DIRECTOR OF FOOD SERVICE
***Convenience Store Experience Required***
COMPANY: This is an exciting time to be a part of this Regional Convenience Store chain as they grow, upgrade, and introduce a major contemporary branding initiative. They are one of the largest independent
owners, suppliers, and operators of gas stations and convenience stores in the Western United States (California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Colorado).
SUMMARY:
The Director of Food Service will lead the development and implementation of innovative food and beverage offerings, introducing new products to our customers and advancing our organization’s growth goals.
This role involves enhancing and optimizing current menu offerings to capitalize on different dayparts and market needs. The Director will collaborate with current and prospective suppliers to gain insights on
evolving culinary trends, ideate, and ultimately develop and test new food concepts across various markets. Staying ahead of industry trends and working with cross-functional teams to deliver programs tailored
to the convenience store experience is key. The ideal candidate will have strategic vision and execution skills, and the ability to lead their team with a hands-on approach. They will be a data-driven, analytical
decision-maker, utilizing external and internal data to validate the success of new and existing programs. The Director will develop effective promotional strategies to attract customers to the category, enhance
profitability through price optimization, and secure lower product costs through negotiation. The Director will strategically manage vendor partnerships to align with our strategic objectives. They will work closely
with operations and other stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of programs at retail. This role also involves leading the Food Service Field team by setting clear goals and objectives to achieve business targets.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop and execute a comprehensive food service innovation strategy aligned with the company’s goals and objectives.
Lead the creation and launch of new food products, ensuring they meet quality, cost, and customer satisfaction standards.
Works with key vendors, conducts market research to identify emerging trends, market opportunities, and consumer preferences to guide Food and Beverage menu development.
Negotiates contracts with key vendors/suppliers to maximize promotional funding, favorable costs, and relevant vendor program support.
Establish and maintain relationships with key suppliers and partners to source high-quality ingredients and innovative products.
Work closely with cross-functional teams including marketing, operations, and supply chain to ensure seamless execution of new initiatives.
Develop pricing and promotional strategies to drive sales incrementality in the category while maximizing competitive advantage and margin growth.
Manage the budget for food service innovation projects, ensuring cost-effectiveness and ROI.
Performs on-going verification of results against budgeted sales and gross profit and develops plans to ensure targets are met.
On a weekly, monthly cadence monitor and reports on category KPIs to measure and manage sales, unit, and margin performance as well as inventory levels to ensure we meet budget and performance expectations.
On a frequent basis, visits retail locations and performs store walks with supplier vendors and operations teams to drive success at retail.
Works with Brand Marketing department on the development and execution of advertising / promotional signage.
Oversees the performance of various QSR programs within our convenience stores.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.
Lead the Food Service Field team by setting clear goals and objectives to achieve our business targets.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum 10 years of experience in Convenience Store food service, product development, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
A proven track record of developing and implementing successful food service programs at retail is required.
Strong understanding of food industry trends, consumer behavior, product assortment, placement, pricing, and concept development in food service.
Demonstrated abilities to think strategically about complex issues, leading to thoughtful recommendations and creative action plans.
A self-starter with proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously, and consistently strives to exceed expectations.
Strong negotiation skills are required, specifically with suppliers and vendors.
Creative, results-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Exceptional verbal, written communication and presentation skills required.
High level of problem-solving skills; must be highly analytical and be able to create/interpret analysis to support recommendations | Understanding of P&L
Proven ability to work collaboratively with internal and external groups including office personnel, vendors, and other customers.
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