“On many days, my desk has 102,440 square metres of space and 50 floors”.

A building is – by and large – static. It is definitely not a property, with everything that happens in and around it. This liveliness inspires me. Managing a property is a highly dynamic task. As a property manager, I have a wide variety of tasks and challenges every day, some of which change in an instant. No two days are the same. The processes are very complex and are influenced by the type of building, its use, and tenant structure – and the level of responsibility is just as high as the property itself. In the case of Tower 185 in Frankfurt, for example, we are talking about a height of around 200 metres, 102,440 square metres of space, four owners, four funds and 27 international tenants. As a property manager, I am always on-the-go as a caretaker, decision-maker, visionary, organiser, communicator, and solution finder. I currently manage 48 properties with the regional Deka team and two properties myself, one of which is quite large. As an enthusiastic sportswoman – I used to do gymnastics and rowing, now cycling, yoga, and alpine hiking – this agile way of working suits me very well. I can work flexibly from anywhere and connect with my interdisciplinary “Tower People” and the other teams.

Annette Kaiser, property manager & architect, joined Deka Immobilien in 2012 as a commercial property manager

MY WAY. MY DEKA STORY:

I’m always on the move, that’s my nature – flexible, dynamic, curious, open, always ready to try something new, to learn something new, to acquire new knowledge. I joined Deka in 2012 as an architect, freelance interim manager, and project manager in the Corporate Real Estate division in Property Asset Management. This is a field of work that inspires me with its versatility and vitality. What real estate management means in everyday working life: Being a team worker and team builder, coordinating people and their performance, developing and implementing strategies, and ultimately bearing responsibility – and that’s what I had at Deka Immobilien right from the start. Being well-informed, getting a comprehensive picture, going in-depth, considering as many details as possible, and always keeping a bird’s eye view. Communication is essential to keep up with the people who fill a property with life. Recognising needs and sensitivities, forming a sound opinion, and making good decisions. What human “assets” does it take to be a good property manager? Persistence, belief in the best results, a love for communicating and networking, good knowledge of human nature, and a lot of patience – preferably over several floors.

HERE YOU CAN…

If you want to aim high in your job and career, you need a stable foundation – and Deka Immobilien provides it. The keys to success: actively getting involved in projects, taking the initiative, exchanging ideas across disciplines, networking well. Good communication and really being able to listen. And, of course: Networking – this is enormously important not only for asset management, but also for working at Deka Immobilien in general. Why? Because the Deka world is really big. The company offers an enormous range of fields of activity and job profiles, meaning that employees always have the opportunity to change careers “in-house” and develop new areas of responsibility and potential.

INTO THE FUTURE WITH DEKA:

In order to continue to grow and excel at (my) work, I am currently studying Sustainable Real Estate Management alongside my work as a property manager – and Deka Immobilien supports this at all levels. Everything that belongs to and in a modern property is constantly evolving. I definitely want to stay up to date. Sustainability, smart building technologies, and new work are what real estate is all about now – and what it will be about in future. As an enthusiastic sportswoman, I therefore take changes and innovative leaps – especially in the exciting field of building automation – in my stride. Faster. Higher. Better. Challenge accepted!