Retail Specialist - Grocery

The Retail Specialist will work closely with all stakeholders, providing training, on-going coaching and mentoring to support retail's goal of continuous improvement in an effort to exceed member expectations every day. Retail Specialist will champion and implement Grocery merchandising programs including employee engagement, new and existing sales growth initiatives, financial reporting, labor control, margin and shrink management targets ensuring budgeted financial goals are met or exceeded.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with the Grocery Managers, Centre Manager and team to assist in the implementation and execution of the Grocery merchandising programs at the retail level and recommend corrective actions with appropriate follow-up as required.
• Suggest continuous improvement ideas and measurements for new and existing products within the Grocery department.
• Suggest where identified improvements in departmental work flow, store operations and supply chain management can be made.
• Work with Grocery Category Director/Manager and relevant stakeholders in planning, executing and monitoring to ensure compliance within Grocery merchandising programs.
• Initiate, lead and manage special projects to improve profitability, efficiencies and work flow to support departmental merchandising for promotional, seasonal and local business efforts.
• Conduct regular visits to retail stores to provide coaching, training and communication.
• Complete operational scorecards as required supporting with corrective action on Grocery merchandising program objectives and financial analysis.
• Analyze sales, margin, labor and shrink. Coach for success.
• Conduct regular visits to our competition in the markets we operate and provide valuable feedback to the Grocery Category Director/Manager and Operations on pricing gaps, items of opportunity, innovative displays/ equipment or positive or negative business observations.
• Partner with the Grocery Category Director/Manager, Centre Management team and all relevant stakeholders to develop, implement and facilitate specialized training programs and strategies for Grocery commodity while identifying any training gaps and implement any corrections or additions required for our business need.
• Demonstrate leadership, and be a Subject Matter Expert for all Grocery employees.
• Be willing to travel locally and abroad as required for business, training or functions.
• Prepare and deliver on-going status reports to the Senior Director, Grocery Category Director/Manager and any other Stakeholders as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3-5 years’ experience managing the Grocery department in a retail grocery environment.
• Foodwise certificate is required.
• Excellent business acumen for retail, category management and logistic supply chain.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) with the ability to interact, establish and maintain good rapport with all stakeholders.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to work independently.
• Ability to problem solve and network for job efficiency and effectiveness.
• Strong leadership, teamwork and influencing skills.
• Ability to use sound judgement and make appropriate decisions in a timely and consistent manner.
• Have experience and/or be a champion of change management.
• Experience and knowledge of working in a unionized environment.
• Must have reliable transportation.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate in business is an asset.
• Additional Grocery specific knowledge or courses is an asset.

ABOUT CALGARY COOP

Owned by members, Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America. We have locations in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks and Strathmore, that include: food centres, pharmacies, gas stations, car washes, home health care centres, wine, spirits and beer stores, and cannabis stores. We also own and operate Community Natural Foods and Beacon Pharmacy. With over 456,000 members, 3530 employees, assets of $757 million and annual sales of $1.3 billion, Calgary Co-op is committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience through inspired team members. We are proud recipient of Canadian Grocer’s 2024 Impact Awards for our commitment to sustainability & supporting employees.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.