Fresh Encounter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

Work with Division and Corporate to Develop and achieve budgeted expectations for fresh department sales, gross margins, gains, promotional spends, and expense control in the Meat & Seafood, Deli/Bakery, & Produce departments.   Report and identify variances to the Vice-President Merchandising.

Monitor service level goals, proper turns, pricing gains, and assurance of inventory levels necessary to achieve budgeted sales expectations.

Participate in the negotiations with vendors to drive sales.

Ensure product quality from vendors to retail member stores.

Direct the Quality Control team and the functions at the division level. Work closely with division and corporate procurement teams to maintain quality and freshness standards.

Select, train, develop and appraise departmental personnel to ensure qualified staffing for all fresh department positions. Develop a well trained staff and build bench strength for future promotions and responsibilities.

Make timely visits to member group headquarters and individual stores.

Assist and guide regional product sourcing and supply.

Assist with formulating the merchandising strategy for food shows. Direct the coordination and execution of products, people, and events of the food show events.

Maintain contact with key regional suppliers to assist in driving sales in the division.

Support company philosophy and policy in accordance with regard to trade, associates and retail members.

Develop and maintain a professional, supportive and cordial relationship with all member store retailers.

Coordinate with District Sales Managers to determine member merchandising, product, and marketing needs. 

Perform other duties as requested by the Vice-President Merchandising or Senior Vice-President/Division Manager.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Collaborating with the Sales Managers, manage fresh department field specialists and QC associates in the Meat & Seafood, Deli/Bakery & Produce departments.  Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these associates, and the respective business units. 

Fulfill the supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, procedures and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training of associates, planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Degree or equivalent; or three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

COMPETENCIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must rate highly in the following competencies.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Strong mathematical skills, including the ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

A current, active driver's license is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell.  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and climb or balance.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee may encounter varying noise levels associated with grocery store or warehouse environments. 

This position's basic purpose is to use all available resources to direct and manage the Meat & Seafood, Deli/Bakery & Produce departments to continuous sales growth and financial success.