Director of Operations & Purchasing - Retail - Judge Group

Location: Hickory Hills, IL
Salary: $175,000.00 USD Annually - $190,000.00 USD Annually
Description:

We are working with a large building products company in the Chicago suburbs seeking a Director of Operations & Purchasing to oversee operations of their network of retail locations. This person is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of multiple retail stores, ensuring efficient processes, and achieving operational excellence. This role involves strategic planning, staff management, and the integration of purchasing functions to optimize inventory levels, reduce costs, and enhance the customer experience. The Director of Operations will work closely with senior management to align operational strategies with business goals and drive performance improvements across all retail locations. This role is remote with about 40-50% travel required. This person must live locally to the listed location.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operations of multiple retail locations, ensuring compliance with company policies and standards. Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance productivity and customer satisfaction. Monitor and analyze store performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions. Ensure that all retail locations maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for customers and employees.
• Collaborate with the purchasing department to develop and execute effective purchasing strategies. Manage inventory levels across all retail locations, ensuring optimal stock availability and minimizing excess inventory. Negotiate with suppliers to secure favorable terms and pricing, fostering strong vendor relationships. Implement systems to track and analyze inventory performance, adjusting purchasing strategies as needed.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, ensuring alignment with financial goals and objectives. Analyze financial reports and provide insights to senior management to support decision-making processes. Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement initiatives to improve profitability.
• Recruit, train, and mentor store managers and retail staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback to support employee development. Ensure that all retail staff adhere to company policies, procedures, and customer service standards.
• Ensure that all retail locations deliver exceptional customer service, addressing customer concerns promptly and effectively. Implement customer feedback mechanisms to continuously improve the shopping experience. Develop and execute promotional and marketing strategies to attract and retain customers.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. Implement and monitor safety and security protocols to protect customers, employees, and company assets. Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure operational integrity and compliance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in retail operations management, with a proven track record of success in a multi-location environment.
• Strong experience in purchasing, inventory management, and vendor negotiations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in the use of retail management software and inventory management systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to travel to various retail locations as required.

Contact: rgahagan@judge.com