Ryan Waldriff
Faribault,MN
Summary
Experienced operations manager with a strong background in team leadership and process optimization. Expertise in strategic planning and staff development, resulting in improved workflow and reduced operational costs. Demonstrated ability to enhance business performance through innovative problem-solving and effective leadership.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Operations Manager
Brookfield Properties
Minnetonka, Minnesota
09.2014 - Current
- Managed facility operations, maintenance, and tenant buildouts for Ridgedale Center, including multimillion-dollar capital and tenant improvement projects.
- Oversaw in-house maintenance technicians, external contractors (security, housekeeping, preventive maintenance, construction), and vendors, ensuring timely repairs, preventive maintenance, and compliance.
- Planned, supervised, and delivered buildouts for major tenants (e.g., Apple, Dick’s Sporting Goods, iFly, and Café Zupas, coordinating multiple trades and subcontractors to meet budget and schedule.
- Negotiated service contracts and managed vendor performance to reduce outages and lower operating costs.
- Implemented preventive maintenance systems and regular inspections to ensure mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems remained operational and compliant.
- Provided leadership and supervision for internal maintenance staff and external contractors, ensuring coverage, quality control, and safety across properties.
- Delivered consistent budget and operational savings year after year, while maintaining tenant satisfaction and operational uptime.
- Developed operational policies and procedures to ensure compliance and safety standards.
- Developing and executing multi-year capital plans (e.g., 5-year asset maintenance/enhancement plan) for the property
- Controlling property operating expenses, managing budgets (CAM, CapEx, OPEX), procurement for services/goods, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Director of Operations
Simon Property Group
Duluth, Minnesota
07.2004 - 09.2014
- Overseeing all operational functions, maintenance, custodial/groundskeeping teams, and contracted services at the center.
- Developing and executing multi-year capital plans (e.g., 5-year asset maintenance/enhancement plan) for the property.
- Managing preventive maintenance of mechanical/electrical/HVAC/plumbing systems, maintaining records/logs, ensuring property safety systems remain code-compliant.
- Conducting regular (often daily) walk-throughs/inspections of the property to identify issues, then coordinating repairs or capital improvements as needed.
- Controlling property operating expenses, managing budgets (CAM, CapEx, OPEX), procurement for services/goods, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
- Coordinating major construction or renovation projects, working with third-party contractors and internal staff, ensuring compliance with corporate standards.
- Leading maintenance and operations staff (in-house and third-party subcontractors), supervising performance, scheduling, and ensuring safety/compliance.
- Serving as “on-site leadership” for the property to maintain daily operations, respond to emergencies, and ensure the property remains safe, clean, attractive — maximizing tenant and customer satisfaction.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Management
University of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, MNSkills
- Facilities management and maintenance
- Budgeting and cost control
- Vendor negotiation and management
- Safety and regulatory compliance
- Operational strategy and planning
- Process improvement initiatives
- Team leadership and training
- Problem solving and decision making
- HVAC, electrical, and plumbing expertise
- Preventive maintenance and inspections
- Project execution and coordination
- Capital project oversight
Timeline
Senior Operations Manager
Brookfield Properties
09.2014 - Current
Director of Operations
Simon Property Group
07.2004 - 09.2014
Some College (No Degree) - Management
University of Minnesota Duluth