VP, Merchandising - Fresh

• Our Mission:
  Touching lives for the better
• Our Vision:
  Touching lived by being the first choice for bargain-minded consumers in the U.S.

As VP of Merchandising (Fresh), you will lead Grocery Outlet’s Fresh Produce and Fresh Meat businesses, representing approximately 25% of the company and more than $1.1 billion in annual sales. Leading a team of ~15 you will have end-to-end accountability for strategy, sales, margin, sourcing, assortment, inventory performance and team development.

You are a hands-on, entrepreneurial merchant who can shape long-term strategy while remaining close to commodity markets, supplier relationships and key buying decisions. You will bring deep Fresh expertise, strong financial and analytical capabilities and a proven ability to build trusted relationships and develop high-performing merchants and future leaders. The VP of Merchandising reports to the Chief Purchasing & Merchandising Officer.

We’re a passionate and collaborative merchandising team dedicated to delivering the right products at the right price, with the right presentation to inspire our customers and drive results. We blend market insights, customer understanding, and operational excellence to create compelling assortments, impactful promotions, and consistent in-store experiences. Guided by data, creativity, and a commitment to quality, we partner across the business to bring our merchandising vision to life in every store.

• Own the overall strategy and financial performance of the Fresh Produce and Fresh Meat businesses, representing more than $1.1 billion in annual sales.
• Deliver sustainable sales growth, gross margin expansion, inventory productivity and improved customer penetration across both categories.
• Develop and execute short and long term business strategies aligned with company priorities, customer needs and Grocery Outlet’s value proposition.
• Translate broader company objectives into clear category priorities, financial targets and execution plans.
• Identify opportunities to grow the Fresh business through assortment optimization, pricing, promotions, innovation, sourcing strategies and improved operational execution.
• Monitor business performance and take timely action to address sales, margin, inventory, supply or execution challenges.
• Ensure Fresh strategies balance quality, availability, value, profitability and the needs of Grocery Outlet’s Independent Operators.

• Provide strategic leadership across assortment planning, buying, pricing, promotions, category management and product lifecycle decisions.
• Remain closely connected to commodity markets, supplier dynamics, competitive activity and emerging consumer trends.
• Ensure category leaders make timely, customer-focused and data-informed decisions.
• Balance strategic leadership with a willingness to engage directly in major buys, supplier negotiations and time-sensitive business decisions.
• Establish clear merchandising standards and processes that improve decision quality, speed, accountability and execution.
• Build a Fresh assortment that consistently delivers quality, value, relevance and differentiation for customers.
• Ensure Produce and Fresh Meat strategies are integrated where appropriate while recognizing the distinct operating requirements of each business.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with growers, producers, packers, manufacturers, distributors and other strategic Fresh suppliers.
• Lead major supplier negotiations involving cost, quality, volume, service levels, promotional funding and long-term partnership opportunities.
• Expand and strengthen Grocery…