Co-op Retail Operations Director

Full-time; Exempt

Purpose: Direct retail operations and manage the Retail Operations (ROPs) Managers at all locations to meet objectives for sales, margin, labor, and customer service. As a member of the Senior Leadership team, assist with organization-wide planning. Uphold the GM’s vision for the Co-op with respect to the retail department’s product offerings, merchandising, and service.

Reports To: General Manager

Supervises: Purchasing and Merchandising Manager, Center Store Manager, Grocery Manager, Produce Manager, Specialty Manager, CDT Store Manager

Specific Responsibilities of Retail Operations Director

Planning

• Participate on the Senior Leadership Team; collaborate on organization-wide policy, financials, personnel issues, systems and productivity improvements, emergency response, and other relevant matters with GM, Controller, HR Manager, and FS Director regularly.
• With the GM, Controller, and in consultation with ROPs managers, set sales, margin, labor, and inventory goals for Retail Operations Departments.
• Track financial performance for all locations weekly and consult regularly with the GM on the financial performance in ROPs departments.
• Monitor deviations from budget, take corrective action, and report to GM on actions taken.
• Approve capital expenditures for ROPs departments up to $500. Submit requests to GM for expenditures that exceed that amount.
• Keep current on cooperative philosophy, natural food products, competitors' prices, and business trends.
• Communicate with the GM in a timely manner with forecasts, plans, and concerns regarding operations at all retail locations.
• Work with the GM and HR Manager to formulate and implement objectives and policies required for effective management of Retail Operations staff.
• Work with HR Manager to ensure timely and uniform implementation of personnel policies and practices by ROPs managers; consult with HR Manager prior to significant status or structural changes in area of oversight.
• Work with HR to ensure that job descriptions for all ROPs staff are current.

Store Operations

• Provide direction, support, and tools to managers in all ROPs departments; meet with direct reports regularly regarding financial goals, department operations, store appearance, service, and personnel issues.
• Ensure that all Retail Operations managers reach labor, margin, and sales goals.
  • Ensure adequate staffing within established goals for service, production, and labor expense; and in response to anticipated sales levels and staffing changes in ROPs departments.
  • Work with Retail Operations managers to improve and troubleshoot systems and procedures for ROPs efficiency and productivity.
• Work directly with Food Service Director to maintain a smooth and collaborative relationship between FS and ROPs departments in all stores; collaborate with managers and others throughout the organization to plan, develop, implement, and ensure ongoing effective systems and procedures between retail locations and other Co-op functions.
• Stay up to date on Store Solutions and handling store emergencies.
• Provide emergency backup coverage for vacant shifts in ROPs departments.
• Work with retail operations managers to develop efficient and effective standard operating and training procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws: business licenses, permits, health regulations, labor laws, etc.
• Work with the Facilities Manager to ensure cleanliness, safety, and maintenance of retail locations.
• Work with the IT department to keep the POS system operational and aligned with IT systems in the rest of the organization.
• In conjunction with the GM and Facilities Manager, oversee all remodeling, major repair, and maintenance projects retail locations.
• Assist in maintaining the security of buildings, equipment, inventory, staff, and customers, including shoplifting training for staff.
  • Ensure processes are in place and followed regarding loss prevention and related issues.
  • Ensure compliance with the Montana Department of Revenue Liquor Control Division regulations; coordinate and provide training for staff.

Other

• Maintain proficiency with pertinent programs and software necessary for Co-op operations.
• In conjunction with the GM, ensure that appropriate technology is available for ROPs staff to complete their job requirements.
• Work with Marketing Manager and Scan & IT Manager to implement and support advertising programs, promotions, and special events for retail locations.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

• Three years experience supervising and managing staff preferred; one year required, preferably in a food service or retail setting.
• Fluency using MS Office required particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook, with skills sufficient to communicate and develop and maintain documents with a high degree of accuracy.
• Demonstrated experience in the analysis of financial reports preferred.
• Ability to demonstrate regular, reliable attendance and work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business; some early mornings, evenings, holidays, and weekend shifts are required.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. throughout shift, occasionally 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand for long periods and to bend and twist repeatedly; ability to lift product overhead and/or to climb ladders with product.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time in front of a computer.