Total Loss Specialist

Grocery Operations Total Loss Specialist

The Grocery Operations Total Loss Specialist supports the Director of Total Loss by executing strategies to minimize inventory loss and optimize profitability within a grocery retail environment. This role is responsible for analyzing and managing inventory shrinkage, SKU rationalization, markdowns, and assigned Total Loss initiatives. The position also works directly with store teams to provide training, coaching, and operational support.

Core Responsibilities

Total Loss Strategy Execution

• Assist in implementing Total Loss strategies developed by the Director of Total Loss.
• Conduct SKU rationalization to support optimal inventory levels, product assortment, and store space utilization.
• Execute assigned Total Loss initiatives and monitor their effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities to improve store-level processes, inventory accuracy, and profitability.

Shrinkage Analysis and Mitigation

• Monitor inventory levels and operational data to identify areas of shrinkage in dry and fresh product categories.
• Analyze potential causes of inventory loss and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with store teams to develop and implement corrective measures and operational improvements.
• Follow up with store teams to evaluate results and ensure corrective actions are consistently applied.

Training and Coaching

• Develop and deliver practical training for store management and associates on Total Loss initiatives, inventory controls, markdown procedures, and operational best practices.
• Teach and coach store teams with varying levels of experience.
• Reinforce expectations and follow up to ensure training is understood and consistently applied.
• Provide ongoing guidance and support to store leadership and associates.

Markdown Coordination

• Assist in coordinating markdown processes to ensure alignment with inventory, profitability, and sales strategies.
• Analyze inventory and sales data to identify effective markdown practices and opportunities for improvement.
• Support stores in consistently executing established markdown procedures.
• Recommend adjustments to markdown practices based on inventory trends, sales results, and product performance.

Reporting and Analytical Support

• Prepare detailed reports on Total Loss activities, results, trends, and opportunities.
• Assist in presenting findings and recommendations to senior management.
• Use analytics tools to support data-driven decision-making and measure initiative performance.
• Track progress and communicate results to the Director of Total Loss and other key stakeholders.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with store management, finance, operations, merchandising, and other departments to support coordinated Total Loss efforts.
• Communicate effectively with team members and store leadership to foster a culture of proactive inventory and loss management.
• Build productive working relationships with store teams and cross-functional partners.
• Provide guidance and support to stores in the execution of assigned Total Loss initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Three years of grocery store management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to teach, train, and coach individuals and groups with varying levels of experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills.
• Familiarity with grocery retail operations, inventory controls, and store-level procedures.
• Ability to interpret inventory, sales, markdown, and shrinkage data.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of inventory management and SKU rationalization.
• Experience analyzing shrinkage, markdowns, and inventory performance.
• Proficiency in retail analytics and reporting software.
• Experience developing or delivering training in a grocery retail environment.

Why Join Us?

At Houchens Food Group, we value our employees and are committed to their growth and success. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment.