Fresh Merchandising Operations Deli Lead

Fresh Merchandising Operations Deli Lead at Coborn's, Inc.

Join our team as a Deli Merchandising Operations Lead and help bring flavorful experiences to life across Coborn’s stores. In this role, you’ll support the success of our deli departments by building the tools, programs, and guidance that help teams deliver great food, strong sales, and a consistent guest experience.

• Serve as the operational lead and primary support‑center contact for the Fresh department, including Deli.
• Translate Fresh department strategies into executable plans, ensuring operational readiness and alignment with Store Operations.
• Monitor Fresh department performance metrics (sales, shrink, waste, compliance) and drive improvement actions in partnership with the Category Manager and Store Operations leaders.
• Manage end‑to‑end coordination of Fresh department merchandising programs, including seasonal events, new item introductions, and display transitions.
• Develop and distribute clear execution instructions, calendars, and store communication in collaboration with Category, Space, and Marketing teams.
• Monitor store‑level compliance data, audit findings, and exception reports; identify gaps and partner with Store Operations and Category leadership to develop corrective plans.
• Track completion of corrective actions and document improvements for future planning cycles.
• Analyze shrink and waste trends within the department and identify root causes tied to merchandising execution.
• Collaborate with Finance, Category, and Store Operations to reduce product loss through improved operational practices and display management.
• Develop and maintain Fresh department category‑specific execution tools, visual playbooks, and training materials (job aids, quick‑reference guides, videos, and presentation decks).
• Partner with the Training Lead to translate technical and merchandising content into clear, engaging field‑training resources.
• Ensure all training content and execution tools are accurate, up‑to‑date, and aligned with operational processes, food‑safety requirements, and merchandising objectives.
• Collect feedback from Store Operations and the Training Lead to refine and simplify training content for future use.
• Act as the key liaison between the assigned Category Manager/Director and Store Operations.
• Influence Store Operations leaders by using data, insights, and clear communication to drive execution excellence.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams (Category, Space, Marketing, Finance) to ensure program feasibility and store readiness.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Merchandising, Operations Management or a related field (preferred).
• Coursework or certification in retail operations, merchandising execution, or food safety (preferred).
• 3–5 years experience in grocery retail merchandising, store operations, or category support with an emphasis on fresh departments.
• Proven ability to influence Store Operations and cross‑functional teams from the Support Center to achieve execution and compliance results.
• Experience managing timelines, coordinating multiple programs, and partnering with Category and Store Operations.
• Knowledge of food safety and merchandising standards (required).

Our remarkable employees are at the heart of everything we do. At Coborn’s, we’re committed to creating a supportive and rewarding workplace—one that offers a vibrant, team‑oriented environment, ongoing career growth, and meaningful benefits.

• 10% employee discount on grocery items, with additional franchise‑specific discounts available at company‑owned Ace Hardware, Caribou Coffee, Erbert and Gerbert’s, and Pet Supplies Plus locations.
• Get Paid Daily with Daily Pay.
• Paid Time Off (PTO)/Vacation.
• Paid Floating Holidays and time and a half paid for hours worked on a company‑recognized holiday.
• Sunday Premium Pay—extra $1 per hour for hours worked on Sundays.
• Paid Military Leave.
• Employee recognition programs with monetary rewards, including in‑store vouchers, years of service, and employee of the month.
• Employee Health & Wellness Programs, Challenges, and Resources.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with unlimited…