Director of Operations, Self-Storage Division

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Company Description:

Johnson Development Associates, Inc. (JDA) is a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, multi-division national real estate developer that is committed to delivering excellence. We are driven by our Guiding Principles of Integrity, Partnership, Humility, Principled Entrepreneurship, Initiative, and Fulfillment, and we believe the key to our continued success and growth is our ability to identify, hire, onboard, and develop highly talented people.

Position Summary: 

Johnson Development Associates, Inc. (JDA) is seeking a Director of Operations to provide strategic leadership for our growing national portfolio of institutional Self-Storage assets. Based at our Spartanburg, SC headquarters and reporting directly to the President of the Self-Storage Division, this high-impact role offers significant visibility to senior leadership and cross-functional teams across the organization.

The Director will play a critical role in shaping the performance, growth, and value of JDA’s Self-Storage platform - while also positioning themselves for future leadership opportunities as the business continues to expand. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional to apply strategic insight, operational expertise, and financial acumen within an entrepreneurial and growth-oriented environment.

Position Responsibilities - Essential Functions:

• In partnership with the President, design and implement a revenue management strategy and operational plan for a 65-asset portfolio positioned for expansion.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to direct reports, overseeing sub-portfolios of ~20 assets each, with the opportunity to build and grow a high-performing team.
• Anticipate and respond to economic shifts, developing annual strategic plans and budgets for each asset, including disciplined hold/sell recommendations and capital expenditure planning.
• Deliver financial and operational oversight of JDA’s national Self-Storage portfolio, including frequent property inspections and performance evaluations.
• Develop and implement tools, systems, and techniques that drive operational excellence and long-term portfolio growth.
• Lead and manage third-party management teams with a forward-thinking approach to optimize leasing performance, operational efficiency, and overall asset value while fostering strong, collaborative partnerships.
• Partner with the Storage Real Estate team on new investment opportunities, shaping acquisition strategy through underwriting and performance insights.
• Prepare financial performance reports for senior leadership, including contributions to monthly Board presentations.
• Collaborate with internal Accounting and Finance teams on cash flow, forecasting, lending relationships, and capital-raising initiatives – gaining direct exposure to capital markets strategy.
• Partner with the President and CFO on portfolio debt strategy. Participate and contribute directly to financing events.
• Oversee asset operational matters, including real estate tax, legal, insurance, and dispositions – including 1031 exchanges, positioning the portfolio for continued institutional growth.
• Create and foster a culture of accountability, professional development, and continuous improvement within the team and across partnerships.
• Model JDA’s Guiding Principles: Integrity, Partnership, Humility, Principled Entrepreneurship, Initiative, and Fulfillment.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Strong preference for a graduate degree.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in real estate or within an investment management platform.
• Thought leader who has a complex understanding of the storage industry and the capital markets.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Represent Johnson Development Associates, Inc. in a positive and professional manner.
• Willingness and ability to travel, as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Company is committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment. The Company does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy (including medical needs due to pregnancy, child birth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military obligations, citizenship status (except as otherwise provided for by applicable law) or marital status and any other category protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all areas of employment, including employment status and opportunities such as hiring, internal promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, and termination and applies to all Company employees and applicants. If you are an individual with a disability and you need an accommodation or other assistance during the application process, please call our Human Resources department at 864.594.5862.

Disclaimer

The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities nor is it a contract of employment. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

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