Center Store Specialist

The Center Store Specialist is responsible for the consistent execution of all nonperishable merchandising programs and successful operational effectiveness within our stores. This position is responsible for building sales, developing talent, merchandising, inventory control, shrink and risk management controls, and creating a culture of selling. This position works closely with the Director of Center Store, the Center Store Merchandising team, and Store Operations for best-in-class, day to day execution and store guidance.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Developing and maintaining weekly merchandising plans for maximum sales and margins
• Organizing, producing, maintaining, and distributing merchandising plans with signage for

optimal sales – leveraging cross merchandising every day

• Overseeing categories, product mix, variety, innovation, quality, and selection of items
• Reviewing market, store demographics and competition when implementing new items and
• Oversees and manages Center Store pricing integrity; performs pricing survey as required
• Cultivating relationships with Store Operations, DSD, and location vendors for win-win scenarios
• Ensures DSD service levels are within company/store requirements; directing contact for all product issues and remedies
• Developing seasonal item selections, retail strategy and markdown programs
• Maximizing use of data and marketing insights to improve decision making on programs and

products

• Partnering closely with Store Operations to drive consistency, adherence and execution while

providing open and honest feedback

• Responsible for maintaining pricing for beer, wine, liquor, and tobacco, including handling daily pricing discrepancies, monthly price changes, and weekly ADs
• Visiting stores regularly to assess strategies and direct improvements
• Assisting with store remodels, refreshes, and merchandising, including but not limited to building and taking down displays, endcaps, and other merchandising fixtures, as well as organizing backrooms, coolers, and freezers
• Collaborating with internal and external customers such as but not limited to customers, buyers, suppliers, marketing, pricing, IT, HR, store operations and compliance for optimal results
• Monitoring and addressing goals to actual performance
• Developing strategies to grow sales, buying, and profits to meet target sales and margins
• Maintaining weekly, period, quarterly and annual scorecards
• Using persuasive leadership and engagement to inspire and motivate with the ability to articulate goals and objectives that are clearly communicated and understood
• Partnering with Talent Acquisition on the hiring process for streamlined experience and efficiency
• Participating in the training and evaluation of teammates to ensure growth and development of talent
• Attend and assist with purchasing at all food shows, including but not limited to Bozzuto’s IRC, Non-Foods Marketing, and Imperial shows.
• Strong business acumen to understand business transactions, operations, profit & loss financials and overall business and industry strategy
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership
• Office and Retail Store Based environment. Regular, daily travel to stores in CT, MA, RI, NY, ME, and PA.

Schedule:

• Weekdays (45 hours) with some nights and/or weekends as needed with some overnight travel

Experience:

• Preferred:
  Ten (10) years Grocery Store Operations, Merchandising/Buyer, or related industry
• Preferred:
  Bachelor’s degree in business management or related field
• Preferred:
  Proficiency in office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, BRdata etc.

Skills:

• Physical abilities:
  Ability to stand, walk and sit throughout your day;
  Walking on a variety of flooring such as carpet, concrete, tile etc. Must be able to lift at least 50lbs.
• Strong communication Skills:
  Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with peers and leaders on a daily basis.
• Organizational Skills:
  Ability to fulfill executive directions in a timely manner; ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Working in a team-based environment:
  Working independently and as a team player
• Quality:
  Maintain integrity and high standards from all perspectives
• Safety Culture:
  Maintain and drive safety policies; driving for accountability of safe practices throughout shift.