The Manager of Sales Operations' key objective is to be the primary sales and operational contact for Whole Foods and the Network team supporting this customer. This manager will focus upon growing the business with process analysis, design, and subsequent execution across three constituents in the Whole Foods Supply Chain. These constituents are: 1) Whole Foods 2) Network and 3) Network members. The Manager of Sales Operations will meet regularly with all three constituents and will function as needed as a project leader for more complex projects.
The Manager of Sales Operations, Whole Foods, will have operational leadership responsibilities that span Network, Whole Foods, and Members, including cross-functional teams that include, but are not limited to: Network (Category Development/Customer Service/Analytics & Supply Chain/selected others), Members that have operational staff aligned to support the WFM program (Sourcing/Inventory/Customer Service/etc.), and with WFM Global Team and other WFM departmental staff that are engaged with ongoing business processes.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
- Single point of contact for Whole Foods, Network staff and Members, focused on growing the business and maintaining operational excellence.
- Adding product categories, including those aligned with other competitors/suppliers
- Growing sales from our preferred suppliers – presenting innovation from same
- Member operational issues
- “Escalation” issues
- Engage weekly and/or more often as needed with WFM Global Team staff to support needs and project requests.
- Develop contacts across WFM departmental and regional staff to help in effective engagement and adding value to the Network program beyond the Global Store Support team alone.
- This includes WFM Global teams internally, including -
- Fish and Seafood/Prepared Foods/Coffee and Beverage/Bakery/Produce and Floral
Business Reviews:
- Development of quarterly reviews including Whole Foods, Internal staff, and Members.
- Leadership/facilitation at meetings
- Project Plans - by working cross-functionally to ensure effective and timely execution of WFM goals/objectives for their retail stores, with successful execution as judged by the constituents.
- Plan and develop the project
- Lead the team where/when needed
- Monitor the project progress and set deadlines
- Solve issues that arise
- Ensure stakeholder satisfaction
- Evaluate project performance
- Standardized Operating Procedures – SOP’s.
- Working both internally and externally to build new business processes/amending existing business processes
- SOPs will be the foundation for how all supply chain participants will engage and execute business processes, with particular focus upon:
- New product introductions that meet WFM timelines and requirements, while also managing the depletion of existing Network DC inventories of existing items
- Coordination with WFM/Member/Network staff on effective management of Slow-Moving and Deadstock inventory
- Continuing evolution and effective utilization of supply chain (some examples may include)
- Substitution Management and utilization
- More effective use of inventory tools and resources/processes
WHO YOU ARE:
- Experience successfully leading cross-functional internal teams, collaborating successfully with both customers and Network members, and in operational key customer support.
- Understanding of the profitability drivers within a retail segment supply chain, and how to maximize the operational performance across the constituents to maximize the returns for the Network members.
- Proven ability to successfully negotiate where necessary with customers/members/suppliers/internal Network teammates.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated collaborative team approach.
- Independent, initiative-taker, with an open approach to engaging with other constituents.
- Strong meeting facilitation skills.
- Excellent listening and organizational skills.
WHAT YOU'LL HAVE:
- Work History Requirements:
- Requires 5+years of corporate/national account operational and/or sales experience
- Prior experience in distribution of products and/or in providing services/operational support
- Experience in working within a contractual business environment
- Work history that includes experience in Customer Service, distribution, and/or other ‘customer-facing’ roles
- Four-year college degree preferred, or career experience in operations leadership.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- CRM experience, Salesforce preferred