Food Service Operations Manager

Description

Food Service Operations Manager

Department: Deli Department Job Status: Full Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Reports To: Director of Fresh Merchandising

Grade/Level: High School or Equivalent Amount of Travel Required: Frequent

Work Schedule: Positions Supervised:

Typically, M-F 50 hours  Food Service Specialists

Some weekends may be required

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Houchens Food Group is one of the largest 100% employee-owned food & hardware retailers in the nation with over 400 stores operating in 15 states. Known within the industry as a fearless innovator and smart competitor, Houchens Food Group leads the way with creative retail formats, outstanding service, and a commitment to the communities we serve. Houchens Food Group has a full roster of brands that are both franchised and owned including, but not limited to: Price Less IGA, Subway, Slim Chickens, Shell, Ace Hardware and more. Houchens Food Group offers a breadth of career opportunities to our Employee Owners (employees) as well as a competitive compensation and benefits program to lead and support successful careers.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Food Service Operations Manager is a hands-on leadership role responsible for growing sales and profits across the food service division by executing strategic programs, developing high-performing teams, and maintaining a strong in-store presence. This individual will directly manage and coach a team of Food Service Specialists to ensure consistent execution and operational excellence across all locations. Prior Deli/Bakery experience is required. The position will report to our Bowling Green, KY Corporate Office.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Food service      Specialists to drive program implementation and operational consistency      across all retail locations.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, set      clear expectations, and provide ongoing coaching and support.
• Foster a culture of accountability,      collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Retail Execution

• Spend significant time in stores with      specialists and store teams to evaluate food service programs execution,      product quality, and merchandising effectiveness.
• Provide in-the-field support and guidance      to ensure operational standards, food safety, and customer service      excellence are upheld.
• Identify training needs and deliver      hands-on development in-store as needed.

Program Strategy & Execution

• Design and implement merchandising plans      and product programs that align with company goals and customer trends.
• Oversee the roll-out of new initiatives,      track execution timelines, and ensure program compliance across all store      locations.
• Review weekly reports and provide      data-driven feedback to teams to adjust strategies in real-time.

Product Management & Vendor Relations

• Analyze product performance to guide item      selection and discontinuation.
• Participate in supplier negotiations for      competitive pricing and co-op support while maintaining quality standards.
• Collaborate with vendors to launch      innovative deli/bakery products and promotions.

Operations & Financial Accountability

• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and      P&L oversight to ensure financial targets are met.
• Monitor expenses and optimize operational      efficiencies without compromising quality or safety.
• Maintain compliance with all food safety      and sanitation regulations, including HACCP planning.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Comply with laws and regulations, as well as company policies and procedures, including but not limited to confidentiality, honesty, and business ethics.

· Maintain professional, responsive, and cooperative relationships with supervisors, co-workers, vendors, customers, employees, and other personnel.

· Participates in training and professional development whether on your own or company provided.

· Responsible for employment interviews and performance appraisals for your team.

· Create an environment that fosters development, learning, teaching, growth, risk taking and innovation.

· Other job duties as assigned.

QUALIFIICATIONS:

• 2+ years of multi-unit deli/bakery or      grocery retail management experience.
• Proven ability to lead and develop field      specialists or store-level teams.
• Strong background in executing programs      and initiatives across retail locations.
• Experience with vendor negotiations and      marketing strategy development.
• Knowledge of inventory control best      practices.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and      organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel,      Word, PowerPoint).

· Open minded/creative thinker with a passion for excellence in Food Service.

· Strong Analytical and Communication Skills, verbal and written.

· Organizational and Planning Skills

· Value Diversity

EDUCATION

High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED)

BENEFITS

· Medical, dental, vision insurance

· Life insurance

· ESOP retirement plan

· Flexible spending account

· Company vehicle for frequent store visits

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Abilities Lift /Carry

Stand O (Occasionally) 10 lbs or less O (Occasionally)

Walk O (Occasionally) 11-20 lbs O (Occasionally)

Sit O (Occasionally) 21-50 lbs O (Occasionally)

Handling / Fingering C (Constantly) 51-100 lbs O (Occasionally)

Reach Outward F (Frequently) Over 100 lbs O (Occasionally)

Reach Above Shoulder O (Occasionally)

Climb O (Occasionally)

Crawl O (Occasionally)

Squat or Kneel O (Occasionally)

Bend O (Occasionally)

Push / Pull

12 lbs or less O (Occasionally)

13-25 lbs O (Occasionally)

26-40 lbs O (Occasionally)

41-100 lbs O (Occasionally)

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this occupation. 

O (Occasionally) Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)

F (Frequently) Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)

C (Constantly) Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)

Prepared by: ____________________________ Date: _______________________________

Approval Signature: ___________________________ Date: ____________________________

Approval: ___________________________________ 

Approval: ___________________________________ 

The company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have 

been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills 

and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed 

appropriate.

Houchens Food Group is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or pregnancy. Applicants may request accommodations based on religious beliefs, disability, or pregnancy.