Director of Operations - Gourmet Retail
Location: Towson, MD
Compensation: $100,000-$150,000 (commensurate with experience)
Employment Type: Full‑Time, Exempt
Position Overview
A well‑established, high‑end grocery retailer is seeking an experienced Director of Operations - Gourmet Retail to provide strategic and hands‑on leadership across multiple store locations in Towson, Maryland. This senior leader will partner closely with ownership and executive leadership to oversee store performance, financial results, merchandising standards, and leadership development.
The ideal candidate is a proven multi‑unit retail operator with strong financial acumen, a collaborative leadership style, and a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences in a premium food or specialty retail environment.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Strategy
- Provide overall operational oversight for multiple retail locations in Towson, MD
- Partner with ownership to develop and execute operational strategies that drive sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction
- Establish and maintain operational standards related to cost control, quality, safety, and compliance
Financial Performance
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and full P&L responsibility
- Analyze performance metrics, trends, and operating reports
- Ensure effective labor planning, shrink control, and expense management
Sales, Merchandising & Customer Experience
- Oversee merchandising strategies to support business growth and brand consistency
- Ensure a consistently high‑quality customer experience across all locations
- Collaborate with leadership to improve policies, procedures, and operational execution
Leadership & Employee Development
- Directly manage Store Managers and provide oversight of salaried department leaders
- Foster a positive, high‑performance culture through coaching, accountability, and clear communication
- Partner on hiring, training, development, succession planning, and performance management
Process Improvement & Compliance
- Identify and implement initiatives to improve operational efficiency and service levels
- Resolve operational, customer service, and employee relations issues professionally
- Ensure adherence to company policies, safety standards, and applicable laws
Qualifications
- 10-15 years of progressive multi‑unit leadership experience in grocery, gourmet food, or specialty retail
- Strong financial and business acumen with hands‑on P&L experience
- Proven success in merchandising and operational excellence within a premium retail environment
- Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop management teams
- Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, hands‑on leadership role
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and general business technology
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary range: $100,000-$150,000
- Medical, dental, and life insurance
- 401(k) with company matching
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employee discount
Additional Information
This role requires on‑site leadership across multiple Towson‑based locations.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.