Overview

The Vice President of Operations (or Chief Operating Officer) is a key member of the executive leadership team responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring profitable growth, and delivering an exceptional customer experience across all grocery store locations. This role oversees day-to-day operations, supply chain, merchandising, compliance, and employee performance, while also leading strategic initiatives to strengthen the company’s competitive position.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and executive team to define and execute the company’s long-term vision and growth strategy.

• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with company objectives, customer needs, and market trends.

• Identify opportunities for store expansion, efficiency improvements, and innovation in the grocery retail space.

Operational Management

• Oversee daily store operations across multiple locations, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and compliance with company standards.

• Manage supply chain, logistics, and distribution to optimize product availability and freshness while minimizing waste.

• Ensure merchandising strategies are effectively executed to drive sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sales, labor, shrink, safety, and service.

Financial Accountability

• Develop and manage budgets, financial forecasts, and operational goals.

• Drive profitability through cost controls, productivity initiatives, and process improvements.

• Collaborate with the finance team on analysis of operating results and investment decisions.

People & Culture

• Lead, mentor, and develop store and operations leadership teams to build high-performance culture.

• Champion employee engagement, diversity, and professional development initiatives.

• Ensure compliance with labor regulations, health & safety standards, and company policies.

Customer Experience

• Promote a culture of customer service excellence across all locations.

• Implement initiatives to improve store experience, product offerings, and loyalty programs.

• Respond proactively to customer feedback and evolving shopping behaviors (e.g., e-commerce, delivery, curbside pickup).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, Supply Chain, or related field (MBA preferred).

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in retail operations, with significant experience in grocery, food, or consumer goods.

• Proven track record of managing multi-unit operations and achieving revenue growth and cost efficiencies.

• Strong financial acumen, analytical skills, and P&L management experience.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and change management skills.

• Knowledge of grocery retail trends, technology, and customer experience best practices.

Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong execution ability.

• Results-driven and data-informed decision maker.

• Inspirational leader and team builder.

• Adaptable and innovative in a fast-changing retail environment.

• Customer-first mindset.