Camille Lawrence

Camille Lawrence

$45/hr
Operations Manager and Marketing Director with 20 years of experience
Reply rate:
-
Availability:
Full-time (40 hrs/wk)
Location:
Kitchener, Ontario , Canada
Experience:
20 years
Camille Lawrence Objective: To obtain a consulting position which would allow me to utilize my broad range of real estate, operations and marketing experience, as well as maximize my management and leadership skills, resulting in effective and cost-efficient operations. Profile: Seasoned General Manager/Marketing Director with extensive knowledge of effective building operations and management. Vast experience relating to OPEX and CAPEX budgeting, marketing, forming and fostering relationships with key stakeholders, developing and motivating staff and developing excellent tenant relations. My professionalism and solid work ethic, combined with superior customer service skills, ensure client satisfaction. Above-average oral and written communication skills and the ability to work within tight deadlines and high-pressure situations are additional strengths. Professional Experience: Centrecorp Management Services Ltd., Brantford, ON October 2015 to Present General Manager/Marketing Director/Lynden Park Mall, Fairview Crossing and London Portfolio q q q q q q q q q q q Manage portfolio of five retail shopping centres in the Brantford and London area, totalling approximately 719,752 square feet; portfolio includes one enclosed shopping centre totalling 380,000 square feet with plans to expand and redevelop; three strip centres and an additional outdoor centre under Development Manage and lead a team of thirty staff including Operations Manager, Management Office staff, Housekeeping and Security Review and approve all OPEX and CAPEX budgets prior to sending to key stakeholders for final approval Review and approve all CAPEX jobs at the site level and obtain Senior Vice President and Landlord final approval Create and implement operating budgets for properties under development which are transitioning to fully operational, income producing properties Ensure all property management duties outlined in the management agreement are executed in a timely, efficient and diligent manner Prepare and distribute monthly and quarterly reports to key stakeholders Prepare and present an annual presentation pertaining to the performance of the properties for key stakeholders Analyse financial statements and provide variance explanations on a monthly and quarterly basis to key stakeholders as well as monitor and rectify any unfavourable variances between actuals and budgeted figures, to ensure that the properties are in a positive net income position at year end Communicate with the key stakeholders on a regular basis regarding the performance of the properties, tenants, and any industry news that may positively or negatively impact their investment Manage and oversee the transition of recently acquired properties q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q Review and assess portfolio assets to identify key areas of improvement; develop and implement plans to increase revenues or apply cost-saving strategies to yield maximum returns for key stakeholders Maintain close working relationships with fellow colleagues (Director, Lease Administration, Senior Vice President, Specialty Leasing, Executive Vice President, Leasing and Regional Property Manager), to share ideas and information regarding the betterment of the assets and each department Work closely with internal and external auditors to review actual figures in preparation for sending out Year End notices to tenants Review and approve all purchase orders, operational invoices, rent rolls and accruals for all properties Report all Bad Debts on a quarterly basis to the property accountants Supervise and manage all third party suppliers to ensure work is being carried out as per the agreed contract requirements and expectations Manage preventative maintenance programs and identify appropriate repair/replacement projects to maintain the integrity of the assets Conduct weekly building inspections with the housekeeping supervisor; document and rectify any outstanding operational issues or required improvements Inform third party insurers about all property incidents pertaining to slip and falls, trip and falls and any other incidents that may arise Prepare and review all documentation to be provided for the annual property assessment Review all legal documentation pertaining to CCAA’s/tenants who have filed for bankruptcy and ensure the appropriate information is disseminated amongst the management team (i.e.: liquidation sale guidelines) Maintain an open-door policy for all tenants to provide feedback, ask for assistance and provide suggestions regarding the day to day operations of the shopping centre and their retail premises Review and approve all Specialty Leasing Agreements for the enclosed shopping centre and ensure additional miscellaneous revenue is generated throughout the year by utilising space in the common area Plan and execute all marketing initiatives for the enclosed centre and ensure all events are adhering to the mall’s brand guidelines Prepare an annual marketing budget and marketing calendar for the enclosed centre Liaise with a third party creative agency to create marketing collateral for each campaign during the year Oversee and provide direction to the third party creative agency for all social media including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Create and implement new and innovative marketing ideas which will increase traffic and generate additional revenue for each centre; where possible, highlight those achievements in industry magazines and media, and apply for industry recognized awards in order to further elevate the status of the properties and tenants Develop and maintain positive working relationships with media outlets (newspaper and radio) in the primary and secondary trade areas; issue press releases about special events and invite them to report on stories and events at the shopping centre Plan and execute an annual community related event which not only gives back to the community but also fosters loyalty and positive relations between the centre and its customers Plan and execute an annual charitable organization event and donation Develop positive relations with the local Board of Tourism and Chamber of Commerce by attending various events, maintaining membership and providing feedback from a business standpoint, when required Keep abreast of local real estate and development trends and opportunities by forming relationships with local residential real estate agents and monitoring local media Dream Office Management, Kitchener, ON February 2015 to October 2015 Property Manager/Kitchener/Waterloo Portfolio (Contract Position) q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q Managed portfolio of seven office buildings and one mixed use building (retail and office) in the Kitchener/Waterloo area, totalling approximately 1,076,176 square feet Prepared detailed annual operating and capital budgets for all buildings Prepared monthly variance reports for review by the Senior Management team (Vice President, Director of Operations, Regional Director), outlining the performance of each property; commented on the current position for Year End billings to tenants and forecasted positive or negative variance for all expense categories for Year to Date and Year End Reported on the status of all capital projects to the Senior Management team on a monthly basis and provided detailed updates regarding the estimated completion time and financial outlook for each project; prepared detailed Capital Expenditure Forms for Senior Management review and approval prior to commencing any capital work Conducted weekly building inspections with the Operations Supervisor; documented and rectified any outstanding operational issues or required improvements Reviewed and approved all purchase orders, operational invoices and rent rolls for all properties, utilising JD Edwards Oversaw staff for all buildings (Assistant Property Manager, Property Administrator, Operations Supervisor, Building Operators, Security, Parking, Cleaning); provided effective leadership by fostering a team environment which included maintaining open communication as well as coaching, mentoring and succession planning Reviewed goals and objectives with each employee on a monthly basis to ensure individual, team and corporate objectives were met Executed the Tenant Visitation Program’s target of visiting 100% of the tenants over the year and captured and reported findings as to how well we were servicing our key tenancies Developed and maintained strong relationships with tenants by responding to their enquiries in a timely and professional manner and addressed and rectified past outstanding operational or leasing concerns Prepared detailed tenant requests for abatement for Senior Management review and approval; outlined sales and financial performance and provided best possible solutions for tenant retention Conducted weekly AR meetings with Assistant Property Manager and Property Administrator and ensured all rents were collected as per the company’s Collections Management guidelines; minimized bad debts through the active follow-up of all late collections Verified accuracy of Year End billings and issued them to tenants in accordance with the Lease Ensured all buildings, staff and suppliers were compliant with the Health and Safety standards and guidelines set forth by the Corporation and various levels of government; conducted risk assessments, indoor air quality testing, mould and asbestos checks on a regular basis in conjunction with the corporate team Ensured vacant units were regularly checked; provided guidance to Assistant Property Manager regarding tenant move-in or move-outs and ensured tenant’s work and landlord’s work were completed as per the Lease Agreement Coordinated with the Risk Department for all insurance claims; provided them with a full risk report as well as copies of any invoices paid in regards to potential liability situations Implemented revenue generating ideas to both enhance the property’s visibility in the marketplace and generate additional miscellaneous revenue Arcturus Realty Corporation, North York, ON June 2013 to February 2015 Property Manager/Yorkgate Mall and Kingspoint Plaza q q Managed portfolio of one enclosed shopping centre totalling approximately 217,000 square feet and one unenclosed centre of approximately 200,000 square feet Prepared detailed annual operating budgets and reforecasts q q q q q q q q q q q Proposed major capital expenditures to enhance asset value and prepared a detailed capital budget; monitored approved projects to ensure cost efficiency and managed concurrent operational projects from beginning to completion, ensuring all projects have been completed on time and on budget Prepared concise, detailed monthly reports regarding the overall performance of the properties and commented on variance, sales, financial performance, marketing initiatives and leasing deals; utilised MS Office, JD Edwards and ROWS (internal reporting system) to prepare detailed reports, spreadsheets and status logs concerning the performance of the properties; prepared and submitted Expenditure Approval Forms to the client for review and approval, for all operational projects over $7500 and submitted required documentation to Strategic Procurement Developed and maintained strong client relationships with owners of the centres by advising them of best practices and strategies for increasing ROI and NOI, and provided professional advice and best solutions regarding the day to day operations of the properties Worked closely with Leasing and provide recommendations concerning potential tenant risks and concerns; coordinated and implemented new leasing projects Prepared and distributed RFP’s/RFQ’s to contractors and obtained multiple quotations for operational work to be completed (HVAC replacement, parking lot replacement, etc.); negotiated facilities management issues with contractors, suppliers and clients and ensure obligations and standards outlined in the third party agreement were met and adhered to Oversaw all staff at both properties (security, administrative, marketing, operations, cleaners); motivated, empowered and coached staff by setting performance goals, as well as appraised performance and administered salaries Developed and maintained a team environment amongst management staff by utilising the internal recognition system (Kudos program), which acknowledged efforts made by team members for a job well-done Ensured tenants were adhering to the operational guidelines as set forth by their Lease Agreements and advised new and existing tenants on leasing procedures, as it related to overholds, lease expirations, tenant allowance and requirements necessary to satisfy the guidelines outlined in existing Lease documentation Ensured the shopping centre and all suppliers, staff and tenants were compliant with the Health and Safety standards and guidelines set forth by the Corporation and various levels of government; conducted semi-annual Health and Safety audits for the properties Coordinated and oversaw inspection of tenant units upon move-in or move-outs as well as ensured sprinkler systems and electrical/mechanical systems in tenant units were inspected frequently for potential hazards; provided tenants with feedback and advice regarding any deficiencies found in their unit; conducted regular building inspections to identify any items that need to be addressed and addressed said items in a timely manner Reviewed and gave final approval for all marketing initiatives taking place at the properties Morguard Investments Limited, Brampton, ON June 2009 – October 2012 Retail Manager/Bramalea City Centre q q q q q q Managed portfolio of approximately 1.5 million square feet of office and retail space, which consists of six cost centres (shopping centre, two office buildings, outside pads and a convenience centre) Managed, trained and mentored three direct reports (Receptionist, Accounts Payable Clerk and Accounts Receivable Clerk) Ensured tenant retention and tenant satisfaction by maintaining open and positive communication and responding to all enquiries in a timely and professional manner Managed tenant and landlord lease obligations and related rules and regulations as per the Lease Advised tenants and provided feedback and support regarding any questions they had pertaining to their Lease Agreements Supervised preparation of monthly sales report for timeliness and accuracy; analysed sales trends and details of reports q q q q q q q q q q Prepared monthly and quarterly reports detailing all aspects of property management, including market trends, variance analysis, leasing activity, vacancy reports, tenant coordination, capital projects, accounts receivable, and general property comments; also prepared annual Business Plan for the property and developed and implemented an annual SWOT meeting for the Management Office staff Assisted in preparing annual budgets and reforecasts for all cost centres Prepared, reviewed and analysed all rental abatement requests, requests for deferral and other tenant appeals for landlord assistance and provided technical direction to staff and upper management concerning these requests Oversaw account receivables and worked alongside the AR Clerk to resolve outstanding issues on tenant accounts Worked closely with Leasing to obtain new tenants for the expansion area of the shopping centre Reviewed and approved Marketing Department initiatives pertaining to tenant events and activities within the shopping centre Assisted Marketing Department with the implementation of mall décor and Grand Opening events Communicated with and worked alongside Specialty Leasing Manager in order to implement revenue generating programs within the shopping centre and reduce vacancies Maintained a complete understanding of current leasing plans and attended construction meetings on a bi-weekly basis in order maintain effective building operation, keep abreast of all construction pertaining to the redevelopment, and ensure minimal disruption to shopping centre customers and tenants Stayed abreast of market environment trends, industry changes, and retail opportunities RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, Toronto, ON December 2007 – June 2009 Assistant Property Manager/RioCan Yonge Eglinton Centre q q q q q q Independently managed Sunnybrook Plaza (Bayview and Eglinton) Managed, trained and mentored direct report (Administrative Assistant) Liaised with various departments within RioCan (Leasing, Marketing, Accounting, Maintenance, Security) in order to resolve tenant issues Maintained contractor/third party supplier relations Reviewed operating statements and variance reports Oversaw financial management (rent collection, budgeting, recovery analysis, accounts payable and accounts receivable) RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, Toronto, ON August 2006 – December 2007 Assistant Property Manager/Property Administrator/Lawrence Square Shopping Centre q q q q q q q q q q Maintained a 0% monthly rental A/R for the 680,000 square foot property Handled all tenant and customer concerns/inquiries by following company guidelines, procedures and policies, as well as referring to the Agreements to Lease to ensure accurate information was considered in response Collected all tenant rent cheques, posted and applied money to tenant’s accounts using JD Edwards Collected all sales information and posted in JD Edwards Invoiced tenants for percentage rent and collected monies owing Processed supplier invoices, entered into JD Edwards and prepared monthly tenant invoices Assisted Marketing company with coordination of all activities and promotions Arranged for tenant signage as required Dispatched Building Maintenance personnel to resolve various mechanical and electrical related issues Assisted with the implementation of appropriate Property Management strategies, goals, objectives and policies to promote the successful management of the assigned property q q q q q Built tenant relationships via communication and established trust by listening to their concerns, in order to work with them to resolve any tenant issues Sent out all Demand/Default letters as required and took appropriate action on/before Cure Date Handled all incoming telephone calls Contacted contractors for mall-related work and oversaw project until completed Maintained relationship with Property Accountant, Leasing Agent and Security Team for the effective management of the property RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, Toronto, ON June 2004 – August 2006 Construction Assistant q q q q q q q q q Coordinated release of Letters of Credit by liaising with Government contacts and Project Managers/Directors Provided administrative support to Project Managers/Directors Maintained construction drawings, lists and files Assisted in resolving tenant issues when Project Managers/Directors/Construction Coordinator were out of the office Prepared correspondence for Project Managers/Directors/Construction Coordinator and distributed said correspondence among relevant parties Assisted in maintenance of PSR (Project Status Report) for the Construction Department Ordered and maintained all office supplies Scanned and distributed documents as required Received and distributed mail, faxes and courier packages Education: ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centres) q Completion of the ICSC Certified Shopping Centre Manager designation (Management Level I and II completed) Seneca College q q Ongoing completion of Adult Education/Staff Training Certificate Completion of Special Effects Make-Up Artistry Certificate (2013 Graduate, with Honours) O’Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute q Completed OAC and received OSSD diploma Additional Skills and Courses: *AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act; Course Completed February 2019) *CPR/First Aid Refresher Course (Course Completed April 2019) *Navigational Coaching (Course Completed May 2011) *Excelling as a Manager and Supervisor (Course Completed September 2010) JD Edwards Dropbox Docushare Infoworks 4D (Database) Microsoft Office Programs ROWS (Monthly Report System) Synergize Macintosh Operating System My Complete Office Lotus Notes Loopnet (Commercial Real Estate Listing Service) **References Available Upon Request**
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