Director of Center Store Sales

Position Overview:

The Director of Center Store Sales is responsible for the consistent execution of all nonperishable merchandising programs and successful operational effectiveness within our stores. This position is responsible for building sales, developing talent, merchandising, promotional programs and creating a culture of selling. This position works closely not only with Wholesale & DSD partners, but also with Store Operations for best-in-class, day to day execution and overall strategy and guidance.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Developing and maintaining weekly promotions for maximum sales and margins
• Negotiating and maintaining ad commitments, revenues, and DSD programs
• Overseeing categories, product mix, variety, innovation, quality, and selection of items
• Reviewing market, store demographics and competition when implementing new items and disco programs
• Developing, maintaining, and executing various pricing, TPR promotions and strategies within all locations
• Providing guidance for strategic, competitive retail pricing programs; leveraging buy ins whenever possible for maximum sales and profits
• Cultivating relationships with wholesalers, DSD, and location vendors for win-win scenarios
• Directing contact for all product issues and remedies; maintaining DSD calendar to actively grow sales and revenue
• Developing seasonal item selections, retail strategy and markdown programs
• Maximizing use of data and marketing insights to improve decision making on programs and products
• Developing, supporting, and initiating events and programs that connect our customers to grow sales and loyalty – including weekly ads, in store promotions; marketing & digital marketing, branding, community and loyalty programs
• Organizing, producing, maintaining, and distributing merchandising plans with signage for optimal sales – leveraging cross merchandising every day
• Managing category margin goals and pricing to remain competitive while leveraging maximum sales – leveraging markdown programs to leverage turns and reduce shrink
• Partnering closely with Store Operations to drive consistency, adherence and execution while providing open and honest feedback
• Visiting stores regularly to asses strategies and direct improvements
• Collaborating with internal and external customers such as but not limited to customers, buyers, suppliers, marketing, pricing, IT, HR, store operations and compliance for optimal results
• Delivering results on full P&L – revenue, profit goals, and other KPI’s
• Monitoring and addressing goals to actual performance
• Developing strategies to grow sales, buying, and profits to meet target sales and margins
• Maintaining weekly, period, quarterly and annual scorecards
• Coordinating and resolving any supplier issues, credits, and payments
• Using persuasive leadership and engagement to inspire and motivate with the ability to articulate goals and objectives that are clearly communicated and understood
• Partnering with Talent Acquisition on the hiring process for streamlined experience and efficiency
• Participating in the training and evaluation of teammates to ensure growth and development of talent
• Strong business acumen to understand business transactions, operations, profit & loss financials and overall business and industry strategy
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership

Environment:

· Warehouse Office – approx. 65F – 70F

Schedule:

· Weekdays (45 hours) with some nights and/or weekends as needed with some overnight travel

Experience:

• Preferred: Ten (10) years Grocery Store Operations, Merchandising/Buyer, or related industry
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in business management or related field
• Preferred: Proficiency in office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, BRData etc

Skills:

• Physical abilities: Ability to stand, walk and sit throughout your day; Walking on a variety of flooring such as carpet, concrete, tile etc.
• Strong communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with peers and leaders on a daily basis.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to fulfill executive directions in a timely manner; ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Working in a team-based environment: Working independently and as a team player
• Quality: Maintain integrity and high standards from all perspectives
• Safety Culture: Maintain and drive safety policies; driving for accountability of safe practices throughout shift.