Property Operations Manager, Derby Street

Overview

WS Development is seeking an experienced Property Operations Manager for Derby Street Shops, a premier open-air lifestyle center located in Hingham, Massachusetts. Derby Street Shops is a vibrant destination featuring best-in-class retail, dining, and gathering spaces that serve the South Shore community.

The Property Operations Manager will work closely with the General Manager (GM) and is expected to be a leader in operational excellence for this distinctive mixed-use property. The ideal candidate will bring both strategic leadership and detail-oriented execution to a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment — and will be adept at building community relationships while maintaining the high standards our tenants and customers expect.

A unique and critical element of this role is the oversight and management of the on-site wastewater treatment plant, requiring the candidate to have or develop working knowledge of applicable Massachusetts DEP regulations and ensure ongoing compliance, maintenance, and reporting for this facility.

This role is highly cross-functional, with emphasis on coordination with the General Manager on-site and the Tenant Coordinator at Corporate.

Key Position Accountabilities

Property Operations

• Manage day-to-day operations of Derby Street Shops, including but not limited to disruptive construction work (both LL and T), deliveries, snow removal, landscaping, trash removal, contracted cleaning services, contracted security services, and physical plant systems.

• Plan, organize, and monitor the scheduling, completion, and documentation of Preventative and Corrective Maintenance for both Tenant and base building related equipment. Ensure all maintenance records are kept up-to-date and maintained as required.

• Build and maintain relationships with key local and regional partners and officials, including the Town of Hingham Building Department, Fire Safety, Board of Health, Police Department, MassDOT, and Emergency Services.

• Establish strong relationships with tenants and deliver best-in-class customer service.

• Work alongside the on-site management team, tenants, and Tenant Construction to create a welcoming “onboarding” experience for new tenants and for existing tenants getting to know WS Development.

• Partner with internal construction and development teams to build and maintain the property, identifying improvement opportunities to keep Derby Street Shops best-in-class.

• In partnership with the GM, build and manage the property’s Common Area Maintenance (CAM) budget; critically evaluate financial trade-offs, select knowledgeable vendors, and negotiate the best deals.
• Oversee large expense projects on property from RFP to completion.
• Perform assessments to assist in the development of long-range capital plans and budget.
• Stay abreast of lease terms for both new and existing tenants to understand maintenance obligations and their effects on day-to-day operations.
• Partner with insurance companies and lenders on property-related items.
• Manage vendors including contracts, insurance requirements, and day-to-day optimization of staffing and performance.
• Understand that this role is public-facing and requires nurturing of key relationships with the entire South Shore community.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Oversight

• Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for all aspects of the Derby Street Shops wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), ensuring safe, compliant, and uninterrupted operation.
• Oversee and coordinate with licensed wastewater operators and third-party service providers responsible for daily plant operations, sampling, and monitoring.
• Ensure full compliance with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) regulations, NPDES permit requirements, and all applicable local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
• Manage all required WWTP reporting, including discharge monitoring reports (DMRs), permit renewals, and regulatory correspondence on behalf of the property.
• Coordinate and document all preventative and corrective maintenance for WWTP equipment and infrastructure; maintain complete and audit-ready records.
• Monitor treatment plant performance data and respond proactively to deviations; escalate as appropriate to the GM and Corporate team.
• Manage vendor relationships for WWTP chemical supply, equipment servicing, lab testing, and emergency response.
• Oversee WWTP-related capital projects and long-range planning in coordination with the WS Development engineering and development teams.

Requirements

• Enthusiasm, entrepreneurial initiative, and a strong work ethic
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively
• Clear, concise communication skills across all levels of an organization
• Desire to work with a strong sense of urgency in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment
• Team player with a can-do, optimistic, and collaborative attitude
• Orientation toward innovation and continuous improvement (both personal and operational)
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• General proficiency in reading construction drawings; ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• General knowledge of construction means and methods; ability to identify deficient work by general contractors and provide resolution
• Working knowledge of or demonstrated ability to learn wastewater treatment plant operations, MassDEP regulations, and NPDES permitting requirements
• Comfort with ambiguity and strong adaptability to change
• Customer service oriented; ability to manage adversity with poise
• Curiosity - comfortable asking questions and seeking answers from colleagues
• Occasional out-of-state travel may be required

Education & Experience

• College degree required

• Experience in property management, construction, facilities management, or store management preferred
• Experience with or exposure to wastewater treatment plant operations, environmental compliance, or utility management strongly preferred
• Experience working in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving workplace

The expected salary range for this position is $110,000–$140,000 per year. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, and location. This role is also eligible to participate in our annual bonus program.

About WS Development

Massachusetts-based WS Development is a mixed-use developer with a singular mission: creating places people want to be. With an approach that values art, science, innovation and, above all else, people, WS strives to engage each community it serves with best-in-class experiences, designed with our customers, tenants and partners in mind. Established in 1990, WS is one of few vertically-integrated real estate companies that conceptualizes, owns, operates and leases more than 100 properties that range from cutting-edge urban spaces to lifestyle and community centers. With over 22 million square feet of existing space and an additional nine million square feet under development, it is one of the largest privately-owned development firms in the country.

WS is where great ideas and great people come together to design, build, and operate some of the best loved real estate projects in the country. We live at the intersection of entrepreneurship and establishment. We have the infrastructure of decades supporting a culture of free-thinking excellence.

We expect every WS employee to feel welcomed and valued irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, and life experiences. Or for any other reason.