At Van Metre, we believe that each employee contributes directly to our growth, success and culture, and we are seeking a candidate who loves to challenge themselves and work with others to fulfill this role. Van Metre has a Lease-Up Service Manager position available at Sablemill Apartments in Charlotte, NC!
Position Summary
The Lease-Up Service Manager will lead maintenance and service operations for Sablemill , a new 281-unit Class A multifamily community, from construction through lease-up, stabilization, and ongoing operations. This hands-on leader will prepare the community for opening, oversee apartment and building turnover, coordinate warranty and punch-list work, and build a strong service team.
This is an opportunity to help launch a brand-new Class A community, build a service team from the ground up, and play a key role in creating the resident experience from day one. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who enjoys solving problems, building teams, working across departments, and taking ownership in a fast-paced environment.
Essential Responsibilities
Phase 1: Pre-Opening and Construction Turnover
Partner with the Property Manager, Construction, Development, and Facilities leadership to prepare apartments, amenities, common areas, and building systems for opening.
Participate in unit, building, and amenity walks; track punch-list items and confirm work is complete before residents move in.
Coordinate warranty work, contractor follow-up, and building-system startup.
Establish preventive maintenance schedules, inventory controls, safety practices, and service standards for the community.
Recruit, train, schedule, and lead service team members as staffing is added throughout the lease-up.
Phase 2: Lease-Up and Occupancy Ramp
Lead daily maintenance operations during apartment deliveries, lease-up, and resident move-ins.
Manage work orders, move-in inspections, apartment readiness, warranty items, and emergency service needs.
Partner with the Property Manager and leasing team to support upcoming move-ins, tour readiness, and resident satisfaction.
Maintain curb appeal and ensure apartments, amenities, common areas, and service spaces are clean, safe, and ready.
Manage service vendors and contractors and ensure work is completed safely, correctly, and on time.
Monitor maintenance expenses, inventory, and warranty responsibilities.
Participate in the on-call rotation and respond to emergencies as needed.
Phase 3: Stabilization and Ongoing Operations
Lead preventive maintenance, apartment turns, inspections, vendor management, and day-to-day service operations.
Coach and develop a service team focused on quality, accountability, and resident service.
Partner with the Property Manager on maintenance budgeting, staffing, planning, and long-term property needs.
Maintain required equipment, warranty, inspection, safety, and service records.
Find practical ways to improve efficiency, reliability, and the resident experience.
Qualifications
Experience with a new-construction multifamily community, lease-up, major renovation, acquisition, or property transition is required.
Previous multifamily maintenance leadership experience as a Service Manager or Maintenance Supervisor.
Strong knowledge of apartment maintenance, unit turns, preventive maintenance, building systems, safety practices, and work-order management.
Demonstrated experience leading, developing, and holding a service team accountable.
Strong troubleshooting, organizational, vendor-management, and communication skills, with the ability to prioritize work and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Experience managing contractors, service vendors, inventory, and maintenance expenses.
Knowledge of Yardi, HappyCo, or a similar property-management and work-order system.
EPA and CPO certifications required (or the ability to obtain required certifications).
Valid driver’s license and availability to participate in an on-call rotation.
Physical…