Program and Category Mgr - Grocery

Good Food Holdings Companies • Portland, OR

6d

About The Position

Responsible for the overall direction, growth and execution of company retail Grocery program/categories. Provides leadership, direction and drives sales for our store departments. Accountable for financial performance of all areas of assigned Grocery categories, including achieving sales, margin and waste goals. Creates an inspiring customer experience in our stores. This is a management position. You are responsible for providing leadership in line with company values and promoting a positive and progressive work environment in alignment with our company mission, vision values and policies.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in merchandising / category program management required or other relevant industry experience.
• Previous Grocery specific industry experience required. Experience in a multi-unit, high growth retail or similar environment required.
• Knowledge of Grocery industry with strong and current knowledge of industry terminologies, brands/producers, industry rules and regulations, etc.
• Proven experience driving and executing strategic initiatives, policies, programs and projects that achieve measurable business results.
• Skills to create effective communication tools, including but not limited to: reports, procedure manuals, staff action plans, merchandising and training documents.
• Excellent organizational and project coordination skills, with an eye for process improvement. Previous project management experience a plus.
• Previous management level experience required. Experience managing and mentoring multiple direct reports and / or programs, including across multiple geographic regions.
• High-level proficiency with MS Office. Strong working knowledge of inventory/category movement database programs or other retail specific software required. Skills to learn new computer programs and systems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including tact and diplomacy, to collaborate, negotiate and communicate effectively and professionally with cross-functional partners at all levels in the company.
• Ability to manage financial results, including labor, sales and profit margin.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with problem-solving, project management and execution of initiatives across multiple locations and regions.
• Valid Driver License and vehicle required, with ability to travel regularly to store locations, trade shows / events and/or other offsite locations throughout the United States / local region.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Leadership or related fields preferred, however relevant work experience in lieu of formal education is acceptable.
• Previous project management experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manages and provides oversight to assigned categories of the Grocery Merchandising team. Assesses and prioritizes tasks and workflow.
• Leads store Grocery programs to ensure that the overall company’s objectives are being met regarding financial objectives, vendor partnerships, product assortment, and supply chain across all programs.
• Develops a product mix that meets company goals of variety, innovation and margin targets.
• Builds a culture of quality products and selection that is best in the industry, tailored to meet the needs of each of the neighborhoods we serve.
• Consistently reviews assortment and product selection to ensure we are meeting our objective to be the “ultimate neighborhood grocery store”.
• Works with Merchandising Leadership to identify and implement efficiencies and strategic innovations. Communicates program expectations to ensure successful store execution.
• Maximizes sales and margin potential for Grocery departments. Communicates a clear vision on financial priorities.
• Firmly establishes the merchandising strategy allowing for some “freedom within a framework”.
• Designs programs and develops strategies that assist stores in achieving financial goals, including sales goals, margin targets and waste improvement.
• Creates user-friendly programs that are clearly communicated, easily understood and executed by stores.
• Partners with store department managers and merchandising team to quickly resolve issues impacting store operations, in stock conditions, inventory, margin, waste and store conditions. Identifies and communicates best practices, with support of Store Leadership teams
• Monitors and performs routine analysis of categories, product and program performance, making recommendations and changes that keep us relevant and financially sound.
• Completes period end financial reporting and development of proposed action items.
• Develops and champions programs that support our local food economy. Helps to build and nurture local supplier relationships.
• Ensures the cultivation of strong relationships with our vendor partners, upholding our Pledge to Vendors and ensuring we are the “best place to do business.” Ensures our vendors grow as we grow and provides appropriate assistance so they can achieve their full potential.
• Provides guidance to the Grocery team about changing customer trends. Gathers insights from internal and external resources to enable fact-based decision making
• Drives innovation and the spirit of bold thinking that gives New Seasons Market a competitive edge.
• Collaborates with store leadership teams and serves as a resource for the development of Grocery Managers and department staff. Provides insightful, helpful and consistent performance feedback.
• Assists with Grocery design and layout in the new store planning process. Participates in CAPEX process to drive sales.
• Performs other tasks and duties as assigned.

Benefits

• All staff have access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and our 30% staff shopping discount.
• Full-time, regular-status staff that regularly work 24 hours or more per week and have worked for 60 days are eligible for medical, dental, vision, pre-tax spending accounts, life, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), and disability benefits.
• Full-time, part-time, and temporary staff who have worked for 60 days and are at least 21 years of age may participate in the 401(k) program.
• Employees begin accruing PTO on their first day of employment; the amount they accrue depends on hours worked and tenure.
• Staff may be eligible for paid holidays, depending on schedule and tenure.
• Additional benefits include supplemental leave pay (such as parental or bereavement), a store incentive program based on financial & operational goals, paid time for volunteering at a 501(c)3 non-profit, discounts on some forms of public transportation, adoption assistance, and up to $40 reimbursement for dinner out or New Seasons Market groceries for their birthday.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees