Store Director

About the Position:

The Center Store Director is a key leadership role in the retail industry, responsible for overseeing the management and strategic direction of the center store department. This position plays a critical role in enhancing the customer shopping experience, optimizing inventory, and ensuring cost-effective operations. The Director will lead a team, manage vendor relationships, and drive the success of this vital department.

Key Responsibilities:

Department Leadership:

• • Provide visionary leadership to the center store department, setting clear objectives and strategies to drive sales and enhance the customer experience.
  • Collaborate with other department heads to align center store initiatives with overall store objectives.

Procurement and Vendor Management:

• • Develop and execute procurement strategies to source a wide range of center store products, including non-perishable items.
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, negotiate favorable terms, and oversee supplier performance.

Inventory Management:

• • Implement inventory control measures to maintain optimal stock levels and minimize excess or obsolete inventory.
  • Develop and execute inventory replenishment strategies, monitor stock rotation, and ensure product freshness.

Merchandise Assortment:

• • Oversee the product assortment within the center store, ensuring alignment with customer preferences and market trends.
  • Utilize data-driven insights to make decisions regarding product introductions, modifications, and discontinuations.
  • Oversee Planograms Resets

Cost Control:

• • Monitor and analyze cost structures, implementing cost-saving initiatives without compromising product quality.
  • Conduct price benchmarking and analysis to identify opportunities for cost optimization.

Team Leadership:

• • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of department managers, category buyers, and support staff.
  • Establish clear goals, foster teamwork, and monitor performance to drive a culture of excellence.

Quality Assurance:

• • Ensure that center store products meet quality standards and comply with regulations, collaborating with quality control teams as needed.

Vendor Negotiations:

• • Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers to secure favorable contracts and maximize profitability.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• • Utilize data analytics and reporting tools to make informed decisions, track department performance, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Responsible for building, managing and executing department Matrix (Margin/Sales)

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management preferred or 10-plus years of experience in a leadership role with increasing responsibilities within the merchandising or vendor-related management field are a plus.
• Proven experience in retail center store management, procurement, and vendor relationships in supermarkets.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and market trends.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in retail software, data analytics, and inventory management tools.
• Preferred Bilingual.

Physical Demands: 

Some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 70% sitting, 20% walking, and 10% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy office environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Retail Management, or a related field. Advanced degrees or 10-plus years of experience in a leadership role with increasing responsibilities within the merchandising or vendor-related management field are a plus.
• Proven experience in retail center store management, procurement, and vendor relationships.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and market trends.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in retail software, data analytics, and inventory management tools.

Physical Demands: 

Some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 70% sitting, 20% walking, and 10% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy office environment.