Job Title

Technical Manager – Retail Portfolio

Job Description Summary

The Technical Manager – Retail Portfolio is responsible for supervising and coordinating all technical activities related to the shopping centre portfolio managed by the Company. The role ensures operational efficiency across assets, regulatory compliance of building systems and plant, proper maintenance planning, and the development of multi-year capital investment plans (CapEx), safeguarding long-term asset value.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Technical Oversight

• Supervision of day-to-day technical management across 50 shopping centres, ensuring operational continuity and consistent quality standards throughout the portfolio
• Continuous monitoring of building systems status (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, HVAC, fire protection, lifts and specialist systems)
• Coordination with on-site property managers and facility management service providers
• Management of periodic inspection and technical audit activities across each managed asset

Routine and Planned Maintenance

• Supervision and approval of routine and preventive maintenance plans for each managed centre
• Verification of scheduled works execution by technical contractors, with quality and timeliness controls
• Prioritisation of maintenance activities based on operational risk, safety requirements and budget constraints
• Implementation of standardised maintenance procedures applicable across the entire portfolio
• Management and resolution of technical emergencies, with functional on-call availability 24/7 in critical situations

CapEx Planning

• Preparation and annual update of 3- and 5-year capital expenditure plans for each of the 50 managed centres
• Assessment of plant and structural obsolescence, with prioritisation of interventions based on technical and economic criteria
• Collaboration with the Asset Management team and Landlords for validation and approval of CapEx plans
• Monitoring of progress on approved CapEx works, with periodic reporting to stakeholders
• Assessment of energy efficiency and sustainability opportunities (ESG) within investment plans, in coordination with the ESG department

Team Management

• Coordination and development of a team of 5 technical resources
• Setting of individual objectives, performance monitoring and structured feedback
• Organisation of activities and workload distribution in line with portfolio priorities
• Identification of training needs and support for professional development of team members

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensuring regulatory compliance of building systems (D.Lgs. 81/2008, DM 37/2008, fire prevention regulations, statutory certifications), in coordination with the Building Compliance & HSSE Manager, from whom the role receives delegation for HSSE matters within its remit
• Management of relationships with regulatory bodies and supervision of mandatory periodic inspections
• Production of periodic technical reports for Management and Landlords (monthly / quarterly)
• Contribution to the definition of the annual technical budget and monitoring of variances

Requirements

Education

• Master's degree in Engineering (Civil, Architectural, Industrial, Mechanical or Electrical)
• Registration with the Order of Engineers is considered a preferential qualification

Experience

• 10 years of professional experience in technical roles within facility management, technical property management or plant management, preferably in retail or large-scale retail (GDO) environments
• Proven track record in the technical management of complex real estate portfolios with multiple operational sites
• Experience in the preparation of multi-year CapEx plans and management of technical budgets
• Direct experience in managing technical teams and coordinating suppliers and contractors

Technical Skills

• Solid knowledge of building systems in retail structures (HVAC, LV/MV electrical systems, fire protection, security, hydraulic systems, elevators)
• Knowledge of technical and safety regulations applicable to commercial properties
• Proficiency in project management tools and CMMS/CAFM (Computerised Maintenance Management Systems)
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, floor plans and plant documentation
• Good command of English (minimum B2 level) for managing relationships with the EMEA headquarters

Soft Skills

• Operational leadership and ability to manage geographically distributed teams
• Strong results orientation and capacity to manage priorities in high-complexity environments
• Analytical and synthesis skills in producing reports and presentations for senior stakeholders
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills with suppliers, clients and Landlords
• Availability for national travel (estimated 30–40% of time)

4. Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in property/asset management firms managing shopping centre portfolios
• Knowledge of energy efficiency principles and ESG certifications applied to real estate assets (e.g. BREEAM, LEED, ISO 50001)
• Familiarity with BIM methodologies for asset management
• Experience in redevelopment or technical refurbishment of shopping centres

5. Organisational Context

The role sits within the Asset Services Italy department of Cushman & Wakefield. The Technical Manager liaises on a daily basis with the Centre Management, PDS, ESG, HSSE, Leasing and Client Finance teams, as well as with Landlords and the EMEA Centre of Excellence for matters related to technical standardisation and reporting.

Compensation and Transparency

We believe in an open and transparent approach to compensation. For this role, the base salary range is between €72,000 and €85,000 gross per annum (RAL). Positioning within the range will depend on experience, skills, and the expected impact in the role. Candidates at an early stage in their career are typically positioned towards the lower end of the range, while candidates with significant experience and the ability to deliver immediate impact may be positioned towards the upper end. We also offer a comprehensive compensation package which, in addition to benefits, may include discretionary performance-based bonuses in line with company policies. Our compensation decisions are based on clear, objective criteria, aligned with market benchmarks and internal equity.

National Contract Grade

Quadro

Cushman & Wakefield is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Cushman & Wakefield is committed to equity in employment, and our goal is to have a diverse, inclusive and barrier-free workplace. If you are a person with a disability and need any other accessible accommodations during the hiring process, you are invited to bring this to the Talent Acquisition Advisor’s attention once they have made contact.

INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”