Director of Produce

At Heritage Grocers Group, how we work is defined by shared values that include absolute integrity, respect, and collaboration. However, it's more than that; it's smart and highly driven people united in purpose to serve one another.Bring your energy and unique perspective and you'll have the opportunity to grow with us professionally, personally, and financially. You'll be part of a team that genuinely cares about helping you succeed, and you'll work alongside talented colleagues, while making a difference in our communities.POSITION SUMMARYReporting to the Vice President, Produce, the Director of Produce has oversight to Produce categories in terms of itemization, innovation, and financial performance. The Director of Produce qualifies vendors, evaluates bids, and negotiates prices and terms for purchased goods and services. The role is responsible for organizing and articulating the near and long-term strategic vision of the department and communicating that vision across the organization. The Role is also responsible for daily management of the department team of Category Managers, Purchasing Assistants, as well as a dotted line leadership of the schematics, replenishment, merchandising and support teams. The Role requires direct management of some categories.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:General oversight of the performance of the Produce Department's Category Management Team.Negotiate costs, promotions, assortment and other metrics with vendors/suppliers for assigned categories of products managed.Analyze sales and profit performance for assigned categories and suppliers/vendors and make appropriate business decisions related to results as well as for the entire department.Collaborates with procurement team in appropriate inventory management and creation of purchase orders for products handled through our self-distribution process. Negotiate favorable costs and terms.Dedicate appropriate time and effort into the innovation of assortment and merchandising for assigned categories and the department overall.Responsible for driving sales growth with new items and promotions.Complete full Category Review Process with all assigned categories minimally once per year.Accountable to full financial performance of assigned categories and the financial performance of the entire department.Provide strong customer service to Team Members.Manage relationships with Strategic Vendor Partners and garners support (financial, resources) to sustain the strategic vision.Develop Category Business Plans (CBP) for managed categories.Work collaboratively with all Team Members to create effective vendor relationships; establish strategic relations with key suppliers and manage vendor funding to drive profitable category growth.Approve section sizes and adjacencies in schematic plans for individually managed categories.Collaborates in the creation of business case for capital expenditures (shelving, fixtures, and store layout) to present to Senior Management.Provide daily performance and administrative leadership of the department team.Perform other duties as assigned.SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree in business or related field or equivalent work experience, preferred.Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in product negotiation and procurement.Knowledge of supplier and logistic systems, as well as knowledge of the federal grade/product standards and regulations.Understanding of store operations and merchandising methodologies and practices.Integrate with local management, be part of a team, and drive business results.Ability to be persuasive and relentless in reinforcing the best interests of the Company.Effective communicator, particularly when it comes to discussing Human Resources/Compliance matters with management or the department.Works well under pressure and multitask.Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK CONDITIONSThe physical demands and work conditions below represent those that must be met or be able to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Some requirements may be modified to accommodate individuals with disabilities:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and use the hands to handle objects, tools, or controls.Successful performance requires vision abilities that include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.The work environment is typical of an office and retail store. The noise level ranges from quiet to loud.LIFTING: Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER NOTICEThe job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors, and the requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. The Employer reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of business or the work environment change.Disclaimer:Pay Scale $140K to $170K annual salaryThe pay scale above is the salary or hourly wage range that the Company reasonably expects to pay for this position.Within this range, individual pay is determined by location and other factors including, but not limited to, specific skills, relevant work experience, and relevant education and/or training. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with California Labor Code § 432.3 and state and local minimum wage standards.

Created: 2025-10-02