Director of Operations

Our client in Baltimore, MD, has an immediate opening for a Director of Operations on a direct-hire basis.

• Specialty Grocery Retailer
• Team Atmosphere and Environment
• Passion for Food and People

• Lead the future of a premier, high-volume gourmet grocery operation in Baltimore. This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished multi-unit retail leader to drive sales, elevate customer experience, strengthen store operations, and develop high-performing teams across two upscale grocery locations.
• If you thrive in a fast-paced food retail environment, know how to turn operational excellence into profitable growth, and are passionate about delivering an exceptional customer experience, this leadership role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact.
• The Operations Director partners closely with ownership to set strategy and lead all aspects of operations for gourmet grocery retail stores. This hands-on, results-driven leader will oversee Store Managers and support the performance and development of department leadership teams.
• This role is ideal for a strategic retail operations professional with deep grocery experience, strong financial acumen, proven merchandising instincts, and a track record of improving sales, service, profitability, and team performance.
• Lead day-to-day operations for upscale gourmet grocery stores, ensuring exceptional execution across sales, service, quality, safety, merchandising, and profitability.
• Partner with ownership to develop and implement strategic initiatives that improve store performance, customer satisfaction, and long-term business growth.
• Coach, develop, and hold accountable Store Managers and their department leadership teams.
• Drive revenue growth through innovative merchandising, local market awareness, business development, and outstanding in-store execution.
• Own operational standards related to labor, cost control, shrink, inventory, product quality, customer service, safety, and delivery operations.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and profit-and-loss performance management.
• Identify performance trends, uncover operational opportunities, and implement practical solutions that improve results.
• Create and maintain consistent processes, policies, and best practices across both store locations.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, teamwork, inclusion, and service excellence.
• Partner with business leaders on staffing, training, employee development, succession planning, employee relations, and legal compliance.
• Resolve complex operational, employee, and customer concerns with sound judgment, urgency, professionalism, and discretion.
• Build an environment of open communication, trust, and high expectations for all team members.
• Lead improvement initiatives that create consistently memorable, high-touch customer experience.
• Perform additional leadership responsibilities as needed to support business goals.

• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in multi-unit grocery, specialty retail, food retail, or a comparable high-service retail environment.
• Proven success managing store operations, sales performance, employee development, and profitability across multiple locations.
• Experience in upscale grocery, gourmet food, specialty food, fresh food, premium retail, or high-end merchandising environments is strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of profit and loss statements, budgeting, forecasting, labor management, inventory, shrink, and financial reporting.
• A demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful merchandising, sales growth, and business development strategies.
• Outstanding leadership skills with the ability to inspire, coach, challenge, and develop managers and frontline teams.
• Strong business judgment, critical thinking, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making abilities.
• A customer-first mindset and a passion for delivering exceptional service at every touchpoint.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build credibility at every level of the organization.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, confidentiality, and accountability.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business systems.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending…