The Shopping Centre industry is driven by people. It’s the skills and expertise of the people that manage, develop and evolve shopping centres for their communities that creates this great industry. Shopping Centre News profiles a range of interesting people from the industry each week. This week we speak to Ilhan Uysal, Marketing Manager at Broadmeadows Central in Melbourne.

What is your current role and main responsibilities?
Marketing Manager, Broadmeadows Central. I am responsible for the planning and delivery of the centre’s strategic marketing objectives.

How did you get in to this industry?
I was looking for something to satisfy my eagerness to work and achieve in a fast-paced environment. I came across a job opening at Vicinity Centres. I did my research and found the prospect of working for a shopping centre exciting. The rest is simply history… Quite possibily the best decision I’ve ever made!

Tell us a little bit about your career
My career started off in the Not-for-Profit sector during my last year of university – funnily enough in a Property Admin role where I was responsible for 24 properties across Victoria. I was eventually promoted to the Marketing team where my primary responsibility was to manage the relationship with donors.

To enhance my career development, I knew I had to move to a fast-paced company that was going to allow me to build upon my skillset. This lead to me starting at Vicinity Centres. Since my commencement, I’ve rised through the ranks to be the Marketing Manager of the shopping centre where my retail marketing career began.

What motivates you?
Definitely my family. My parents migrated to Australia in the 1980s to offer opportunities that weren’t possible for them. I feel as though, when I achieve I do it for them.

What makes a great Marketing Manager?
A creative person that has the ability to quickly build rapport with a diverse range of people.

What is your most memorable moment of your career?
My career with Vicinity Centres started as the Assistant Marketing Manager of Broadmeadows Central. From day one, I envisioned taking on the reigns as Marketing Manager. I was really fortunate to have been seconded to other centres such as Gateway Plaza Leopold, Victoria Gardens, Altona Gate and Oakleigh Central. I was successful in being appointed the Marketing Manager at Broadmeadows Central late last year. I’ll never forget the day I got the call to inform me about the news.

Community is at the heart of shopping centres

What do you love most about your job?
Broadmeadows Central is only five minutes away from home so I can sleep in! But in all honesty – I have very fond memories visiting the centre with family and friends throughout my life. The possibility of creating priceless experiences for others, similar to mine is very fulfilling.

What do you think makes a successful shopping centre?
A cohesive Centre Management Team with a retailer centric focus.

Which in your opinion is the best example of a good shopping centre, retail precinct or place?
Chadstone Shopping Centre is Australia’s most popular shopping centre for a reason. It’s more than a shopping complex, it’s a destination for customers to come together and experience a journey.

What are some of the trends you are seeing in the industry?
Consumers have a lot of choice nowadays. A lot of retailers are catering to their target market by offering exactly what they want through enabling them to build and customise products.

Did you think you would end up in the role you are in now?
During my university years, I always envisioned working in a versatile role with a diverse range of responsibilities. I didn’t know if this was possible back then. Fast forward nine years and I can safely say that I’m in my dream job.

What advice would you give to someone starting in the industry?
Be prepared for change. A shopping centre is always evolving and you need to be able to quickly adapt to ensure strategic objectives are satisfied.

What do you do in your leisure time to de-stress?
I love cycling

Do you like shopping?
Most definietely!

Want to be profiled? Contact Belinda at belinda@shoppingcentrenews.com.au