What’s Shifting in Property Ops Right Now?

We’re halfway through 2025, and while some trends are as expected (AI, automation, etc.), others are catching even seasoned operators off guard. From lease renewals to regional staffing, US property teams are having to think faster, act smarter, and adapt quicker than ever.

So what’s actually changing on the ground?

1. Pressure’s Up on Lease-Led Ops

High interest rates haven’t gone anywhere, which means asset value conversations are tight. Regional teams are now being looped into lease strategy earlier — not just to execute, but to advise. Expect more cross-talk between asset and ops than ever before.

2. Hiring Managers Want Ops Leads Who Can “Present”

No, not PowerPoint kings. But teams are hiring for presence — people who can speak confidently to execs, leasing partners, and community groups. The era of the behind-the-scenes operator is fading.

3. Vendor Dependence Is Creating Site Risk

Too many third-party dependencies, not enough on-site control. Smart operators are rethinking which functions need to come back in-house to stay nimble (maintenance and event setup are top of the list).

4. ESG Isn’t a Buzzword Anymore

State-level legislation in places like New York, Illinois, and California is forcing property teams to track, report, and actually reduce energy consumption. Facilities leads who can speak ESG fluently are being fast-tracked.

5. Regional Leaders Are Burning Out

Multi-site managers and area leads are stretched thin. Hiring is lagging behind expansion. That “one great regional ops lead who covers 7 properties” model? It’s not scalable. Expect a shift toward dual roles or shared leadership models.

The Takeaway

It’s not just about hiring people who can run a checklist — it’s about finding talent who can flex with real-time business needs. At Refit, we’re already seeing clients shift role definitions mid-search. The second half of 2025 won’t slow down, so it’s worth hiring with tomorrow in mind.