Service Manager (Sablemill Lease-Up)

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