Operations Director | Huntsville, AL (relocation provided)
Our client’s mission is to create shopping destinations that entertain, inspire, and bring our communities together. Guided by our vision to lead the evolution of shopping, we’ve spent over four decades innovating retail experience as premier owner and operator of outlet and open-air centers. Our clients live their values every day: they lead with integrity, foster inclusion, and embrace innovation to drive meaningful change. These principles come to life through our actions – they build trust, challenge the status quo, win together, and continuously push boundaries to deliver exceptional value and experiences make it happen.
Our client’s team members are their most important asset, and they are proud to offer an environment where everyone is welcomed, respected, heard, supported, and able to thrive. Their emphasis on relationships, employee growth, and exciting career opportunities sets them apart. And their spirit of innovation, expertise, and relentless pursuit of excellence brings them together.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Operations Director will have overall accountability for the operations of the shopping center, have a thorough understanding of, and ability to manage, mechanical systems, construction practices, preventative maintenance, and government regulations.
Administer the physical operations of the center, oversee general and preventative property maintenance, construction coordination, public safety, housekeeping, and other contracted services.
Assist General Manager in developing a comprehensive strategic business plan, budget, and 5-year capital plan that maximizes property NOI and enhances the real estate asset. Complete monthly financial forecasts managing real time revenue and expense positions, providing frequent updates to General Manger.
Forecast property expenses, manage capital projects, prepare operational reports, assist with specialty leasing and marketing programs, and identify and resolve People & Culture issues in conjunction with company policies and under direction of General Manager. This position will focus on fine tuning operational methods for the center while improving Net Operating Income (NOI) and maintaining our client’s high standards of performance at the property.
Actively participate and maximize in profit center performance related to Short Term Leasing, Fixed CAM, Utilities, Waste Handling and Parking Services as applicable.
Understand the operation and maintenance of all systems (including, but not limited to Lighting controls, electrical, irrigation controls, alarm, solar, etc.) and provide training on their use to team at site/center and other centers assigned.
Ensure restrooms, common areas and grounds are maintained within acceptable standards and provide additional training/guidance as required.
Submit contracts and RFP’s by following our client’s Operations Policies to ensure successful completion of audits and to identify additional and new vendors to service the asset. Identify appropriate resources/vendors and obtain bids for repairs and capital expenditures.
Responsible for leading procurement initiatives and reviewing associated invoices to ensure accuracy.
Support enterprise initiatives related to sustainability efforts in reducing center’s carbon footprint. Maximize energy efficiency programs while continually evaluating any potential rebate programs.
Work closely with our Client’s Construction Department and Tenant Coordinator on all construction related projects, warranty items, and tenant construction issues to ensure smooth and timely completion.
Assist center of like size and geographic area with Capital Project, Operational Service Agreements, and Innovative Best Practices when assigned. Included working with management team on review of scopes, bids, review contract, timeline, participate in walkthrough’s/inspections and assisting onsite team in tracking project in project management.
Employ and monitor performance of vendors and independent contractors to ensure quality, competency, and efficient operation within budget. Vendors/Contactors may include General maintenance contractors, parking lot cleaner, snow removal, trash removal and landscaping etc.
Develop ongoing training programs for efficient and effective cleaning and maintenance procedures both at the site and at other centers as assigned.
Maintain a preventative maintenance checklist for property repairs.
Develop and maintain routine inspection and repair programs for major structural repairs such as rood systems, asphalt systems, sidewalks, etc. both at the site and at other centers assigned,
Develop an effective landscaping program.
Ensure all tenants adhere to maintenance policies regarding HVAC equipment.
Monitor and Enforce Security/ Safety Polices and Procedures to ensure a safe shopping and work environment. Reduce risk of accidents by monitoring property for safety violations and potential safety concerns.
Review our client’s Security policies and procedures with contracted security and center staff and monitor compliance.
Monitor and maintain all fire suppression systems, fire alarm and burglar alarm systems to by in compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances.
Work with local law enforcement agencies to develop effective relationships and cooperative partnerships.
Responsible for responding to all operational emergencies and managing operations during crisis situations.
Develop and maintain traffic control systems and procedures for safe and effective movement of vehicles and pedestrians throughout the center.
Develop and maintain effective OSHA compliance programs to follow all applicable regulations.
Ensure compliance with all client Hazard Prevention and risk mitigation policies and programs to provide a safe shopping and work environment.
Develop and maintain productive and open lines of communication with tenants.
Visit and communicate with each store on a regular basis.
Ensure housekeeping standards are maintained and tenants are pleased with appearance of the center.
Support holiday activities, special events. Programs, and short-term leasing, etc.
Participate and assist in regularly scheduled managers’ meetings.
Assist store management with any facility-related problems.
Notify General Manager or store non-compliance.
Represent our client at community events and professional organizations.
Develop community awareness of the center and productive professional relationships with community leaders, public officials, municipal building departments and code enforcement officers and inspectors.
In conjunction with the GM, develop effective employee training and team building programs.
Take an active role in weekly meetings with management and staff.
Assist General Manager and People & Culture team on proper compliance with all HR policies.
REQUIREMENTS
This list is illustrative only and not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.
Ability to think critically, problem solve and act accordingly
Ability to instill a sense of teamwork resulting in positive internal and external relationships
Ability to demonstrate strong leadership skills
Ability to supervise and evaluate assigned personnel, establish priorities, provide training, ensure property maintenance, use and security of equipment and facilities
Ability to read and fully comprehend document sin English, such as operations manual, facilities guide, employee handbook, maintenance instruction, contracts, etc.
Ability to speak effectively in English before groups such as customers, tenants, employees
Ability to multi-task in high-volume settings
Ability to work independently and fully execute assigned projects
Ability to work flexible schedule to accommodate business needs, including holidays
Adhere to our client’s values: Integrity, Inclusion, and Innovation
Required up to 15% travel. Must be able to travel via commercial airlines. Must Maintain a valid driver’s license and ability to operate own vehicle or rental car in a safe manner.
Required bachelor’s degree in business or related discipline
Required Five to seven years of operations management experience
Preferred experience in commercial real estate or retail environment
This role offers the opportunity to work both independently and collaboratively, supported by a flexible, team-driven workplace designed to empower connection, innovation, and impact across geographies.
To apply or learn more, please contact:
Vivi Lamb, Principal
Colin McKenzie Consulting HR
P: 312.859.9175 | E: vivi.lamb@cmc-hr.com