Job Summary:

The Director of Produce Operations will strategize and oversee our franchise operations with a concentrated focus on merchandise management. This role necessitates optimizing operational efficiency, driving financial growth, and enhancing performance, all while integrating strategies for growth. This leadership role requires an accomplished professional with a demonstrated ability to manage, educate, make strategic merchandising decisions, and evaluate Profit and Loss (P&L) statements.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

•  Lead the recruitment and training of managers, ensuring they align with our company's vision and objectives.
•  Manage the schedules and workflows of managers, fostering an efficient and productive work environment.
•  Conduct performance evaluations providing constructive feedback to aid employee growth.
•  Uphold company policies during disciplinary and termination procedures.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

•  Partner with Retailers to collaborate strategy, program performance with local merchandisers and retail leadership.
•  Execute and maintain Brand and Regulatory Compliance Audit Checklists, ensuring adherence across franchises.
•  Develop, implement, and maintain merchandising and produce management strategies across franchises, driving customer engagement and sales growth.
•  Analyze and control inventory of merchandise and produce, ensuring optimal levels and turnover, and minimizing shrinkage.
•  Understand, interpret, and coach franchisees on audits to guarantee compliance.
•  Proactively guide franchisee recruitment to attract potential franchise partners.
•  Supervise Managers, providing support, development and guidance as needed.
•  Oversee franchisee operations, implementing strategies for optimal performance.
•  Establish and implement metrics, guidelines, and standards for evaluating company efficiency and effectiveness in merchandising and produce management; continuously identify areas for improvement.
•  Review, analyze, and refine business procedures to increase efficiency.
•  Develop and implement policies that streamline day-to-day operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and improve the merchandising experience.
•  Forecast, plan, and control budgets and cost of sales across all divisions to meet financial objectives.
•  Communicate new directives, policies, or procedures to managers, and where necessary, conduct staff meetings to discuss significant changes, answer questions, and maintain staff morale.
•  Write comprehensive monthly reports and build strong relationships with store managers, franchisees, and merchandisers.
•  Respond promptly to stakeholder inquiries, providing effective solutions.
•  Conduct regular store visits to oversee adherence to company operation standards.
•  Assist in store recruitment, new store openings, and franchise transfers.
•  Monitor sales and identify opportunities for continuous growth.
•  Develop and maintain productive relationships with Merchandisers.
•  Oversee the recruitment and onboarding of new managers and supervisors.

Qualifications:

•  Technical Skills: Proficiency in product line preparation and presentation, understanding of company product lines.
•  Merchandising Skills: Proficiency in merchandising and product display strategies, ability to understand customer behaviors and market trends, and drive sales through effective merchandising.
•  Produce Management Skills: Strong knowledge in sourcing, handling, and storing produce. Ability to identify fresh and quality produce and ensure adherence to food safety regulations.
•  Regulatory/Food Safety & Brand Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of food safety regulations and Yummi Product line products.
•  Problem-Solving Skills: Effective operational problem-solving, and ability to manage and resolve critical operation’s issues in a timely manner.
•  Leadership Skills: Exceptional administrative, interpersonal, and mentorship skills. Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Additional Skills: Strategic thinking abilities, excellent communication skills, and readiness to take on challenging tasks beyond the role's primary responsibilities.

Education and Experience:

•  Bachelor's degree in business administration; preferred.
•  At least 10 years of experience in operations management, preferably within the grocery, food and beverage or related franchise Industry
•  A minimum of 5 years of experience in merchandising and produce management, preferably in a grocery retail or grocery franchise setting.
•  Receive and maintain ServSafe Manager Certification.

Physical Requirements:

•  Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and work on a computer.
•  Ability to stand, walk, for extended periods of time and work in confined spaces (i.e. kiosk).
•  Ability to work in extreme cold, heat and varied temperature environments (i.e. cooler/freezer). 
•  Ability to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
•  Ability to travel frequently with limited notice to oversee franchise operations, merchandising strategy implementation, produce sourcing, and build relationships with business partners.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

GBC Food Services, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Military Applicants:

We value the skills and experience military veterans bring to our team. We support the hiring of returning service members and military spouses.