Are you a hands-on leader who thrives on structure, accountability, and performance?

Do you believe a maintenance team should run like a well-oiled machine-with smart systems, empowered people, and zero tolerance for mediocrity?

If you're nodding yes, this could be your next big move.

GC Realty & Development is hiring a Maintenance Operations Director-a strategic thinker and doer who will turn our field operations into a powerhouse of efficiency, responsiveness, and excellence.

Your Mission: Own the Ops. Raise the Standard.

We're not in the business of patch jobs. We're here to protect property value, elevate the resident experience, and deliver outcomes that scale.

In this role, you'll lead our maintenance team with a dual focus: operational control and continuous improvement.

From technician performance to vendor partnerships, budgets to KPIs-you'll take the wheel and steer this department toward higher speed, lower friction, and better results.

Who You Are

You're not just a manager. You're a maintenance operations expert who:

• Owns It All - Budget, labor, estimates, timelines-if it impacts the department, it's on your radar and under your control

• Thinks in Systems - You don't just fix problems-you solve for scale and sustainability

• Leads with Clarity - You communicate clearly, follow up fast, and keep expectations high

• Uses Data to Decide - You don't guess; you evaluate real-time performance metrics and act on what the numbers say

• Drives Execution - You hate delays, remove bottlenecks, and keep the momentum rolling

• Holds the Bar - You don't coddle-you coach, develop, and expect results from everyone you lead

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Department Leadership - Oversee all maintenance operations across our Chicagoland portfolio

• People Management - Hire, train, and develop high-performing technicians and field leaders

• Vendor Oversight - Build strong vendor relationships, enforce SLAs, and negotiate competitive rates

• P&L & Budget Control - Own the numbers. Forecast costs, manage labor, and ensure profitability

• Process Optimization - Improve workflows, streamline scheduling, and enforce quality control standards

• Technology & Reporting - Leverage software, dashboards, and KPIs to track and elevate performance

• Compliance & Risk - Stay ahead of OSHA, HUD, and local regulations-proactively managing risk

• Customer Experience - Ensure every job aligns with our brand: professional, responsive, and high-quality

What You Bring to the Role

• 5+ years in maintenance, construction management, or related trades-with real leadership experience in the field

• Deep understanding of systems like HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and how to manage repairs at scale

• Proven ability to lead people, manage vendors, and hold both to performance benchmarks

• Comfort with maintenance software, digital reporting, and schedule optimization tools

• Strong financial sense-experience with budgeting, estimate accuracy, and labor efficiency

• Associate's degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred in Business, Construction, or Operations

• The mindset of a builder: one who wants to leave things better than they found them

What You'll Get

• Salary: $100,000-$120,000 base (commensurate with experience)

• Time Off: 15 PTO days + Paid Birthday + 7 Paid Holidays

• Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & AD&D, FSA, Disability, Critical Illness

• Perks:

  • $500/year to grow through our Better Book Club

  • $25 Google Review bonus program

  • 401K plan

  • Leadership coaching and opportunities for continued development

Why GC Realty?

For over two decades, we've built a reputation for doing things right-no shortcuts, no excuses. Our values guide us:

• RESPONSIVE - We act fast and communicate clearly

• OWN IT - We take full responsibility for outcomes

• GSD - We Get Stuff Done

• BETTER RESULTS - We never settle

Here, you'll have real authority, clear expectations, and a chance to make an immediate impact.

Ready to Run the Show?

If you're ready to take ownership of a growing maintenance operation, lead with confidence, and build a department that performs at the highest level-we want to hear from you.

Apply today, and see why GC Realty & Development is one of the most respected names in Chicagoland property management.

And if you're curious about how we work, check out our Glassdoor Reviews and our podcast, Straight Up Chicago Investor.