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Director of Operations | Retail Property Management (Director, Operations-III)

Simon Property Group · Pleasant Prairie, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Simon Property Group

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a capital project you managed from planning through completion. What went wrong and how did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can run projects on time and budget and recover when problems come up.

Tell me about a time you found significant cost savings in property operations.

What they are checking: Whether they can identify efficiencies without hurting safety or service.

How do you lead and develop your operations team?

What they are checking: Whether they can build a capable team that runs well even when they're not on site.

What would you do

A major HVAC failure hits a tenant's space on a busy Saturday. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they respond fast, communicate with the tenant and keep the shopper experience intact.

A tenant complains repeatedly about common area maintenance. How do you handle the relationship?

What they are checking: Whether they listen, fix real issues and keep tenant relationships strong.

How would you prepare the property for severe winter weather?

What they are checking: Whether they plan ahead for snow, ice and outages that affect safety and shopper traffic.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd build an operating and capital budget for an outlet center.

What they are checking: Whether they can plan spending based on asset condition, priorities and value instead of rolling last year forward.

How do you keep fire and life safety systems compliant across a large open-air property?

What they are checking: Whether they manage inspections, testing and documentation that protect shoppers and meet code.

How do you hold third-party contractors to your quality and service standards?

What they are checking: Whether they manage vendors with clear scopes, inspections and accountability.

How do you make sure the property stays compliant with OSHA and environmental requirements?

What they are checking: Whether they have systems for training, audits and record-keeping, not just reactive fixes.

What sustainability initiatives would you consider for a property like this, and how would you justify them?

What they are checking: Whether they can tie sustainability projects to cost and value, which the posting includes.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Simon Property Group.

Job Location: Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets Simon is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to oversee all aspects of property operations for one of our premier retail destinations. This leadership role is responsible for maintaining a safe, efficient, and customer-focused environment while protecting and enhancing the value of the asset. The Director of Operations will lead all operational functions, including facilities management, maintenance, capital projects, vendor management, life safety systems, sustainability initiatives, and operational budgeting. This individual will partner closely with property leadership, tenants, contractors, and corporate teams to ensure an exceptional experience for shoppers, retailers, and stakeholders. What You'll Do • Lead day-to-day property operations, maintenance, and facility management activities. • Develop and manage operating and capital budgets while identifying efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities. • Oversee building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire and life safety systems. • Manage capital improvement projects from planning through execution. • Direct third-party service providers and contractors to ensure quality, service, and compliance standards are met. • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA and environmental requirements. • Partner with property management, security, housekeeping, and leasing teams to support business objectives. • Drive sustainability and energy management initiatives. • Maintain emergency preparedness and business continuity plans. • Support tenant openings, renovations, relocations, and redevelopment activities. What We're Looking For • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, Business, or related field preferred. • 5 years of experience in property operations, facilities management, commercial real estate, retail, hospitality, or a related industry. • Experience managing operating budgets, capital projects, and vendor relationships. • Strong knowledge of building systems, preventative maintenance programs, and life safety requirements. • Proven ability to lead teams and influence cross-functional stakeholders. • Excellent project management, communication, and problem-solving skills. • Experience within retail, shopping centers, mixed-use developments, commercial real estate, or hospitality environments preferred. Why Join Simon As the largest owner, developer, and manager of premier shopping, dining, entertainment, and mixed-use destinations, Simon offers the opportunity to impact high-profile properties while working alongside industry-leading professionals. You'll play a critical role in creating world-class experiences for millions of visitors each year.

Apply at Simon Property Group