Senior Project Manager

City
Woodland HillsState
CaliforniaJob Location
Woodland Hills Regional OfficePosition Type
Regular

Reporting directly to the Director of Capital & Maintenance Services, the Senior Project Manager plays a pivotal role in the execution of capital improvement and maintenance programs across an assigned regional portfolio. The objective of this role is to drive operational efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the long-term preservation of physical assets through effective planning, implementation, and oversight of capital and maintenance initiatives.
This individual will foster productive partnerships with community leadership, maintenance personnel, and regional management, while ensuring timely and successful delivery of projects that uphold safety, compliance, and quality standards.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead and manage capital improvement and maintenance projects across the assigned portfolio, ensuring timely and on-budget execution.
• Participate in due diligence processes for potential acquisitions and contribute to asset evaluation.
• Oversee solicitation and evaluation of vendor bids, ensuring alignment with specifications, quality standards, and cost-efficiency.
• Monitor vendor and contractor performance, ensuring adherence to contract terms, safety protocols, city codes, and Essex standards.
• Track and manage project budgets, expenses, documentation, and approvals in alignment with company policies and Limits of Authority.
• Maintain comprehensive project records and reporting for internal stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate liability risks through proactive hazard assessments and remediation initiatives.
• Communicate and coordinate capital and maintenance priorities with Directors of Community Management and Community Managers.
• Ensure full compliance with Essex Capital Improvement Policies, including contractor licensing, insurance, and project approvals.
• Supervise other Project Managers within the CMS team as assigned, providing leadership and technical guidance.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent; college degree preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in general contract maintenance or 8+ years of experience in apartment maintenance or equivalent.
• A minimum of three certifications in maintenance-related disciplines (e.g., BOMA, IREM, vocational institutions), or four years of progressive internal experience.
• Foundational computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, and the ability to draft technical documents such as RFPs, scopes of work, and contracts.
• Strong working knowledge of cost-benefit analysis and budgeting practices.
• Capability to meet the physical demands of the role and maintain 24/7 availability for emergencies via mobile phone.
• Demonstrated customer service orientation and ability to work effectively in a service-driven environment.

WHAT THE JOB REQUIRES

• Advanced knowledge of high-rise and mid-rise building systems, including structural, electrical, and mechanical construction.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing large-scale renovations, new construction, and complex property improvement projects.
• Ability to assess maintenance inefficiencies and implement operational changes to drive improved outcomes.
• Comprehensive understanding of vendor qualification processes, fair market pricing, and negotiation techniques to secure favorable contract terms.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements, life safety standards, and city permit processes

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE

• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a commitment to quality, safety, and operational excellence.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills to engage cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Strong leadership abilities with experience supervising project teams and guiding others to successful project outcomes.
• A strategic perspective on capital planning with the ability to articulate long-term maintenance needs within the budgeting process.
• Integrity, accountability, and a dedication to continuous improvement in all areas of project and portfolio management.

All full-time regular associates are offered competitive salaries, experience career growth, and are eligible for benefit packages that include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 401k employer match, excellence rewards, wellness programs, and much more. With our Sunday property operations office closures, 10 paid holidays, and 15 PTO days, work/life balance is a priority! Additionally, most positions are eligible for a housing discount of 20%.

Essex provides great communities in which to live, work and invest. We are a purpose-driven company, and we pride ourselves on promoting an internal culture of growth and opportunity by engaging, enabling, and empowering our teams. Working at Essex is not a destination. It is a journey where you can confidently build your career.

The salary range for this position is $119,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year. New hires generally start between $119,000.00 - $149,000.00 per year. The final salary offer will be determined after reviewing relevant factors, including but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience; internal equity; and other business and organizational needs.

This role is also eligible to participate in Essex's discretionary Annual Bonus program that is commensurate with the level of the position.