Overview

The Wellness Department Manager is responsible for the efficient and fiscally responsible operation of the Wellness (Rachelle Béry) Department and Natural/Organic Grocery department. The manager will lead and manage staff to achieve the highest level of customer service, while adhering to all Food Safety Protocols, Standard Operating Procedures, corporate policies and Health and Safety, and other programs and initiatives. The manager will also manage budgets, labor costs, inventory control, product presentation and merchandising. The Wellness Dept Manager will coach, motivate and develop their team to foster customer loyalty, guide customers on selection of health and wellness products and actively contribute to an environment of employee and customer engagement. They are the in-store expert with respect to the Wellness and Natural/Organic Grocery products and departments and are responsible for the efficient and fiscal operation of the department. 

Job Description

People Leadership
•    Create a coaching and development culture for all employees, which embraces a passion for food
•    Demonstrate outstanding leadership, while serving as a role model
•    Manage direct reports including: selection, orientation, training and development, performance management, succession planning and compensation
•    Communicate operational requirements/changes to department employees
•    Manage store operations as required

Customer Offering
•    Create a shopping experience that engages customers in a way that enhances loyalty, sales, and profit
•    Provide superior customer service to meet customer needs
•    Demonstrate exceptional product knowledge, including awareness of product changes, promotions, and seasonal trends
•    Order, receive, organize, rotate, merchandise and present products and stock in accordance with company standards
•    Execute winning conditions as required

Communication
•    Attend meetings as needed – both in store and externally
Policy/ Regulatory Adherence
•    Lead the implementation of all corporate policies, initiatives, and Standard Operating Procedures and ensure the department and employees comply and use them effectively, including timely and accurate submission of all relevant documentation as required
•    Responsible for ensuring that OH&S, food safety, and other regulatory requirements and procedures are implemented and maintained

Financial
•    Directly responsible to ensure the department achieves all financial targets and maximizes sales and margins, including appropriate sales forecasting, variance analysis and correction, and labor cost control.
•    Manage department budget

Personal/ Professional Development
•    Thoroughly understand all relevant company programs, attend and deliver training as required
•    Maintain knowledge of current industry trends, competitor activity, and makes recommendations on internal pricing, promotions and product policies 
•    Attend any training offered by suppliers to improve skills, off site and webinars 
•    Keeps abreast of local competitor activity, industry trends and makes recommendations on internal pricing, promotions and product policies
•    Conduct training through the Sobeys Wellness Academy

Employee Relations
•    Act as the employer of choice by actively supporting an environment of employee engagement
•    Initiate, support, participate and lead community and charitable events and activities

Other Duties
•    Coordinate maintenance of department equipment and repairs
•    Work manager on duty shifts as required by all Department

Managers
•    Must be available to work evenings and weekends as required
•    Provide feedback for continuous improvement
•    Have the ability to create action plans to improve the department operations and employee performance
•    Support all company initiatives, programs and standards
•    Other duties as required
 

Job Requirements

Technical Skills

Required:
•    Above average communication skills (both oral and written)
•    Exceptional listening skills
•    Excellent presentation skills
•    Proficient use of the Microsoft office Suite
•    Scheduling and direction of employees
•    Ordering and Inventory maintenance

Preferred:
•    Bilingual

Educational and Working Experience

Required:
•    High school diploma
•    Minimum 18 months of retail store experience
•    Knowledge of grocery inventory management systems
•    Experience reading and analyzing financial reports and developing and adhering to budgets 
•    Department operational experience, DMIT
•    Passion and knowledge of Wellness products/ supplements 
•    Willingness to be the in-store expert on Wellness, Natural and Organic products

Preferred:
•    Educational training in food and nutrition
•    Previous work experience in Natural Health/Nutrition fields

Working Conditions    

•    Retail store
•    May be required to lift up to 50lbs
•    Two person lift required for weights exceeding 50lbs
•    Ability to stand for long periods of time
•    Involves physical work including but not limited to bending, lifting and reaching
•    Exposure to varying temperatures over short periods of time
•    Exposure to sanitation and cleaning chemicals
•    Willingness to work flexible hours and overtime