Fresh Specialist

**Overview**:
Our story began in 1903, and since then, we’ve been a food company powered by deep values, a family atmosphere, and our very own kind of entrepreneurial spirit. Today we’re a company filled with fresh energy. We are going places in the grocery business at full speed and looking for amazing people to join us on this exciting journey.

As a Fresh Specialist, you provide continuous support and assistance to your department on produce standards, merchandising, and overall operational guidance to improve efficiency, profitability, and customer experience.

**Scope of Authority**

As a Fresh Specialist, you report directly to the Fresh Category Manager.

You contribute your ideas and recommendations for:

- Coach and support Fresh team in IGA and Fresh St. Market in day-to-day operations, achieving targets and fostering an environment of continuous improvement
- Implement and support employees on new programs
- Implement and support the Fresh team in IGA and Fresh St. Market on merchandising, promotional assortment, and pricing strategies.
- Provide workforce support to stores when directed.

**Breadth of Responsibilities**

**Department Operations Support**
- Complete full walk-through of designated Department, including review of product displays, temperature checks, due dates, shrink reports, correct pricing, adequate program implementation, the efficiency of operations and processes, adherence to health and safety policies, and overall department appearance
- Offer improvement recommendations to the Department Manager/Leader and discuss findings and recommendations with the Store Manager/Leader at the end of each store visit **Verify pricing during promotions and post-promotions, communicate the need for correct signage if required**:

- Implement and monitor program directives and communicate non-compliance to the Department Manager/Leader and Store Manager/Leader.
- Provide operational information to Grocery Department Managers/Leaders as requested (new price files, forms, price tags, etc.)
- Maintain awareness of all local, provincial, and federal law provisions and ensure compliance
- Conduct continuous research and learning about department policies, procedures, and products and utilize the information for training and staff development.

**Product Display and Purchasing Management**
- Provide department re-align schematic to designated Department Manager/Leader, assist with implementation if needed (Fresh Director activity conducted by Specialists)
- Strategically merchandise products (high impulse buys, product mix, seasonal items, etc.).
- Occasionally offer new product sourcing and program ideas to Category Manager and/or Director of Fresh Programs.
- Monitor weekly product bookings to identify missed or short orders
- Proof of weekly flyer for the correct advertisement of items with the designated department.
- Audit item movement reports determining SKU rationalization strategies when assigned (Fresh Director activity occasionally conducted by Specialists)

**Cost Strategy Management**
- Help manage product inventory levels within the department, review, and action any issues.
- Control spoilage and sampling by reviewing Department shortage reports.
- Coach Department Leader/Manager on best practices for forecasting product demand (limited)
- Occasionally conduct competitor price checks and communicate information to the Category Manager and/or Director of Fresh Programs.

**Qualifications**:

- Minimum 5 years retail (management capacity) and/or equal experience in operational execution and quality standards assurance environment.
- Demonstrated leadership and time management skills
- Strong initiative skills to learn about products, staff capabilities, and store procedures to make informed recommendations
- Solid knowledge of Grocery Department, operations, marketing, and sales principles
- Ability to recommend solutions and an analytical and critical mindset
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Computer proficiency
- Solid knowledge of health and safety measures
- Highly motivated and capable of self-direction.
- Ability to travel regularly to multiple stores, both local and out of town

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Vision care

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift

Application question(s):

- Please indicate the area of specialization you wish to be considered for.
- What are your salary expectations?

**Experience**:

- Retail management: 5 years (preferred)

Willingness to travel:

- 50% (required)