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Grocery and Convenience Store 
Candidate Profiles

Listed below are current candidates available through Executive Referral Services. For further information on these candidates who are seeking a new opportunity, please contact us at (847) 397-2000. Or, you may enter the Reference No. listed by each candidate and post on the "Contact Us" form, then submit by e-mail. We respond to all e-mail inquiries within 24 hours.

BAKERY/DELI BUYER - This Bakery/Deli Specialist spent over 20 years with one of the top Midwest grocery chains. He generated unprecedented sales growth through category development and "new" merchandising techniques. Developed product lines ranging from fat free and cholesterol free bakery items to premium whipped cream pie lines. Currently, he is a "field specialist" involved in all aspects of merchandising and operations of Bakery and Deli both as a support to independent grocers and as communicator of localized needs. Salary $85K  #DR081025*

VICE PRESIDENT MERCHANDISING & MARKETING - Highly motivated, resourceful, and results oriented professional with proven executive leadership skills in Merchandising, Marketing, and Operations. He spent over 15 years with one of the top Supermarket chains in the South where he was accountable for almost $2 Billion in sales. Some accomplishments include total margins improved by 150 basis points during a two-year period, inventory reduction of 15% in Distribution Center while maintaining service level of 96.5%, and "other income" improved by over $1.5 Million annually.  Salary - Negotiable #DR081030*

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS - Twenty plus year career with continued growth in responsibilities.  Began his career in merchandising and category management.  Fast tracked to district and regional management.  Experienced overseeing 200+ company stores.  Highly stable individual with a reputation for training and development of his staff.  In his current role he has developed two Regional Managers and dozens of District Managers.  Unique operations executive whose marketing and merchandising skills are exceptional.  Salary $150K #BF110702*

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/RETAIL DIVISION - A proven business professional with extensive experience in the Operations and Merchandising side of large one-stop, multi-department companies. He oversees the entire operations of over 75 stores in the Midwest consisting of 3 Conventional, 1 Discount, and 1 Hispanic banner. He developed and implemented a major restructure of Corporate and Regional level management, which netted a savings of $3 Million in overhead. Prior experience includes over 10 years in operations with Fred Meyer Corporation.  Salary - Negotiable #DR081029

DIVISION DIRECTOR OF DELI/FOODSERVICE - This profit-oriented senior level professional has a successful career spanning 25 years in the supermarket industry. He is recognized by his superiors and associates for effectively designing and implementing new sales programs and introducing and developing new product lines. He is currently responsible for 4 regions for this top supermarket chain's fastest growing divisions. He has successfully opened over 20 large format stores in 3 years. His gross profit is consistently over 40% in deli and over 52% in bakery. Salary $150K #DR081035

DISTRICT MANAGER - This former Safeway District Manager earned the District Manager of the year award. Top performing D.M. in the Northwest. He successfully turned around an under performing district and maximized results in the other district he was responsible for. He also was ranked #1 in the company out of 105 districts on service scores in 2 quarters. He knows how to grow sales and market share, improve standards, and greatly improve profitability.      Salary $120K #DR081018

FIELD MERCHANDISING MANAGER - A strong background in convenience store and grocery store operations with considerable expertise and hands-on management in all aspects of a Perishable Foods Department, which includes deli, bakery and produce.  He has excellent prior experience with White Hen Panty/Clark Retail Enterprises where he was responsible for new store “set ups”, remodeling, redesigning existing facilities, efficiency and  results.  Salary $70K.  #DR081032

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/COO - Began career with National Grocer, rapidly worked up the ladder through the operations side.  Has overseen over 125 grocery stores and super centers.  Has experience overseeing over $2 Billion in sales, 6 Regional Vice Presidents and support staff.  Stellar performance.  Has a track record of exceptional performance and has set records with the 3 companies he has worked for in his 20+ year career.  Salary $350K #BF081026

PRODUCE ORGANIC BUYER - This Produce Specialist manages over 50 certified organic produce items to enhance the base organic grocery line business for this organic produce company. He is responsible for new product development, packaging, design, sales presentations, in store demo programs, ads/promotions, store merchandising support, signs/POP materials. He has had an extensive career in produce buying including Senior Produce Buyer for one of the largest grocery chains in the U.S. providing over $900 Million in fresh produce annually. Salary $95K  #DR081007

PRICING ANALYST - This Pricing Analyst is currently with one of the largest grocery distributors in the Midwest. He is responsible for competitive pricing analysis for many retail categories, and maintaining pricing models and deltas using the latest computer software. He implements current pricing strategies to enhance competitiveness in seven divisions and uses Enterprise Advantage to ensure accurate item pricing at the store levels. Salary $65K #DR081024

MEAT CUTTER/MANAGER - This Meat Cutter improved the gross and shrinkage numbers of each store's meat department he worked in over the last 15 years. He has been responsible for all areas of his department including scheduling, inventory control, cutting, and wrapping, pricing, filleting all types of fish and seafood and excellent customer service. He brings a strong work ethic, dependability and leadership skills to any leading grocery store. Salary - Open #DR081031

PRESIDENT/COO - Broad based business professional skilled in running wholesale, retail, and supply chain management operations. Proven leader in turning around under-performing organizations, growing margins, identifying, and building new revenue streams. Held full P&L responsibility for $350 Million operation. Former Vice President with SuperValu where he was responsible for a Region with close to $2 Billion in sales and 7 Distribution Centers.  Salary - Negotiable #DR081017

CONVENIENCE MULTI-UNIT MANAGER - Versatile, goal oriented, people and customer focused management professional with proven record of accomplishment and experience in leading, developing an organization to achieve their stated objectives. Extensive experience in petroleum, food service and convenience store industries that includes multi-unit, multiple state operations, P&L, Human Resources, site selection, design assistance and development and implementation of programs, policies and procedures for this major convenience store chain. Responsible for 90 franchised, 50+ leased and 20 company operated stores with gasoline. Salary $49K. #DR081023

DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION - This construction professional has been responsible for several divisions for this major Midwest grocery company. He handles all new store, remodels and expansion programs with their Real Estate staff. He also directs their on-going maintenance activity working with up to $20 Million in expenditures, manages utility costs up to $30 million, and implements their energy management projects. He brings 20+ years of strong big box construction experience. Salary $140K #DR081002

GENERAL MANAGER/DISTRIBUTION CENTER - This General Manager has had full responsibilities of multiple facilities ranging in size from 350,000 sq. ft. to 1,400,000 sq. ft. to include mechanized/non-mechanized, full line operations, dry grocery, GM/HBS, outside storage and reclamation supporting 200 retail stores. Multifaceted individual with strong business acumen and effective in developing and implementing comprehensive strategic plans. Working for one of the top grocery chains in the country, his results were 97.5% service level to customers and reduced inventory by 50% through internal/external vehicles.  Salary $140K #DR081021

SENIOR BUYER - FAMILY CARE - This highly motivated and skilled professional is supporting over 1000 stores for this major U.S. grocery chain in the "family care" categories. He has excellent analytical skills and the ability to determine adequate inventories while ensuring targeted service levels. He has increased promotional sales by 20%, with 40% less inventory by innovative marketing solutions that included Direct Store Delivery, drop ship programs with vendors, warehouses and stores. Salary - Negotiable #DR081001

MEAT & SEAFOOD BUYER -  Formerly with Fleming as their Meat Inventory Specialist, he bought fresh poultry, pork, beef, seafood and processed items for 7 divisions throughout the U.S. He maintained a service level of 97% while watching his inventory turns. He worked with each division and their separate advertising programs and negotiated advertisable items with vendors throughout the country.  Salary $65K #DR081005

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER -  She is a results oriented, positive professional with comprehensive experience in Foodservice, Merchandising, Inventory Control, Sales, and Purchasing. Optimized leading wholesaler's purchasing system realizing a 98% service level for 2600 SKU's. She has created and maintained supplier relationships for the greatest savings, while streamlining flow of information for critical deadlines for a major grocery distributor. She can improve your business in every area from Foodservice integration to cost analysis to trade shows. Salary $75K #DR081022

 

MERCHANDISING/CATEGORY MANAGER -  She is currently managing the procurement department for this well-known company in Southern California. Decentralized purchasing, setting up purchasing department, which included hiring and training 5 merchandisers, and managing $9 Million in inventories, which turns every 12.5 days. She developed, negotiated, and grew earned income programs by 213% the first year and tracking at 700% over last year. Prior experience with US Foodservice as Category Manager, managing frozen and dry grocery, and was a buyer for Sysco Foods.  Salary $90K #DR081027

STORE MANAGER - This grocery Store Manager has been with one of the top grocery chains on the East Coast where he opened 2 new stores and was responsible for 4 complete store remodels. He has worked with many different D.S.D. companies and sales people to negotiate the cost of goods, merchandise planning, and advertising in an effort to maximize profit. He maintains the highest quality customer service for his store and always meets or improves his budgeted P&L. Salary $65K #DR081013 

DELI DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS - He has years of comprehensive experience in the setup and management of Retail Deli and Restaurant Operations.  This includes full P&L, planning and implementing menus for banquets, special events and private catering and being responsible for the implementation of new deli concepts to the Hispanic markets.  As Deli/Café Merchandiser for Dominick’s, he trained and developed managers for 16 locations.  Responsibilities include P&L, new product implementation and product merchandising.  Salary $65K.  #DR081016

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER - Construction Manager with extensive development and supervision experience in new supermarket construction, remodeling, rehabilitation, expansion projects, and maintenance. He personally managed over 300 projects with an allocated budget of over $250 Million. His projects have included over 200 rehabs, 60+ remodels, (including 18 shutdowns and 13 asbestos removals), over 20 new stores with gas stations. He has outstanding knowledge of construction methods, real estate and property management issues, building codes, city ordinances, blueprints, city and county permit processes. B.S. - Electrical Mechanical Engineering & Civil Engineering.  Salary $95K #DR081009

DIVISION PERISHABLE MANAGER  - This Division Perishable Manager was responsible for $17 Million in yearly sales for this well-known discount grocery chain. He improved their meat shrinkage budget by 75 basis points, and surpassed budgeted distribution commitments 2 years in a row. He was responsible for training all Perishable Clerks and Trainers for their Division. He also managed the Divisions #1 store in sales and was the first Manager to break the $200K weekly sales ceiling for this discount grocery chain.  Salary $60K #DR081033

VICE PRESIDENT PHARMACY OPERATIONS - This executive is responsible for 4 specialty divisions, Super- market, Hospital, Company-Owned and Real Estate, reporting directly to the CEO.  He had major accomplishments with their growth from 12 to 125 Units, the start-up of their new division Hospitals & Supermarkets, plus the creation of a Management Division.  Prior as Regional Manager, he was responsible for over 200 franchise-operated pharmacies in 12 states with 6 District Managers.  Salary Negotiable.  #DR081003

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - Being responsible for the operations of a large wholesale grocery supplier, this professional handled all areas of the company. Financial reporting and statement preparation, treasury management, audit and tax, operational control of planning, inventory control, and working closely with company lenders, bankers, and attorneys. He successfully ran this $400 Million operation and moved their headquarters to a new facility. Salary $125K #DR081011

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS - Former Regional Manager with Fred Meyer Company where his stores lead the company in sales gains, margin, contribution, customer service and expense control. He has opened many new stores and remodeled others over a wide geographic area operating under different union contracts. He is very successful with niche marketing and has improved SPLH from 78 to 124 over 2 years companywide with his current well-known retailer. Responsible for over 80 stores, 3 Regional Managers and 12 Specialists. Salary $150K #DR081008 

CATEGORY MANAGER/BUYER  - Analytical, persuasive, results oriented sales, marketing, and operations professional. Formerly with Unified Western Grocers, where he developed marketing plans, managed and purchased dry grocery, dairy/deli, frozen and beverage categories. He increased private label sales 28% by creating new promotional pricing and display plans. Prior experience as Advertising/Marketing Coordinator representing 60 independent Northern California grocers, he increased income $300,000 per year by expanding marketing programs with new vendors.  Salary $90K #DR081034

DIRECTOR - OUTSIDE SALES -  She is a marketing and business development professional with over 20 years in the foodservice industry. Experienced as a strategic member of the corporate leadership team with a progressive independent grocery chain, as well as a fine dining restaurant chain. Strong operations background supports successful implementation and maintenance of innovative programs. Solution oriented and focused on bottom-line results. She held positions of Vice President of Fresh Foods, Marketing Director, Director of Catering, and Regional Manager for a multi-location, high volume fine dining establishment. Salary $90K #DR081006

OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR - This operations specialist has experience with one of the largest convenient/deli store chains in the country. He was responsible for over 20 stores and is a very hands-on type Manager who empowers his people. He also supports franchisees in improving their operations and P & L’s. Strong marketing and merchandising skills coupled with his previous ten years in the grocery business make this candidate an excellent choice. Salary $70K. #DR081014

REGIONAL DELI MERCHANDISING SPECIALIST - This professional executed all corporate merchandising plans, strategies, and operational policies in a territory covering eight states for this well-known big box grocery retailer. As Deli Buyer, he was responsible for the category management of the primary Deli categories including all proteins, salads, dry, packaged, olives, grab and go and prepared foods. His combined 20+ years experience in food industry management makes him one of the top Deli Merchandising professionals in the country. Salary $90K #DR081028

DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES - This Director has been with the top grocery chains in the country bringing his facilities expertise. He has managed annual capital budgets of $65 Million, plus performing due diligence for site development, assembling new and remodel project budgets and responsible for maintenance staff over 150 across 220 stores. Some qualifications include strength in ADA/Labor and Industry regulations, Universal EPA Certification and multiple project oversight in transition of EPA to local requirements. He has an MBA and B.S. in Construction Management.  Salary $100K #DR081004

VICE PRESIDENT OF REAL ESTATE - Currently with a large well established grocery/convenience chain where he is responsible for all real estate activities for over 300 grocery stores and 150 convenience stores. Activities include: new store site selections/development, location research, financial analysis, property management and small shop leasing. Works closely with store design/architecture and constructions departments and coordinates projects and store openings with legal, marketing, operations and distribution departments. He is a seasoned Corporate Real Estate Professional with market and location research experience and a sound knowledge of real estate law. Worked for Kroger & Fleming. Salary $150K. #DR081015

ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER - This dedicated Assistant Manager has been with this independent grocery chain for 10 years, and is ready to run her own store. She is highly organized, able to multi-task and complete her management responsibilities efficiently. She handles all bookkeeping, deposits, sales rep. calls, inv. management, and employee scheduling. Salary $30K #DR081020

VICE PRESIDENT - GENERAL MERCHANDISE/DELI/BAKERY - This grocery professional is ready for his next challenge. He is currently with one of the largest chains in the South, where he increased sales from $36 Million to over $48 Million for their G.M./Deli/Bakery categories. His new product suggestions increased earnings by 25%. He knows the equipment need and merchandise for new store construction. He also brings many years of restaurant operations experience. MBA  Salary $100K+ #DR081012

STORE MANAGER -  Strong leadership skills, Marketing, and "can do attitude" helped this Store Manager run a $15 Million operation with a profit return of 12%! Directed his operations team in the acquisition of an independent retailer and planned and established the start up of two new stores. He increased gross and net profit margins, controlled shrinkage, outsourced vendors, and implemented effective merchandising strategies. He was also a former White Hen Pantry owner/operator, which was one of the top ten in sales for the company.  Salary $85K #DR081010

CORPORATE EXECUTIVE CHEF - This professional Chef is responsible for product development and central management of eight restaurants with gross sales over $12 Million and six stores deli's with sales exceeding $24 Million. Planning and implementation of all menus including seasonal and specialty product feature promotions. Recipe development, creation of recipe specification books and corresponding food cost analysis. Currently working with one of the country's "high-end" grocery chains.  Salary $125K #DR081019