Manager, Grocery Operations

**Company Overview**

Market Fresh is Guelph’s premier independent gourmet grocer focused on local producers and products. We have been in operation for over 20 years and pride ourselves on offering exceptional customer service and quality food. Our full-service grocery store includes a scratch bakery, butcher shop, deli, commercial kitchen, Gourmet to Go cafe, full kitchen, garden center and giftware area. Market Fresh is a celebration of fine food—making us a destination shopping experience for community members and visitors. Our MF in the Community program seeks to raise awareness and funding for local not-for-profit programs and charities aligned to our mission to buy local, be local, support local.

**Position Summary**

The overall mandate of the Manager, Grocery Operations is to assume responsibility for the daily operations of Market Fresh, including employee relations, inventory, customer service and financial management. The primary goal for the Grocery Store Manager is to cultivate and sustain a positive and safe shopping environment for both customers and employees.

**Job Structure**

This is a full-time permanent salaried position with annual performance incentive. Work schedule includes weekends and holidays as required. 3 weeks paid vacation. Health insurance plan included. Paid education, training, and industry event / networking opportunities at discretion of leadership. Necessary technology (hardware and software) and equipment provided.

**Responsibilities**

**In-Store Management (70%)**
- Lead and provide high quality customer service that demonstrates active listening, empathy, patience and conflict resolution
- Support department managers with scheduling and staffing needs including hiring and onboarding practices and assigning work shifts to support efficient daily operations
- Employee coaching, training and performance management to cultivate a culture that supports highly motivated, knowledgeable and engaged staff (e.g., team meetings, 1:1 discussions, rewards and recognition, and special events)
- Oversee ordering and receiving practices to ensure right amount product in-store to meet customer demand and maintain quality control
- Lead inventory management and point-of-sale systems to ensure all products (food and non-food) are tracked and accounted for to support effective and efficient planning and ordering
- Oversee maintenance schedule for all equipment and supplies to ensure good working order, with a general knowledge and understanding of how each piece functions for quick solutions
- Lead effective daily and seasonal merchandizing in alignment to brand and marketing strategy, product placement and organization to facilitate a positive and convenient shopping experience for customers

**Back Office Leadership (20%)**
- Develop with Human Resources and execute policies and procedures to communicate about and ensure regulatory compliance (provincial and federal) (e.g., laws re: food safety, health insurance, employee benefits) focused on safety and risk mitigation
- Market analysis (e.g., supply vs. demand) for effective pricing and promotions using effective sales techniques (e.g., advertising, discounts)
- Financial analysis (e.g., sales and profit margins) to inform loss prevention and ensure positive financial status for the store
- Generate and use standardized reporting and metrics to support department managers with planning for daily and seasonal operational success

**Growth and Innovation (10%)**
- Identify, attend and disseminate knowledge from relevant industry events (e.g., tradeshows)
- Develop and sustain positive relationships with existing and new local food producers, vendors and farmers
- Routinely crowd source new ideas from employees and customers to inform ongoing and new quality improvement initiatives
- Adapt emerging grocery industry trends to the Market Fresh context and lead implementation of new and fresh ideas

**Qualifications**

Education and Training
- Formal post-secondary education preferred (courses in accounting, supply chain management, inventory systems and brand management an asset)

**Skills and Experience**
- Mid-career grocery leadership experience (e.g., 5-10 years experience)
- Proclivity for creative thinking and real-time problem solving
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Team-oriented leadership style to sustain a motivated and engaged employee culture in a fast paced environment
- Experience with data-driven decision-making to create a differentiated retail experience
- Ability to adapt and be flexible to respond to dynamic needs of the team and store
- Growth mindset and future-focused thinking to maintain industry competitive edge
- Organization and attention to detail required for success

**Job Types**: Permanent, Full-time

**Benefits**:

- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Store discount

Flexible Language Requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift