CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER / VP OF OPERATIONS

Private Real Estate Portfolio · Los Angeles, CA

Full-time · In-person · Reports directly to Principal

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a senior operational leader for a privately held, family-owned real estate portfolio comprising 35 properties across California and Florida, with additional international holdings. The COO is the Principal’s right hand on all financial, legal, operational, and strategic matters — the single point of accountability for everything that keeps a sophisticated portfolio running.

This is not a generalist position. The right person has operated at a high level in real estate, understands leases, construction, asset management, brokerage relationships, and property finance deeply, and is ready to step into a role with direct and trusted access to a seasoned principal.

WHAT YOU’LL OWN

Portfolio & Asset Management

• Oversee day-to-day management of all residential, commercial, office, and development properties across CA and FL

• Monitor rent rolls, lease expirations, vacancy, and rent escalation schedules; proactively surface risks and opportunities

• Lead all acquisition and disposition activity — coordinate with brokers, escrow, title, insurance, and lenders through close

• Oversee all active construction and renovation projects — timelines, budgets, payments, and contractor performance

• Manage relationships with property managers, brokers, and leasing agents across both markets

Financial Oversight

• Supervise bookkeeping team and external accountants (domestic and international)

• Own accounts payable approval, check signing oversight, and wire transfer authorization

• Review financial statements; provide the Principal with regular portfolio-level financial summaries

• Track and manage all capital expenditures; review and approve contractor estimates before work begins

• Manage international financial matters including the French portfolio and French accounting team

Legal & Compliance

• Serve as primary liaison to all outside legal counsel — real estate, litigation, and transaction attorneys

• Maintain a master log of all active legal matters, status, and next steps

• Oversee lease administration: drafting support, execution, and ongoing compliance across all properties

• Track and manage all property and liability insurance policies — renewals, coverage, and claims

Operations & Vendor Management

• Manage and direct property maintenance team; set priorities and hold vendors accountable to timelines and budgets

• Cultivate relationships with contractors, vendors, and service providers across both states

• Establish operational SOPs, filing systems, and reporting rhythms where they do not currently exist

• Lead tenant relations and resolve material issues professionally and efficiently

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• 8–12 years of real estate operations experience, with direct exposure to both commercial and residential assets

• Deep familiarity with California real estate law, lease structures, and market dynamics

• Demonstrated experience overseeing construction projects — budgets, contractors, and timelines

• Strong financial literacy — P&L, AP/AR, coordination with bookkeepers and accountants

• Experience managing outside counsel and legal processes

• Exceptional organizational skills; comfort managing dozens of concurrent responsibilities

• Absolute discretion with sensitive family financial matters

Preferred:

• French language proficiency — meaningful asset given international holdings

• Prior experience in a family office, private real estate firm, or principal-led organization

• Familiarity with property management software platforms

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE — YEAR ONE

• All operational and financial processes are documented and running without the Principal’s involvement in day-to-day matters

• Every active construction project has a clear timeline, budget, and weekly status report

• The Principal receives a concise monthly portfolio summary — financial, legal, and operational — without having to ask for it

• You are the single operational point of contact for bookkeepers, lawyers, brokers, and contractors