Director of Operations

Director of Operations

Our client in Baltimore, MD, has an immediate opening for a Director of Operations on a direct-hire basis. Company Profile: Specialty Grocery Retailer Team Atmosphere and Environment Passion for Food and People Director of Operations: Lead the future of a premier, high-volume gourmet grocery operation in Baltimore. This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished multi-unit retail leader to drive sales, elevate customer experience, strengthen store operations, and develop high-performing teams across two upscale grocery locations. If you thrive in a fast-paced food retail environment, know how to turn operational excellence into profitable growth, and are passionate about delivering an exceptional customer experience, this leadership role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact.

The Operations Director partners closely with ownership to set strategy and lead all aspects of operations for gourmet grocery retail stores. This hands-on, results-driven leader will oversee Store Managers and support the performance and development of department leadership teams. This role is ideal for a strategic retail operations professional with deep grocery experience, strong financial acumen, proven merchandising instincts, and a track record of improving sales, service, profitability, and team performance.

Lead day-to-day operations for upscale gourmet grocery stores, ensuring exceptional execution across sales, service, quality, safety, merchandising, and profitability. Partner with ownership to develop and implement strategic initiatives that improve store performance, customer satisfaction, and long-term business growth. Coach, develop, and hold accountable Store Managers and their department leadership teams. Drive revenue growth through innovative merchandising, local market awareness, business development, and outstanding in-store execution. Own operational standards related to labor, cost control, shrink, inventory, product quality, customer service, safety, and delivery operations. Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and profit-and-loss performance management. Identify performance trends, uncover operational opportunities, and implement practical solutions that improve results. Create and maintain consistent processes, policies, and best practices across both store locations. Champion a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, teamwork, inclusion, and service excellence. Partner with business leaders on staffing, training, employee development, succession planning, employee relations, and legal compliance. Resolve complex operational, employee, and customer concerns with sound judgment, urgency, professionalism, and discretion. Build an environment of open communication, trust, and high expectations for all team members. Lead improvement initiatives that create consistently memorable, high-touch customer experience. Perform additional leadership responsibilities as needed to support business goals.

Background Profile

• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in multi-unit grocery, specialty retail, food retail, or a comparable high-service retail environment.
• Proven success managing store operations, sales performance, employee development, and profitability across multiple locations.
• Experience in upscale grocery, gourmet food, specialty food, fresh food, premium retail, or high-end merchandising environments is strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of profit and loss statements, budgeting, forecasting, labor management, inventory, shrink, and financial reporting.
• A demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful merchandising, sales growth, and business development strategies.
• Outstanding leadership skills with the ability to inspire, coach, challenge, and develop managers and frontline teams.
• Strong business judgment, critical thinking, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making abilities.
• A customer-first mindset and a passion for delivering exceptional service at every touchpoint.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build credibility at every level of the organization.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, confidentiality, and accountability.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business systems.

Features and Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Growth-focused leadership opportunity in a dynamic gourmet retail environment