Operations: What Candidates Need to Know About the Market Right Now

Operations has been one of the more active parts of the property market over the past year, with hiring volumes up and placements rising sharply. Here is what our 2026 Real Estate Salary Guide & Trends Report, combined with insight from our Workforce Sentiment Survey, tells us about where things stand and what it means for your next move. 

1. Hiring activity has genuinely picked up 

Vacancy volumes increased by approximately 20% year on year, while successful placements rose by close to 40%. That second figure matters just as much as the first, because it reflects employers getting better at aligning what they offer with what candidates actually want. 

2. Compliance led roles are commanding the strongest salary growth 

Maintenance, building safety, health and safety and compliance roles have seen the strongest upward pressure on pay, reflecting their growing importance as portfolios expand and regulatory scrutiny intensifies. Many of these roles are newly created rather than replacement hires, so this is where the real growth sits. 

3. Progression is the factor most likely to unlock a move 

Career pathways within on-site environments have historically been unclear, and progression remains a critical factor for most candidates. If you are exploring a new role, ask directly how you can develop beyond the position you are being hired into. Employers who can answer that clearly are the ones worth taking seriously. 

4. Even small amounts of flexibility carry real weight 

Flexibility remains limited in many on site roles, but even modest arrangements such as remote working one day per week or adjusted start times can materially affect candidate decisions. It is a fair thing to raise in a negotiation, even in a fundamentally on-site sector. 

5. Where flexibility is not possible, leadership matters more 

Our Workforce Sentiment Survey found that while 41% of professionals rank salary as their top priority, this is closely followed by work life balance, flexibility, culture and career development. In operations specifically, where flexibility cannot be offered, candidates are placing greater weight on leadership quality, team culture and long-term stability instead. 

6. Senior experience is expected to be in higher demand 

With fewer new buildings becoming operational, the focus is shifting away from large scale team build outs towards refining existing teams. This is expected to drive greater demand for experienced senior hires such as operations managers and regional heads, particularly where existing teams are relatively junior or portfolios have scaled quickly. If you are at that level, the next 12 months should work in your favour. 

The operations market is rewarding candidates with compliance expertise and clear leadership capability. If you are considering your next step, make sure you understand exactly what progression looks like before you commit. 

About the Author 

Hannah Taylor | Manager, Investment & Living 

Hannah has over 10 years of experience in the real estate industry and heads up the Rental Living team. She specialises in placing senior level Investment and Asset Management positions across the living space. Understanding her companies' specific requirements and desires is Hannah's sweet spot.