Vice President of Operations, Retail Natural and Specialty Foods

Richards Foodporium is privately owned Retail Natural and Specialty Foods chain of 17 neighborhood stores and a 22,000 ft office and distribution facility in beautiful Sarasota, Florida. The company is focused on corporate growth, but is also a legal Franchisor 14 corporate and 3 franchised location. Additionally, the company has a substantial presence of private label products, registered trademarks and on-site packaging capabilities.

Position Overview:

Owner has 30 years of experience within the industry, and is seeking to free himself from most daily operations in order to pursue additional personal and professional goals. As such, he is seeking to fill a VP of Operations position with a uniquely qualified individual having the right package of skills and qualities to manage all affiliate operations and take this brand to the next level. This position provides an exciting and rare opportunity for a highly motivated individual seeking a long term career move.

Responsibilities:

Job will include but is not limited to:

• proven leader for operational management of all employees, management/director team, all infrastructural aspects; including but not limited to Finance, Operations, Information Technology, Human Resources, Purchasing, Marketing, Warehouse Logistics, and supportive Retail Services
• Provide Leadership and promote a healthy management culture with a commitment to excellence, consistent improvement, high standards, operational efficiencies, problem solving, and innovation.
• Professionally represent the Company and Brand as regards media requests, public speaking, community events, customer and supplier relations, etc
• Work directly with owner to develop and implement strategic business planning, budgets, initiatives / programs, innovation, differentiation and growth. Be on page and speak with unified owner-managing director voice to employees, suppliers, etc.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 8-10 years and a proven track record in a senior, multi-unit management or related role
• Minimum of 5 years retail experience within natural/specialty foods, grocery or a closely related industry equivalent
• Broad knowledge of all key operational aspects (Finance, Operations, Information Technology, Purchasing, Marketing, Retail Services, Human Resources, etc)
• Must have a strong grasp of P&L's, financial statements, budgets, and financial analysis
• Entrepreneurial mindset, instincts and work ethic
• Proven leadership and diplomatic skills, strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work cooperatively with others and mediate when appropriate
• Passion, with fire in the belly to succeed, grow, innovate and challenge yourself and others around you to reach individual and organizational potential
• Dedicated to learning and continuing the Owner's business/operational philosophies, as well as his vision for the company, while balancing relevant and compatible skills, creative thinking and vision he/she brings to the organization.
• A positive force, fits well into the current culture and enhances it
• Proven experience in strategic planning, change management, project planning and development, complex problem solving
• Multi-tasking, quick study, embraces change, ability to make sound decisions in demanding situations

Compensation: Salary for this position will depend on relevant experience, references, and individual attributes, balanced with needs and budget of the company. We offer a beautiful locale, competitive salaries and benefits package including strong semi-annual incentive bonuses, retirement, health care, employee discounts, and much more! 

To Apply:

Please do not call unless or until contacted. All resumes should be complete with work and salary history, employment related (not just personal) reference contacts, as well as personal contact information and best times to contact. Resumes without requested information may not be considered. Due to the number of expected replies, we may not be able to respond to all submitted resumes.

Richard's Foodporium is an equal opportunity employer.