SVP, Head of Real Estate - West Coast

At Customers Bank, we believe in working hard, working smart, working together to deliver memorable customer experiences and having fun. Our vision, mission, and values guide us along our path to achieve excellence. Passion, attitude, creativity, integrity, alignment, and execution are cornerstones of our behaviors. They define who we are as an organization and as individuals. Everyone is encouraged to have personal development plans.

What You'll Do:

The Head of Real Estate West Coast is responsible for leading the company's west coast commercial real estate lending strategy, portfolio management, site selection, acquisitions, leasing, development, and asset optimization activities throughout California and other designated markets. This executive role partners closely with the Head of Real Estate and senior leadership to support business growth, maximize portfolio value, reduce occupancy costs, and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

Experience with commercial real estate (CRE), multifamily, retail, office, industrial, construction, bridge, and investment property lending is needed in this role.

The ideal candidate combines strategic vision, financial acumen, negotiation expertise, and deep knowledge of California real estate markets to drive long-term value creation.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the company's west coast commercial real estate strategy aligned with organizational growth objectives.

• Identify market opportunities and emerging trends to support expansion, consolidation, and investment decisions.

• Provide executive-level recommendations regarding acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and development opportunities.

• Lead long-range portfolio planning and capital allocation strategies.

Portfolio Management

• Oversee the performance and optimization of the company's west coast commercial real estate portfolio.

• Evaluate portfolio metrics, occupancy costs, lease obligations, and asset performance.

• Develop strategies to maximize asset value and operational efficiency.

• Ensure portfolio decisions align with business objectives and financial targets.

Transactions & Negotiations

• Lead complex lending negotiations, acquisitions, dispositions, renewals, and property development agreements.

• Establish and maintain relationships with landlords, developers, brokers, investors, and government agencies.

• Direct due diligence activities including financial, legal, environmental, and zoning reviews.

• Negotiate favorable terms and mitigate transaction risks.

Development & Construction Oversight

• Manage real estate development projects from site selection through occupancy.

• Coordinate with architects, contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders.

• Monitor project schedules, budgets, and quality standards.

• Ensure compliance with California building codes, environmental regulations, and permitting requirements.

Financial Management

• Prepare and manage annual real estate budgets and capital expenditure plans.

• Conduct financial analyses, investment underwriting, and return-on-investment assessments.

• Develop business cases for real estate investments and strategic initiatives.

• Monitor portfolio performance against financial goals.

Team Leadership

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing West Coast real estate team.

• Establish department goals, performance metrics, and development plans.

• Foster collaboration across finance, legal, operations, facilities, and executive leadership teams.

• Manage external consultants, brokers, attorneys, and service providers.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

• Oversee risk management practices related to real estate transactions and operations.

• Maintain awareness of California-specific laws affecting commercial real estate.

• Support ESG, sustainability, and environmental initiatives where applicable.

What Do You Need?

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Finance, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field.

• 10+ years of progressive real estate leadership experience.

• 5+ years managing large-scale real estate portfolios and teams.

• Extensive experience in acquisitions, leasing, development, and portfolio management.

• Strong financial modeling, investment analysis, and negotiation skills.

• Deep knowledge of California commercial real estate markets.

• Proven track record of leading complex transactions and strategic initiatives.

• Experience with Commercial Real Estate (CRE), multifamily, retail, office, industrial, construction, bridge and investment property lending.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree (MBA, Real Estate, Finance, or related discipline).

• Professional certifications such as CCIM, CPM, SIOR, or RICS.

• Experience in multi-site retail, residential, industrial, office, or corporate real estate environments.

• Familiarity with environmental, sustainability, and ESG programs.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking

• Executive Presence

• Leadership & Team Development

• Financial Acumen

• Negotiation & Influencing

• Relationship Management

• Market Analysis

• Project Management

• Risk Assessment

• Decision Making

Technology Skills:

• Ability to work with the Microsoft Suite and learn/work with other Customers Bank's applications.

• Familiarity with AI and automation tools that support productivity, workflow efficiency, and client engagement.