The Director of Construction will manage the Construction department and reports directly to the Vice President of Real Estate and Construction.  

PURPOSE:

Arranging all construction work to be done in an orderly, timely and efficient manner, ensuring an optimal mix of quality (technical) and low cost (capex).  The construction work covers constructing new stores, refurbishing and relocating existing stores as well as ongoing maintenance.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Operational Management

• Oversees the Construction team, its tasks and procedures and designates tasks and responsibilities to ensure an efficient operation.
• Develops strategic and operational plans for the Construction team.
• Provides Acquisition with technical support for store expansion and portfolio management.
• Constructs new stores and relocates/refurbishes existing stores and provides technical maintenance to existing stores.
• Sources materials and services for the lowest possible price.
• Ensures clear communication of relevant Construction specifications both internally and externally.
• In coordination with the Vice President of Real Estate and Construction, monitors and manages local construction partners.
• Makes sure the company’s ways of working and stores are in line with local regulations.
• Implements and maintains relevant Construction processes and systems (e.g., Planon).
• Keeps an up-to-date administration for Construction.
• Works within the guidelines of the organization.
• Functions as a sparring partner for the Project Managers.

2. Optimizing

• Continuously optimizes the Construction processes and ways of working in order to be as efficient and lean as possible, particularly in relation to capex optimization.

 3. People Management

• Clearly steers a category team, takes the lead, gives clear working instructions, plans employees and activities in such a manner that targets are successfully achieved.
• Is actively involved in improving employee skills by providing constructive feedback, instructions, explanation and coaching.
• Makes employees enthusiastic, clearly indicates the intended effect of targets, brings about a positive attitude towards the work and inspires team members' strong will to perform.
• Gives direct and constructive feedback about the delivered performance and personal development related to future requirements and priorities.
• Stimulates employees to join in on the thought process and to actively contribute to the development of new ideas and to learn from his/her own experiences and those of others.
• Responsible for optimal staffing, recruitment activities and retaining of employees within the department.

4. Building Local Construction Teams

• Hires and trains local Construction employees.
• Implements best practice processes and ways of working from other company Construction teams.
• Communicates local exceptions and circumstances and integrate these in the company’s way of working.
• Actively participates in the Real Estate Meetings and leads the Construction Meetings.

5. Reports

• Prepares various (periodic) Management Reports for the Real Estate Manager.

 COMPANY VALUES & COMPETENCIES:

• Customer orientation
• Cost consciousness
• Teamwork
• Discipline
• Simplicity
• Respect
• Leadership
• People management
• Set the example
• Communication skills

REQUIREMENTS – HARD SKILLS:

• College Degree required with a Master’s Degree preferred in an area of technical study such as engineering, architecture or construction.
• Proven performance and relevant experience with:
• Constructing stores (minimum 8 years).
• Managing and motivating (construction) employees.
• Managing external construction parties.
• Sound written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work with required types of software (e.g., Planon, MS Office, etc.).

REQUIREMENTS – SOFT SKILLS:

• Make proposals for efficient and effective working methods with the least possible complexity and implements.
• Demonstrates a high level of pragmatism.
• Is very organized, is able to structure activities and projects, sticks to agreements within deadlines and according to guidelines.
• Works efficiently and effectively, also when under time pressure.
• Works effectively with others to achieve common targets.

About Poline Search Partners

Poline Search Partners is an international executive search firm specializing in the shopping center industry. We serve property owners, developers, retailers and service providers who are seeking remarkable talent and work to align them with candidates who are eager for new growth opportunities. Since 1979, our team has been connecting companies and candidates with a commitment to integrity and client satisfaction—making us the industry’s most trusted leader in recruitment.

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