Director of Produce - Foodland

Foodland Super Market, Ltd. is locally owned and operated and has been doing business in Hawai`i for over 75 years. Foodland is strongly committed to sharing our passion for extraordinary service, unmatched quality and innovation, and delivering exceptional food and shopping experiences to inspire our community.

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and organized individual with previous managerial experience in the food industry with a focus on produce, to join our team as Director of Produce.

This position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of sales and merchandising for the produce department for the company’s grocery stores and affiliated markets. This position requires a deep understanding of fresh produce, market trends, and customer preferences. You will work with the head of sales and merchandising to create an overall vision and strategy for the department. You will be responsible for ensuring that your team (in the corporate office and at the store level) executes this strategy and delivers service, quality, merchandising, and an overall experience in alignment with our company’s high standards.

Essential Job Duties:

• Sales Strategy: Develop and execute strategies to achieve sales targets and increase market share in the produce department.
• Merchandising Strategy: Ensure the development and execution of sound merchandising plans that respond to changing customer needs and are in alignment with company vision.
• Product Assortment: Ensure product assortment reflects changing customer preferences, trends, and company vision and develop plans to ensure ongoing updating and maintenance of all sets.
• Pricing: Execute pricing strategies and promotional activities to drive sales and maintain competitiveness in the market.
• Supplier Relations: Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure high-quality products, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery.
• Quality Assurance: Implement quality control measures to ensure that all product meets company standards for freshness, appearance, and food safety.
• Inventory Control: Manage inventory levels to ensure availability and implement strategies to minimize waste and maximize freshness.
• Market Analysis and Awareness: Monitor and analyze sales data, market trends, and customer preferences to identify opportunities for growth and improvement. Visit and monitor competition, stay on top of customer trends, and respond to the changing needs and wants of customers.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, and company policies and procedures regarding food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety.
• Collaboration: Works closely with other departments and store management to develop and execute company programs and initiatives. Works closely with direct supervisor and executive team to ensure alignment of programs and objectives.
• Company Culture: Understands and lives by Company mission, vision, values, guiding principles, and house rules.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Proven knowledge and passion for the produce business.
• Strong team leader committed to the organization's values, culture, and objectives.
• Able to achieve results through others.
• Able to manage and organize multiple concurrent projects effectively.
• Strong analytical, negotiating, and problem-solving skills.
• Able to synthesize complex ideas and data to formulate plans and actions.
• Able to think strategically and develop long-term plans.
• Able to foster and build relationships internally and externally.
• Able to work effectively, meet deadlines, and accomplish team objectives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Office, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

Education/Experience

• 3-5 years of proven experience in a managerial or leadership role within the produce industry
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Working Environment

• This position involves travelingto store locations and/or neighbor islands for initiative implementation, maintenance, and training. Mainland and international travel may also be required for industry shows and research and development.
• Requires ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays to accommodate the business. Additionally, the job requires the individual to be able to spend periods off island to execute company initiatives and meet store needs.
• Work is conducted in an office environment and may require work to be conducted in non-standard workplaces, including stores.

Mental Demands

• Ability to analyze reports, interpret findings, and effectively problem-solve based on data.
• The position requires remembering processes, procedures, and complete information.
• Will be required to learn new tasks, adapt to changes, and stay updated with industry trends.
• Requires quick decision-making ability and at times with minimal information available.
• Must maintain focus during tasks, especially when dealing with intricate details or repetitive work.
• The position involves reading reports, emails, or other written materials as well as writing and creating documents and presentations.
• Will be required to speak publicly when presenting information to various audiences including hourly employees, managers, vendors, senior leaders, and board members.

Physical Demands

• Frequently sits, performs desk-based computer tasks, and stands and/or walks for long periods in stores.
• Occasional lifting, and/or carrying, pushing, and/or pulling merchandise that weighs up to 20 pounds.

Communication Demands

• The position requires talking and listening to employees, supervisors, managers, executives, and outside trade persons/vendors; written communication to employees, supervisors, managers, executives, and outside persons/vendors; responding to written or verbal requests; reading; composing written language; receiving verbal and written instructions.

Foodland Super Market, Ltd. is an equal-opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Foodland does not discriminate based on disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local laws.