Director of Produce and Distribution

Lunds & Byerlys•Minneapolis, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Produce and Distribution provides strategic leadership for Lunds & Byerlys' produce category and distribution center (DC) operations. This role is responsible for developing and executing buying, merchandising, pricing, and promotional strategies that drive sales, maximize profitability, and reinforce brand standards. The Director leads produce buying and DC teams, oversees daily supply chain operations including inventory management, quality control, and 3PL partner relations and builds strong grower and supplier partnerships to ensure consistent product quality and availability. A key member of the merchandising leadership team, this role monitors market trends and financial performance to identify opportunities for growth and efficiency, while developing talent and fostering cross-functional communication across retail, wholesale, and vendor partners. All responsibilities are carried out in alignment with Lunds & Byerlys' commitment to customer service excellence and fresh food standards.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business or related field, or the equivalent knowledge gained from experience within the functional area
Ten or more years of related management experience including responsibility for sales and profitability, budgeting, buying and merchandising along with a proven record of success in developing product strategies, category management, pricing, promotions and merchandising
Action Oriented, Customer Focus, Instills Trust, Communicates Effectively, Ensure Accountability, and Values Differences
A service-oriented individual with a high energy, positive and friendly demeanor
Excellent customer service, interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills
Strong communication skills, human relations and project management skills
Innovative, resourceful and analytical thinking abilities
Ability to respond to continually changing priorities and coordinate multiple projects
Strong computer skills (Outlook, Excel, Word)
Ability to delegate and follow through
Ability to provide motivation and leadership
Strong organizational abilities
Project management, sound judgment and decision-making abilities

Responsibilities

Model and reinforce Lunds & Byerlys customer service standards in all interactions, ensuring produce quality, freshness, and merchandising standards are consistently met across all retail locations
Monitor customer feedback, sales trends, and shopping behaviors to identify opportunities to enhance the customer experience and improve produce assortment, quality, and presentation.
Establish and execute the strategic direction for the produce category and distribution center, incorporating consumer trends, competitive intelligence, pricing, and merchandising to support company goals and brand objectives.
Lead produce buying teams in sourcing high-quality product, negotiating purchase contracts and promotional programs to secure favorable costs and terms, and developing pricing and promotion strategies, including seasonal, event, lifestyle, and item-driven programs - that drive sales and profitability.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with growers, shippers, and supply partners to ensure reliable supply, favorable market opportunities, and effective utilization of supplier programs.
Develop private label and signature item strategies that reinforce brand identity.
Develop communication models that ensure retail, wholesale, vendor, and internal partners have the information, tools, and appropriate involvement in decisions, programs, and strategies that affect them.
Oversee daily DC operations including inventory management, order fulfillment, quality control, and food safety compliance.
Maintain a collaborative relationship with the 3PL partner to ensure efficient transportation, inventory accuracy, and on-time delivery to all retail locations.
Analyze sales, inventory, and shrink data to maximize gross margin, minimize shrink, and improve overall supply chain efficiency.
Review and interpret financial reports to identify cost savings and profitability opportunities.
Establish and track operational metrics including inventory turns, fill rates, shrink reduction, and customer satisfaction.
Lead, coach, and develop team members across buying, retail and DC teams.
Manage performance, assign responsibilities, identify succession needs, and build bench strength aligned with company growth objectives.
Perform all other related assignments (including special projects) as required in a professional and cooperative manner.