Responsibilities:
• Working closely with operations to ensure food strategy is executed at the store level
• Defining the overall food strategy and regional strategies as needed
• Menu planning and cost strategies
• Development and oversight of quality and safety standards for food preparation and handling
• Works with the SVP of Marketing, vendor partners, and other vendors to develop category plans and products which support the company vision, and meet the financial budget
• Identify consumer opportunities through external/internal trends, customer feedback, and competitive insights/shops
• Performs on-going verification of plans against budgeted sales and gross profit and develops plans to address any shortfalls
• Develops pricing strategy based upon competitive/marketplace environment and store profitability
• Develops and communicates information to all levels of the organization via various meetings including Senior Management staff meetings and department meetings
• Develops operational procedures and defines accountability for the food program
• Frequently visits with partners on product development, quality of products, current and future assortment, costs, and commercialization.
• Conducts partner financial and service reviews
• Manages, evaluates and provides feedback/recommendations to SVP, Marketing and Sr. Management on tests of new products and equipment
• Other duties and projects as assigned

Requirements:
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s required
• Masters in Food Science or related degree strongly preferred
• Extensive experience (8-10 years) in a Food Service leadership role
• Experience setting up a food program is required
• Experience in setting up food safety/quality programs is required
• Food analysis and market analysis experience
• Supply chain management experience
• Experience in establishing vendor relationships
• Experience defining operational procedures for a food program
• Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Ability to manage projects and follow through on details