManage construction draws, reserves, and lender relationshipsIdentify and mitigate portfolio-level risksCANDIDATE PROFILE15-25 years of institutional multifamily experience across the full investment lifecycleDirect accountability for a $3B+ residential portfolioProven leadership of 10,000+ units as an owner/operatorDeep expertise across:Asset & portfolio managementProperty management & operationsAcquisitions and underwritingDevelopment / construction executionStrong capital markets and financing experience preferredExperience with manufactured housing or RV platforms is a plusWillingness to travel ~30%CULTURE & LEADERSHIP STYLEOwnership mindset with strong accountability for outcomesExecution-focused, with the ability to operate both strategically and tacticallyServant leadership approach-authentic, humble, and team-orientedThrives in a metrics-driven, high-performance environmentDemonstrates adaptability, urgency, and a solutions-oriented mindsetMotivated by impact-delivering results for residents, investors, and communities