Job Description

Pemberton & Associates has been retained by J.B. Brown & Sons to assist with their search for a President/CEO due to an upcoming retirement in 2026. For nearly two centuries, J.B. Brown & Sons has been a cornerstone of Maine’s commercial real estate community. Founded in 1830, the company has built its reputation on integrity, hard work, and a long-term ownership philosophy that values stability and stewardship as much as growth. Today, J.B. Brown stands as one of Greater Portland’s most respected developers, owners, and operators, with a portfolio of approximately 1.9 million square feet and an exceptionally strong balance sheet.

Position Summary

J. B. Brown & Sons is seeking a visionary and results-driven President to lead the organization into its next phase of growth. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the President will be responsible for the overall strategic direction and day-to-day leadership of the company, with oversight of real estate development, property and asset management, finance, operations, and marketing. This role requires a dynamic executive who can balance high-level strategy with operational execution to drive long-term value for shareholders, tenants, and shareholders.

Key Responsibilities

Real Estate Development

• Lead the identification, evaluation, and execution of new development and redevelopment opportunities.
• Oversee the full development lifecycle, including acquisitions, design, permitting, financing, construction, and go-to-market strategy.
• Structure innovative joint ventures and partnerships to unlock project value.
• Guide long-term development planning and manage associated risks across the portfolio.

Property Management

(In collaboration with the Director of Operations)

• Ensure effective, responsive property operations that meet tenant expectations and protect asset value.
• Supervise and support property management staff to deliver best-in-class service and maintenance.
• Oversee budgeting, leasing compliance, and capital planning across the property portfolio.
• Implement and enforce policies that ensure buildings are clean, safe, well-maintained, and efficiently run.

Operations

• Serve as the external face of ABC, clearly communicating the company’s vision and strategy to internal and external stakeholders.
• Champion a collaborative, inclusive, and performance-oriented culture.
• Attract, retain, and develop a high-performing leadership team aligned with company goals.
• Set and drive operational, marketing, and leasing priorities.
• Lead initiatives that enhance tenant experience and deliver consistent returns to shareholders.

Financial Management

(In collaboration with the Director of Finance)

• Establish and oversee financial strategies, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Lead financial reporting and communications for board meetings and shareholder engagement.
• Monitor asset and portfolio performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and risk mitigation.
• Oversee loan compliance, construction draw requests, and financial modeling.
• Maintain and cultivate lender relationships, negotiate loan terms, and implement refinancing strategies.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Senior executive experience with a strong background in real estate development, property management, and/or operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial management, including budgeting, financing structures, and capital project oversight.
• Comprehensive understanding of the full real estate lifecycle, from acquisition through stabilization.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire high-performing teams and create a strong organizational culture.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and a track record of delivering measurable results.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with experience managing complex stakeholder relationships.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs