Director Produce

Lunds & Byerlys is a company filled with family traditions and values that can be traced back three generations. Its reputation of providing extraordinary food, exceptional service and passionate expertise can be contributed to the standards set by its founder, Russell T. Lund.
There are 29 Lunds & Byerlys grocery stores, two production facilities and a distribution center in the Twin Cities and surrounding area.

The Director Produce position represents a senior management position that has responsibility for the performance of the produce department. This individual establishes the strategic direction within the product area, developing business plans and defining key performance measures including sales and profitability targets. In addition, this individual is responsible for developing programs, processes and measures that assure the accomplishment of the strategic goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following description of work to be performed by this individual is not intended to be all-inclusive. Rather, it focuses on the major tasks that must be accomplished. There are many necessary activities to satisfy any of the following performance guidelines.

• Provide assistance to all Lunds & Byerlys team members modeling company customer service standards at all times
• Provide leadership in the area of establishing the strategic vision and direction for the assigned product areas incorporating consumer food trends, competitive developments, merchandising, product offerings, pricing profitability and sales objectives that are supportive of and contribute to the achievement of the company’s strategic goal and key initiatives
• Train and develop staff, assign responsibility, coach, train and manage performance to ensure the accomplishment of department objectives
• Identify and develop staffing needs and key positions to ensure employee development to continue to grow our company’s bench strength
• Develop and execute a wide and varied range of promotional programs including seasonal, event, lifestyle, and item driven programs that successfully support and achieve sales, profitability and brand management objectives
• Develop and execute buying, merchandising, pricing and promotion strategies that support and promote the brand management objectives
• Negotiate purchase contracts, buying agreements and promotional programs that secure the lowest cost of goods and most favorable terms on the products and services that represent the quality, variety and selection objectives
• Review financial performance reports and analyze and interpret data to identify opportunities to obtain cost savings objectives through efficient planning of resources, including labor
• Develop private label and signature item strategies to successfully support the brand identity and maximize sales and profitability objectives Lead and inspire innovative products and programs to ensure trend forward product offerings are maximized to support the brand strategies and to maximize sales and profitability objectives
• Source and develop supplier relations that promote the development of business strategies that assure effective utilization of supplier programs and services and support the achievement of sales, profitability and brand management objectives Participate in the development of sales objectives for assigned product areas and establish programs and services that maximize the accomplishment of such objectives
• Participate in the development of profitability objectives for assigned product areas and establish programs and services that maximize the accomplishment of such objectives
• Develop communication models that ensure key stakeholders including retail, wholesale supplier, vendor and other personnel have information, tools, resources and the appropriate level of involvement in decisions, programs and strategies that affect them

OTHER JOB DUTIES: (Not considered essential to the job)

• Perform all other related assignments (including special projects) as required in a professional and cooperative manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in business or related field, or the equivalent knowledge gained from experience within the functional area
• Experience
  • Ten or more years of related management experience including responsibility for sales and profitability, budgeting, buying and merchandising along with a proven record of success in developing product strategies, category management, pricing, promotions and merchandising
• LFHI Competencies expected of all employees include: action oriented, communicates effectively, customer focus and instills trust.
• Other required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • A service-oriented individual with a high energy, positive and friendly demeanor
  • Excellent customer service, interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills
  • Strong communication skills, human relations and project management skills
  • Innovative, resourceful and analytical thinking abilities
  • Ability to respond to continually changing priorities and coordinate multiple projects
  • Strong computer skills (Outlook, Excel, Word)
  • Ability to delegate and follow through
  • Ability to provide motivation and leadership
  • Strong organizational abilities
  • Project management, sound judgment and decision-making abilities
  • Ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English

OTHER REQUIREMENTS/EQUIPMENT USED, IF APPLICABLE:

Equipment Used

• Office Equipment (this may include computer, phone, printer, scanner, copier and fax machine)