Lead Murray's Cheese Specialist - Ralphs & Smith's

Position Summary:

The primary responsibility of the Lead Murray's Cheese Specialist (MCS) is to provide strategic, on-the-ground support for the merchandising, training and operations of Murray's Cheese shop to enhance customer experience and achieve sales goals. The Lead MCS will direct two (2) additional MCS(s) within the same division as well as overseeing the Smith's division to streamline communication, ensure alignment and maintain program compliance.

This position requires living in or be willing to relocate to the Los Angeles, CA area.

Responsibilities

Execution/Driving Results

• Accountable for setting high standards of merchandising, training, and operations at Murray's Cheese shops in reporting divisions to enhance customer experience and achieve sales goals
• Ensures reporting Murray's MCSs have a deep understanding of Murray's Cheese Brand Standards and how they are implemented at store level.
• Serves as brand champion & ensures compliance at store level in reporting divisions, promoting transparency & communication around existing barriers
• Regularly reviews Murray's mobile CRM data for real-time visibility into execution in reporting divisions; uses data to inform coaching & follow-up with reporting team members
• Partners with division stakeholders to identify acceptable solutions in situations where Murray's Brand Standards are in conflict with Division priorities.
• Serves as representative of Murray's liaison to leadership in reporting divisions. In that capacity, communicates division-level updates & feedback to Murray's leadership to ensure timely action

Team Management

• Manages designated Murray's Cheese Specialists:
• Conducts weekly 1:1s & provides support as needed throughout the week
• Provides support in navigating complex situations in reporting divisions
• Coaches, teaches & trains in areas such as (but not limited to): effective business communication, territory management, problem-solving, merchandising, training techniques, etc.
• Advises on schedule planning to ensure needs of the business being prioritized
• Identifies areas where additional training is needed & works with relevant stakeholders to secure necessary support
• Conducts semi-annual performance reviews
• Maintains ownership of onboarding and ongoing training of new hires
• Visits direct reports minimum 2x/year to walk stores, ensure alignment on standards, coach in real time & consult with division leadership on local needs & goals
• Visits a reporting division minimum 1x/month to walk stores with MCS and Lead MCS, ensure alignment on standards, coach in real time & consult with division leadership on local needs

Territory Management

• Personally performs & holds MCS direct reports accountable for:
• Leading store teams to execute customer experience, merchandising, and sales strategies to Murray's standards to achieve sales goals.
• Executing and scheduling trainings in support of Murray's Cheese training strategy, including Murray's Core Curriculum and additional training modules as needed. Maintaining training records/achievements for internal and divisional teams.
• Opening new stores and training store associates to Murray's standard.
• Assisting store teams in executing Murray's Cheese Engagement Events including coordinating with DCS to influence staffing, understanding set up requirements for demos, merchandising displays, supporting product needs etc.
• Building and maintaining strategic relationships with Division Cheese Specialist, Deli/Bakery Merchandiser and other key stakeholders, including but not limited to, Cheese Masters & their teams, Store Management, & Deli Managers to advance initiatives in the division.
• Influencing hiring at store level to shape the caliber of cheesemongers behind the counter

Administrative

• Reviews travel requests for reporting MCSs to approve or coach as needed; Manages own Travel & Entertainment expenses within allocated budget and consistently reports any discrepancies or issues via email in a timely fashion.
• Completes administrative duties including but not limited to expense report, territory management sheets, scheduling, and focus store objectives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 4-5 years retail experience, preferably in cheese
• Previous experience managing teams or individuals preferred
• Extensive product and industry knowledge, CCP preferred
• Proven track record in meeting sales goals & managing teams
• Demonstrate a passion for cheese and all things food
• Ability to analyze and leverage sales reports to take informed actions
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Team player who enjoys collaborating on all fronts
• Must be willing to relocate to specific region of the country to fulfill the needs of the business

Work Perks

• Weekly Pay
• 3 weeks paid vacation and sick time
• 401k
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Discounts on our products

E-Verify Notice

• This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Please see the attached notice for more information.
• Este empleador participa en E-Verify y proporcionará al gobierno federal la información de su Formulario I-9 para confirmar que usted está autorizado para trabajar en los EE.UU.. Por favor, consulte el aviso adjunto para obtener más información.