The ideal candidate is one who has owned responsibility across one or more Perishable categories in their career. A current Store Manager or Assistant with experience leading teams overseeing specific perishable categories is preferred. A background in Meat, Seafood, Produce, Fresh, Frozen, Dairy, Bakery, or Deli is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement strategic plans for all perishable departments, including procurement, pricing, and product assortment.
- Source, evaluate and establish relationships with vendors to ensure high-quality and diverse category offerings.
- Monitor market trends, consumer preferences and industry developments to optimize product selection and inventory levels.
- Collaborate with store teams on merchandising standards and buy-in opportunities to maximize profitability.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, quality standards, sanitation requirements and collective bargaining agreements.
- Train and supervise staff members in meat and seafood departments, providing guidance on product knowledge, customer service, and merchandising techniques.
- Analyze sales data, cost structures, and margins to identify opportunities for cost savings, pricing adjustments, and revenue growth.
- Understand and comprehend all financial reports needed to manage the business.
- Visit each store on a consistent, rotating basis.
- Work with department managers to develop planograms for display and service cases including holiday/seasonal and sale changes.
- Clearly communicate the goals and objectives of new programs to the Store teams and ensure they are explained to all associates in the department.
- Develop and advise on staffing guidelines based on sales forecasts, seasonal demands, and peak hours to optimize customer service while controlling labor costs.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years relevant experience in the grocery/retail/food industry.
- Bachelor s degree in related field preferred.
- Proven track record of driving sales and revenue in one of the perishable food categories (Meat/Seafood/Deli/Etc.)
- Proven expertise in perishable food categories and demonstrated ability to keep up to date on appropriate industry trends.
- Experience analyzing cost data, financial reporting and P&L management.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven negotiation skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.