General Manager

SOMERSET COLLECTION

GENERAL MANAGER

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title/Location          General Manager, Somerset Collection, Troy, MI

Reports to                Corporate Director of Operations

THE FORBES COMPANY

The Forbes Company is a nationally recognized owner, developer and manager of iconic regional shopping centers, that are known throughout their respective markets for their retail innovation, fashion leadership, distinctive architecture and luxury appointments. The Forbes Company creates exceptional retail destinations with no equal.

SOMERSET COLLECTION

This luxurious shopping center in Troy crowns Michigan’s Golden Corridor. Situated in the heart of Oakland County, one of the wealthiest regions in the U.S., Somerset Collection is the epicenter for luxury retail in the state of Michigan. Underneath Somerset Collection’s palatial ceilings and connected by its 700-foot stunning glass skywalk, more than 150 revered retailers await with 60 unduplicated in the market. Renowned names include anchor stores: Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Macy’s as well as Hermès,  Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, Prada, Balenciaga, Ferragamo, Burberry and Tiffany & CoT

GENERAL MANAGER OVERVIEW

The General Manager of Somerset Collection is responsible for all Center operations including, but not limited to:

• Leads the management team in partnership with the Marketing Director.
• Directs the activities of security, building & grounds maintenance, landscaping, janitorial, construction, risk management, human resources, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and planning.
• Works in partnership with the Marketing Director ensuring programs are being executed and supporting the marketing team with available resources.  
• Strong understanding of luxury retailers’ brand and image and the ability to support their growth and success.
• Develops and maintains an appropriate level of involvement in community affairs and activities representing both the Center and ownership.

LEADERSHIP

The General Manager is the leader of the operations management team, works in partnership with the marketing director and sets the overall tone for the office operations, by creating a culture of a “yes” before “no” mindset each and every day . This includes:

• Training and development, motivation and evaluation of the management team. Ensuring the management team is performing on brand and meeting or exceeding established goals and objectives.
• Maintaining open and clear communication with the management office team, home office, vendors and other staff members.
• Serving as the brand ambassador for the Center by creating a culture of teamwork and outstanding guest services.
• Actively seeks new ways to grow and be challenged.
• Earns the trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity.
• Ability to address difficult situations, possess the confidence to have challenging conversations and navigate them appropriately.
• Being nimble and flexible to adapt to the demands of an everchanging retail/operational landscape.

OPERATIONS

• Maintain the Center in a manner which is consistent with The Forbes Company Standards and brand expectations.
• Identify existing and potential deficiencies, and establish best practice measures to address the conditions and satisfactorily resolve them.
• Create a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment throughout the building and grounds.
• Motivate the team to be passionate about the operations so the Center is “show ready” daily.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

o  Safety and security

o  Repairs and maintenance

o  Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing

o  Information Technology

o  Construction, permitting, inspections, architecture

o  Landscaping

o  Janitorial

o  Risk and crisis management

ADMINISTRATION/FINANCIAL

• Works closely with home office staff, including: accounting, development/construction and leasing departments.
• Develops and implements strategic plans that enhance the value and position the Center for unparalleled growth and success.
• Negotiates, executes and manages service agreements.  Manages third party performance to ensure they meet The Forbes Company standards. 
• Recommends and manages capital improvements and upgrading existing programs.
• Produces the annual CAM budget and manages the approved budget throughout the year
• Oversees human resources, which include: labor law, hiring practices, employee handbook, staff evaluations and training & development.
• Demonstrates knowledge of lease administration and often serves as the liaison between the home office and the merchants.
• Experience with regulatory agencies including: Federal, State and local statutes & ordinances.

MARKETING

• Supports the marketing team with resources in the following areas:

o  Merchant relations

o  Special events / sponsorship & merchant activations

o  General strategies.

• Awareness of merchant sales performance and retail trends and partner with the marketing team to support sales generating initiatives.
• Establishes a positive working relationship with all merchants at a local, district and, if appropriate, home office level.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

• Works in partnership with the marketing team to position the Center as the prominent market square in the local economy and community.
• Identify opportunities to create meaningful partnerships and experiences that drive community connections with the Center.
• Develop mutually beneficial relationships with local leaders, governmental officials and community organizations & associations.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree, Masters degree a plus. Relevant work experience may qualify as a substitute
• 5 years of experience in upper management, leading sizeable shopping centers, mixed use or similar large format properties
• Proven track record of successfully running multi-million dollar businesses, along with a strong financial acumen.
• Exceptional leadership skills focusing on a creating and maintaining a positive and compassionate high performing culture.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of guest, merchant and staff relations.
• A critical thinker with demonstrated problem solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

BENEFITS

• We offer generous medical and dental insurance, along with voluntary insurance options. Our benefits package also offers employer contributed 401K retirement plan, paid time off and Company holidays.

EOE

• Training and development, motivation and evaluation of the management team. Ensuring the management team is performing on brand and meeting or exceeding established goals and objectives.
• Maintaining open and clear communication with the management office team, home office, vendors and other staff members.
• Serving as the brand ambassador for the Center by creating a culture of teamwork and outstanding guest services.
• Actively seeks new ways to grow and be challenged.
• Earns the trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity.
• Ability to address difficult situations, possess the confidence to have challenging conversations and navigate them appropriately.
• Being nimble and flexible to adapt to the demands of an everchanging retail/operational landscape.

OPERATIONS

• Maintain the Center in a manner which is consistent with The Forbes Company Standards and brand expectations.
• Identify existing and potential deficiencies, and establish best practice measures to address the conditions and satisfactorily resolve them.
• Create a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment throughout the building and grounds.
• Motivate the team to be passionate about the operations so the Center is “show ready” daily.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

o  Safety and security

o  Repairs and maintenance

o  Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing

o  Information Technology

o  Construction, permitting, inspections, architecture

o  Landscaping

o  Janitorial

o  Risk and crisis management

ADMINISTRATION/FINANCIAL

• Works closely with home office staff, including: accounting, development/construction and leasing departments.
• Develops and implements strategic plans that enhance the value and position the Center for unparalleled growth and success.
• Negotiates, executes and manages service agreements.  Manages third party performance to ensure they meet The Forbes Company standards. 
• Recommends and manages capital improvements and upgrading existing programs.
• Produces the annual CAM budget and manages the approved budget throughout the year