Essential Functions:

·        Writes weekly merchandising plan and follows up with stores to evaluate the effectiveness of each plan.

·        Maintains ongoing communication with store management and StoreSupportCenter personnel regarding all phases of bakery / deli operations.

·        Consistently maintains thorough understanding of competitor strategies and activity within our marketing area and industry best practices for possible implementation.

·        Responsible for development of product lines, maintaining quality, cost control, and department sanitation procedures.

·        Selects and authorizes new items, coordinates the discontinuation of poor performing products.

·        Represents company to vendors, suppliers at various industry functions.

·        Negotiates cost of goods and co-op monies with suppliers.

·        Determines advertising layout, product price, and item selection.

·        Develops the merchandising plan and department layout recommendations for stores.

·        Continually improves bakery / deli departments’ presentations and merchandising methods. 

Other Responsibilities:

·       Responsible for schematic and resets in stores.

·       Provides training and presentations related to merchandising philosophies and Brown & Cole operating standards to team members.

·       Develops fixture and merchandising layouts for new and remodeled stores.

·       Complies with laws/regulations and company policies including those regarding confidentiality, honesty and business ethics.

·       Maintains responsive and cooperative relationships with supervisors, co-workers, vendors, customers and other personnel.

·       Accomplishes assigned tasks in an efficient and timely manner within standards established by supervisor.

·       Participates in own training and professional development.

·       Demonstrates the "Please the customer first" credo in spirit and in executing duties.

·       Other related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

·        Must possess strong communication, supervisory, and merchandising skills.

·        Prior retail supervisory experience with a multi-store supermarket chain or division level bakery / deli management is required.

·        Prior experience with vendor negotiations and with developing progressive marketing strategies.

·        At least two years of experience successfully operating and managing a multi-store, supermarket retail environment in bakery / deli or related field OR two years of experience successfully operating and managing a multi-department retail unit.

·        Experience with development of order guides and inventory procedures.

·        Experience in all aspects of meeting sales and profit contribution goals.

·        Broad understanding of food safety regulatory and compliance issues -- proven ability to develop executable HACCP plans.

·        Proven success in growing sales and profits.

·        Proven ability to develop outsourced production of controlled brands and product lines.

·        Open minded / creative thinker, with a passion for driving excellence in retail grocery bakery / deli.

·        Experience with Hispanic Market Merchandising strongly preferred.

·        PC skills, spreadsheet and word processing a plus.

·        Strong in verbal and written communications skills.

·        Willingness and ability to travel extensively (2 to 3 days a week) as a regular part of the job.