Job Overview:

The Director of Retail Strategy and Implementation is responsible for supporting and executing retail operations strategies that align with overall business goals. This includes refining retail processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and promoting the adoption of technology and best practices. The role emphasizes collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance associate and customer experiences, ensuring operational improvements are achievable and sustainable.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities:

·       Collaborate with operations and field teams to understand in-store tools, processes, and workflows, providing recommendations for alignment with business objectives.

·       Assist in the development of training materials to support District Managers and Operational Specialists, tracking adoption and effectiveness through established measures.

·       Partner with Safety, Food Safety, and Learning & Development to support the documentation of task-specific best practices.

·       Provide tools and resources to support store-level training needs, addressing gaps identified by field and store leadership.

·       Support the review and improvement of department workflows to enhance efficiency and associate engagement.

·       Coordinate in-store communication efforts to ensure alignment with key operational priorities and promote metric-based improvements.

·       Maintain and update a Store Standards Playbook to promote operational consistency and enhance the associate and customer experience.

·       Conduct periodic reviews of processes to identify improvement opportunities, incorporating Lean principles as appropriate.

Additional Responsibilities:

·       Build collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams and support leadership in achieving operational goals.

·       Serve as a resource to leadership teams, facilitating communication and alignment on strategic initiatives.

·       Manage and execute assigned projects, ensuring alignment with timelines and priorities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience in retail operations or merchandising.

Experience:

·       5-7 years of experience in retail operations, with exposure to store management, strategy support, and process improvement.

·       Familiarity with Lean methodologies or similar frameworks in retail or operational settings.

·       Experience in contributing to training programs to diverse audiences, from front-line employees to store leadership.

·       Background in working with cross-functional teams, including safety, food safety, marketing, and learning & development, to drive operational improvements.

·       Ability to analyze operational data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

·       Strong understanding of retail operations, including store management and basic process optimization.

·       Proficiency with computer software, including Microsoft Office, for managing projects and reporting.

·       Effective communication skills, with the ability to engage various stakeholders.

·       Organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.

·       Ability to support strategic initiatives and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

Work Environment:

Remote Role:

·       This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel (major):

·       Travel is required up to 65% for this position.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

·       Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

·       Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.

·       While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  

·       Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.

·       Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.