Key Skills

Job Description

COMPANY BACKGROUND VIA Outlets, Europe’s leading owner-operator in redefining the outlet shopping experience, was founded in 2014 to acquire existing outlet centres across Europe. Our vision is to create premium shopping destinations and offer best-in class, beautifully local, shopping experiences for our guests and brand partners. We ensure that our premium fashion outlets are destinations that attract guests from all over the world. By bringing together an exceptional mix of international and local premium brands, we have created unexpected and unforgettable shopping experiences, whilst also paving the way for sustainable shopping. VIA Outlets manages a portfolio of 13 premium fashion outlets, offering over 1,430 stores across ten European countries and is 100% owned by Dutch pension fund asset manager APG. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR The Centre Director provides leadership and direction to the local team driving all business and operational activities. The Centre Director will also represent the centre in all local and regional community relations/events. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES In line with the overall VIA strategy and goals identify, develop and direct the implementation of the local business strategy, ensuring clear targets, milestones, KPIs and deliverables are set and achieved. Responsible for the centre’s P&L. Provide direction and inspirational leadership toward the achievement of VIA Outlets’ vision, mission, values, and guiding principles. Ensure the proper interface with VIA Outlets Group teams and other centres in order to ensure alignment with the goals of the business and to leverage best practices. Manage centre team members and enable them to set targets and strategies and be accountable for their achievements. Maximise collaboration amongst all team members to achieve centre goals. Hold quarterly Business Review meetings with key stakeholders to agree on plans to drive the business forward. Monitor, measure, and report on operational issues, opportunities, community affairs, compliance requirements and development plans. Establish and build key relationships within local community, commercial and tourism networks to maximise support and collaboration to achieve business goals. RETAIL Oversee the implementation of the centre Retail Strategy. Define sales and business plans/budgets as well as operating expenses. Analyse market trends in order to maximise asset value by achieving high density yield per square metre. Analyse business to ensure sales goals, brand mix, and customer service standards are maintained. Identify growth opportunities with individual brands. Build strong partnerships/relationships with brands both current and prospective. Support Retail Development (shop-fit) initiatives Establish hospitality and customer service standards through training and development. Develop the recruitment support for the centre establishing BSFO as ‘the place to work’. MARKETING Oversee the implementation of the centre Marketing Strategy. Enable the Marketing Team to develop the most applicable business development/management approach to the market. Enable the Marketing Team to direct and drive innovating marketing and communication programmes, plans and initiatives. Guarantee the consistency of all marketing and communication activities to ensure the local adaptation of VIA Outlets’ vision. Champion all aspects of VIA Outlets’ Digital strategy, both B2C and B2B, within all departments and brands and make it an integral part of how VIA Outlets does business. TOURISM Champion tourism with all departments (tourism, marketing, retail, operations, leasing) and brands. Ensure there is a collaboration and engagement with local, regional and national tourism authorities as necessary. Ensure there is a collaboration and engage with local, regional and national tourism authorities. LEASING Work with Leasing and Retail teams to support the leasing strategy in terms of positioning, achieving occupancy levels and driving yield whilst maintaining the desired brand mix. Take a continuous active role in supporting leasing efforts to sign new target brands and to remerchandise generally (upsize/downsize/exit). OPERATIONS Focus on enhancing the customer service and guest experience; ensuring health, safety and security of the centre and its guests and staff. Ensure proper security, cleaning, gardening and maintenance of the centre with the responsibility to maintain the highest standards in every aspect of centre services. Perform a critical analysis of all providers/services to the centre with recommendations for changes as needed to improve service, lower costs, and create longer term partnerships. Manage and monitor budgets to improve the efficiency of the centre, maintain the centre’s appearance and the efficiency of the contracted services. DEVELOPMENT Although specialist Group teams handle most aspects of development activity, the Centre Director will provide input on proposed changes to the physical environment and will be expected to actively support political initiatives connected with planning applications and permitting. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Coordinate the centre’s financial and budget activities to ensure P&L objectives are met. Plan and implement practices, objectives, and activities to maximize returns on investments and to increase productivity. Establish and maintain appropriate systems for measuring necessary aspects of operational management and development. WHAT YOU NEED More than 15 years leadership and retail/marketing experience with direct responsibility for a multi-functional business with strong brand equity. Clear track record of strong performance results, successful exploitation of expansion opportunities, innovation in product and marketing ideas. Proven team leadership, coaching and mentoring skills. Strong communication and negotiation skills. Strategic ability combined with natural creativity. High level of intelligence, common sense, and hands-on approach to effectively develop, plan, and implement initiatives and plans. Demonstrated strength in verbal and written communication. Fluency in spoken and written Dutch and English is required. IF YOU BREATHE VIA OUTLETS’ VALUES: We place our people at the heart of what we do We do the right thing, always We like to work in a constantly changing, fast paced environment We manage our centres with care and for a sustainable future We are decisive, transparent and always collaborative … Then it’s time you become part of the VIA Outlets family!

Core Responsibilities

Lead the centre team and direct local business strategy, financial performance, retail, marketing, leasing, tourism, and operational activities. Build relationships with brands and community stakeholders while ensuring strong guest experience, safety, service standards, and alignment with VIA Outlets’ goals.

Requirements

Requires more than 15 years of leadership and retail or marketing experience, including direct responsibility for a multifunctional business with strong brand equity and a record of strong results and growth. Candidates must demonstrate team leadership, coaching, communication, negotiation, strategic thinking, creativity, and fluency in spoken and written Dutch and English.