Managing Director of Operations - Dallas, TX

At Cortland, we operate with a forward-thinking approach that challenges conventional norms and actively seeks insights beyond traditional industry boundaries. As a recognized leader in the multifamily sector, our focus on performance, innovation, and disciplined execution continues to drive strong growth and market leadership. We are committed to building a best-in-class organization by empowering top talent with the resources, autonomy, and support needed to deliver results and advance their careers in a high-performance environment. Role Overview As the Managing Director of Operations, you are a dynamic leader and change champion responsible for driving operational excellence across a multimillion-dollar, multifamily real estate portfolio. You approach every challenge with data-driven strategic thinking, an owner's mindset, and a deep commitment to developing high-performing teams. Develop and Lead High-Performing Teams: Recruit, develop, and retain top talent. Drive a high-performance culture through coaching, feedback, and creating a consistent standard of excellence and portfolio performance across markets. Innovative & Adaptive Problem Solving: Identify performance gaps, design innovative solutions, test and scale initiatives, and lead through ambiguity to ensure continuous improvement and results. Data-Driven Strategic Thinking: Analyze portfolio and market performance to inform strategy, underwriting, and decision-making. Leverage insights to pursue aggressive growth targets and identify opportunities for expansion. Dynamic Leadership: Set the tone across your region, inspire confidence, and create alignment around a clear strategic vision. Present ideas and initiatives with clarity and presence, from on-site teams to executive stakeholders. Accountability & Ownership: Drive full ownership of operational outcomes. Set and maintain a high bar for performance and hold yourself and others accountable to results. Applied Financial Acumen: Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and pro forma development in partnership with the Investments team. Use financial insights to support long-term value creation and mitigate risks. Trusted & Impactful Communication: Communicate transparently and credibly across all levels. Build trust with your DOs, regional support teams (Marketing, Facilities and Training), and executive stakeholders through influence and clarity. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Build productive relationships with partners across Investments, Marketing, Facilities, Training, Construction Management, Operations Support, and more to achieve shared goals. Organizational Stewardship : Monitor the health of your region and the broader organization. Champion initiatives that strengthen culture, capability, and operational alignment. Support Acquisitions & Underwriting: Partner closely with various stakeholders throughout the acquisition lifecycle. Provide operational due diligence, validate underwriting assumptions, assess operational risks and opportunities, and contribute market and portfolio expertise to support investment decisions and successful integrations. Qualifications 10+ years of experience leading multifamily real estate operations across multi-million-dollar portfolios, including 5–7 years in senior leadership roles (e.g., Regional VP, SVP, or equivalent) Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, or related field Demonstrated success with innovative, large team leadership Superior record of improving business results and sophisticated business plan execution Flexibility to travel within your portfolio on a regular basis, and to other locations or meetings as needed. Anticipated travel 60% within designated market. Diehard commitment to empathetic, creative customer service About Cortland Founded in 2005, Cortland is an international, vertically integrated multifamily real estate investment, development, and management firm with a resident-centric approach to living experiences. Recognized as one of the top 10 multifamily owners and operators in the US, Cortland combines in-house design, construction, and operations to deliver value and innovation across its portfolio. Join us as we reimagine apartment living and drive outsized returns through purpose, performance, and people. Cortland is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud to support and celebrate diversity in the workplace. We are committed to equal consideration for all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 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