Produce Operations Specialist

Position Purpose
The Operations Specialist monitors, enforces and supports the execution of the division merchandising plan for assigned departments and stores. This role trains, coaches, guides and develops store teams to ensure consistent operational excellence.

Key Accountabilities

• Travel to assigned stores to work with Department Managers and store teams, sharing merchandising plans to meet sales, gross profit and labor targets.
• Partner with Department Managers and Store Directors on all aspects of product merchandising and customer service.
• Conduct store visits to evaluate department presentation, cleanliness, compliance and overall program execution based on company policies and procedures.
• Measure store-level performance using key metrics such as department sales, gross profit and labor percentage.
• Execute merchandising and operational plans by conducting store visits, reviewing outcomes and observing department conditions.
• Evaluate the success of training programs by reviewing assessments and store-level performance improvements.
• Provide guidance to store associates regarding product knowledge, sales and marketing techniques, understanding profit and loss and compliance with company policies.
• Train Department Managers on the fundamentals of managing their departments and running the business.
• Provide input to the Store Director regarding Department Manager performance.

People Responsibilities

• Direct:
  None specified
• Indirect:
  Department Managers and store-level associates (influence without direct supervisory authority)

Scope Data

• Multi-state responsibility
• Oversight of stores across diverse geographic areas, including both urban and rural markets within one division

Knowledge and Experience

Education Level

• College degree or equivalent work experience.

Experience Level

• 5+ years of grocery retail experience, with strong operational knowledge across all major departments including Front End, Grocery and Fresh.

Skills and Competencies

• Prior experience as a Department Manager and Store Director is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals in person and over the phone.
• Marketing orientation with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Solid math skills to perform straightforward analysis.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and influence others without direct supervisory authority.

Travel Requirements

• Division‑wide travel up to 70%.
• Must have reliable transportation and be available for overnight travel.

Physical Environment

• Work performed primarily in a temperature‑controlled office environment.
• Extended periods of sitting at a desk or computer terminal.
• Regular use of office equipment including calculators, keyboards and telephones.
• Significant time may be spent traveling within the division to retail units or attending meetings, hearings or arbitration.

Disclaimer
The statements above describe the general nature and level of work expected for this role and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities or required skills.

To support the selection of the most qualified candidates in the new company, information regarding an applicant’s work performance and conduct may be shared with the hiring manager. This is standard practice for internal postings and interviews. Candidates who object to their information being shared should contact their Human Resources Representative.