In 1981, GUESS sold its very first pair of jeans to Bloomingdale's department store. Since then, GUESS has grown, becoming one of today's most recognized and influential apparel brands in the world.

The continued dedication and commitment of our employees is the driving force of GUESS. Our talented professionals focus on leading the company with their vision of success. Join the team at GUESS Europe and bring your vision to life.

GUESS Europe is seeking eager, passionate individuals to uphold our commitment to the spirit of the GUESS family of brands including GUESS, Marciano, GUESS Factory.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Real Estate, the Head of Construction contributes to Guess success by leading the construction of new stores and by managing the existing store portfolio within the EMEA region.

The role also ensures the implementation of a well-defined strategic plan of new openings and of refits for existing stores.

CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Yearly Budgeting

• Establish annual manpower, travel, and supplies budget for the construction team
• Assist in establishing annual CapEx store expansion and renewal budgets
• Assist in the store maintenance expense budgets

Budget Monitoring

• Monitor all budgets on a continuous basis in line with Company investments targets
• Make sure that each project is approved with the Corporate capital expenditure process before proceeding
• Ensure all budgets and actual capex costs are continuously monitored. This includes adding final and project close-out amounts

Pre-Construction Process

• Monitor pre-qualified contractors to determine quality, budgeting change order percentages and to monitor quality, costs, change order percentages and quality superintendents
• Select bidders to achieve maximum competitive situations for every project
• Qualify bidding contractors to assure everything is included in the base bid
• Set final project budget for approval
• Coordinate Project Managers to order and release materials to the job site
• Assist in negotiations and training with new vendors
• Assign and monitor Project Managers for all brands and projects
• Schedule and plan projects in advance so the time line between receiving Landlord Criteria and store opening does not exceed 6 months

Construction Phase

• Get projects started and completed as scheduled
• Review and approve Project Manager travel schedules
• Monitor project progress and resolve issues with Project Managers and contractors
• Review Project Manager change order requests
• Monitor that projects receive all required city inspections on a timely basis and all issues are resolved
• Monitor that projects are within Corporate guidelines of acceptable quality

Store Turn-Over Process

• Coordinate store turn-over process including, but not limited to, punch list, temporary manpower, coordination of other departments, etc.
• Make sure punch list is completed on a timely basis
• Assist operations during the store merchandising phase.

Project Close-out

• Coordinate the collection of project close-out paperwork from the general contractors
• Assist Real Estate in the collection of Landlord Allowances
• Financially close out projects within 90 days from store opening

Staffing

• Ensure that associates achieve Corporate and departmental objectives
• Oversee staff on material releases, project close-out, collecting Landlord allowances, etc.
• Coordinate and oversee requests, including repainting stores, refurbishments, changing brands, etc.
• Manage store maintenance
• Look for cost savings methods
• Look for improvements in customer service in maintenance

• Experience: 8+ years in multi-site retail business, possibly in the fashion retail sector
• Education: University Degree
• Languages: fluent English and Italian is required (both written and spoken)
• PC Skills: Expert in Excel, strong experience in using planning and analytical systems
• Must possess strong leadership skills and be well organized, self-motivated, focused on meeting deadlines and able to multitask within a fast-paced environment
• Sense of ownership and pride in the performance and its impact on company’s success
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with senior managers and manage a team, set targets and ensure they are met.
• Excellent communication is necessary especially if difficult and challenging conversations are required.
• Advantage if possesses sound fashion product and commercial acumen as well as a genuine interest in the retail market
• Dynamic individual who has the foresight and knowledge to improve / simplify the challenges faced across store formats / events is essential
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-moving dynamic retail environment and tenacity to overcome people or process obstacles.
• Confidence to influence and engage at all levels