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Bring your energy and unique perspective and you'll have the opportunity to grow with us professionally, personally, and financially. You'll be part of a team that genuinely cares about helping you succeed, and you'll work alongside talented colleagues, while making a difference in our communities.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director, Bakery leads the strategy, assortment, vendor partnerships, and financial performance of all bakery categories. Reporting to the Chief Merchandising Officer, this role drives category growth through vendor negotiations, product innovation, merchandising strategy, and cross-functional leadership. The Director oversees category management teams and provides strategic direction across replenishment, schematics, merchandising, and support functions to achieve sales, margin, and operational goals.
Director, Bakery
Heritage Grocers Group - IL-2800Posted 4 days ago
Job Description
At Heritage Grocers Group, how we work is defined by shared values that include absolute integrity, respect, and collaboration. However, it's more than that; it's smart and highly driven people united in purpose to serve one another.
Bring your energy and unique perspective and you'll have the opportunity to grow with us professionally, personally, and financially. You'll be part of a team that genuinely cares about helping you succeed, and you'll work alongside talented colleagues, while making a difference in our communities.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director, Bakery leads the strategy, assortment, vendor partnerships, and financial performance of all bakery categories. Reporting to the Chief Merchandising Officer, this role drives category growth through vendor negotiations, product innovation, merchandising strategy, and cross-functional leadership. The Director oversees category management teams and provides strategic direction across replenishment, schematics, merchandising, and support functions to achieve sales, margin, and operational goals.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Lead the overall strategy and performance of the bakery category management function.
- Negotiate vendor pricing, promotions, assortment, and terms to support sales growth and margin objectives.
- Own financial performance for bakery categories, including sales, gross margin, and profitability.
- Analyze category, item, and vendor performance and make data-driven decisions to improve business results.
- Develop and execute category business plans, including annual reviews, innovation strategies, and promotional plans.
- Partner with procurement and supply chain teams to support inventory management and distribution processes.
- Build and maintain strong vendor relationships to secure favorable terms, funding, and strategic support.
- Provide leadership and direction to category managers, purchasing assistants, and cross-functional partners.
- Approve schematic plans, assortment decisions, and merchandising strategies for managed categories.
- Support capital planning and business case development for fixtures, shelving, and store layout initiatives.
- Create category business plans (CBP) for managed categories;
- Provide daily performance and administrative leadership of the department team;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in business or related field or equivalent work experience, preferred;
- Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in product negotiation and procurement, preferably in prepared foods or baked goods and products.
- Knowledge of supplier and logistic systems, as well as knowledge of the federal grade/product standards and regulations;
- Understanding of store operations and merchandising methodologies and practices;
- Integrate with local management, be part of a team, and drive business results;
- Ability to be persuasive and relentless in reinforcing the best interests of the Company;
- Proven leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK CONDITIONS:
The physical demands and work conditions below represent those that must be met or be able to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Some requirements may be modified to accommodate individuals with disabilities:
The physical demands and work conditions below represent those that must be met or be able to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Some requirements may be modified to accommodate individuals with disabilities:
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and use the hands to handle objects, tools, or controls.
- Successful performance requires vision abilities that include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
- The work environment is that typical of an office and retail store. The noise level ranges from quiet to loud.
- LIFTING: Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER NOTICE
The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors, and the requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. The Employer reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business or the work environment change.
The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors, and the requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. The Employer reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business or the work environment change.
Disclaimer:
Pay scale 125K-170K
The pay scale above is the hourly wage range that the Company reasonably expects to pay for this position.
*Manager roles have a bonus target potential paid out quarterly based on company results/metrics.
Within this range, individual pay is determined by location and other factors including,
but not limited to, specific skills, relevant work experience, and relevant education and/or training.
The Company offers competitive medical, dental, vision, and supplemental benefits to its team members.
Team Members are also able to participate in the company's 401k plan that includes a safe harbor match.
This information is provided to applicants in accordance with IL Senate Bill HB2139 and state and local minimum wage standards.