Produce Specialist

In your role as the Produce Specialist, at The North West Company (NWC), you provide leadership in all aspects of Produce operations for stores. Your direct accountabilities include achieving annual sales, gross profit and operating budgets specific to produce.

Joining NWC gives you the opportunity for growth and development throughout the company, a competitive salary and benefits package, and to be part of a dynamic and diverse culture.

NWC is a leading retailer to under-served rural communities and urban neighbourhood markets in the following regions: Northern Canada, Western Canada, rural Alaska, the South Pacific islands, and the Caribbean. Our stores offer a broad range of products and services with an emphasis on food. Our value offer is to be the best local shopping choice for everyday household and local lifestyle needs. Check out northwest.ca for more information.

Your Role

• Achieve sales, gross profit and operating margin budgeted dollars for Produce by executing plans for store assortments, pricing and marketing programs, staffing, and all required operating standards;
• Analyze operating results and KPI performance for Produce departments;
• Identify and implement market specific assortment requirements and margin opportunities for Produce by providing input to Category Managers and sourcing additional products as necessary to maximize profitability;
• Identify and implement ‘Best Practice’ Produce department operations.
• Evaluate the ongoing execution of performance standards and provide the necessary support to stores in the implementation of the standards and plans;
• Investigate quality issues and collaborate with logistics and vendors on corrective actions;
• Maintain detailed competitor and market knowledge through market tours and market specific department managers;
• Develop and deliver the technical training program for Produce departments;
• Advise and assist in preparation and maintenance of the Store Operations and Training Manual, and Performance Standards checklist relative to Produce;
• Continuous product evolution will require up to date market knowledge, understanding product innovation and category trends through industry associations. Attend trade shows as required; and
• Travel to markets 90 to 120 days per year to assess performance, train and coach staff, and perform audits to ensure the delivery and superior execution of merchandising programs, in-stock performance, operating standards, inventory management practices and pricing policies.

Desired Skills & Experience

• 5 or more years Produce experience and demonstrated leadership skills;
• Continuous improvement, change management, Lean management or Six Sigma training and or work related experience is an asset;
• Specific knowledge and experience working with Microsoft products with an emphasis on Microsoft Excel;
• Market awareness and a strong retail perspective;
• Exceptional communication, analytical, and problem solving skills;
• Highly organized and self-motivated;
• Flexibility to travel on short notice and for periods of up to 10 consecutive days;
• Strong financial acumen;
• Strong computer skills including data management and analysis; and
• Ability to analyze specific details and or components of a problem.

Location: Gibraltar House, 77 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB

Reports To: General Manager, Arctic Division and General Manager, Inland Division

We create a collaborative and constructive culture by:

• Being Enterprising
• Committing to our Customer
• Working with Passion
• Leading and Developing Others
• Demonstrating Respect and Inclusivity
• Building Trust

The North West Company is committed to inclusion and diversity and encourages applications from all candidates including but not limited to: all religions and ethnicities, LGBTQ2s+, BIPOC, and persons with disabilities.

You may include your resume and cover letter together as a single document. A competitive salary is being offered along with opportunities to learn, develop and advance throughout the organization. We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

This is an active job opening for a position that is currently available and we are actively seeking to fill.

This position adheres to the Corporate Application Process Guidelines.

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