Director Operations

High-quality fresh chocolate - that's what the Swiss chocolate manufacturer Läderach stands for. Founded in 1962, the family business now employs over 2500 people from more than 80 countries across the group, and the trend is rising. The company's headquarters are located in the canton of Glarus. Here, against a picturesque Alpine backdrop, we produce our fresh chocolates and are constantly developing new, innovative ideas in agile teams. Our Corporate Functions business unit encompasses a wide range of activities. Alongside our Finance and IT Services, Global Marketing and Sales Management as well as Human Resources are also located here. Fresh ideas are developed here every day, and together we turn them into success stories. Personal responsibility and networked work are particularly important to us. Want to be part of it too? Come and join us. THE ROLE Based in Dallas, Texas United States; field-based with 60-70% travel across the North America network. This is a senior leadership position for an operator who wants to own something meaningful. The Director, North America Sales & Operations is accountable for the full execution of Läderach's retail organization across the United States and Canada - from store standards and customer experience to labor productivity, training execution, and the performance of the field leadership team. You will lead the Regional Sales Managers directly, and through them, the entire frontline retail operation. This role reports to the President, North America, and is positioned on a clear trajectory toward COO-equivalent scope. If you are looking for a platform to grow into an executive leadership role within a brand that takes quality seriously, this is it. What you can expect You will lead and develop the RSM team — set direction, build capability, hold the field leadership layer accountable for performance and standards across all markets. You will own operational excellence — establish and enforce store standards, operational rhythms, and execution discipline across every boutique in the network. You will drive training and customer experience — ensure that brand standards, product knowledge, and service behaviors are embedded in every market through rigorous training execution and consistent coaching. You will manage labor productivity — develop staffing models, oversee scheduling discipline, and optimize labor efficiency without compromising the guest experience. You will champion sales performance — L4L sales growth, conversion, and average transaction value are your metrics; you drive them through operational rigor and team capability. You will lead new store openings — own the operational playbook for market entry and new boutique launches, ensuring every opening reflects the Läderach standard from day one. You will connect field to HQ — serve as the primary channel for translating field reality into strategic decisions; your insights inform everything from staffing models to product placement. What we expect from you You have eight or more years of multi-unit retail leadership, with demonstrated accountability for operations, standards, and a distributed field team. Experience leading through an RSM or DM layer is required. You have a track record in premium or specialty retail — brands where the guest experience is the product. Familiarity with the rigor of Läderach's peers (luxury, specialty food and beverage, high-touch lifestyle) is a strong advantage. You have operational credibility and field presence — you are known for raising the floor, not just managing the top. You coach, you observe, you hold standards. Your sales acumen is grounded in operational thinking — you understand the levers, you know the metrics, and you build teams that deliver them. You have executive presence and the ambition to grow — this role is a stepping stone to the most senior operations leadership in North America. We are looking for someone who sees it that way. What we offer you Competitive Pay $150,000 to $185,000 Base Annual Salary and Annualized 15-20% Bonus of base, tied to L4L sales growth, conversion, ATV, and labor productivity. Medical-80% contribution by Laderach of Employee only plan and 50% contribution by Laderach of Family Coverage plan (s) Vision 100% covered by Laderach Life-Laderach covers up to $25k of Life Insurance (option to go up to $150k) Optional 401(k) enrollment Employee assistance program An exciting working environment with motivated colleagues A position with lots of personal responsibility The opportunity to contribute fresh ideas An open and respectful feedback culture In-house and further external training Unique career opportunities Generous discounts on our products Chocolate at work Free parking spaces Own it. Grow it. Make it fresh. Sounds interesting? Then come join us. Visit our career site: My Job Search We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings are filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion, or any other classification protected by law. Our success and momentum to expand is only possible through the passionate drive of our diverse 2,500 employees, who come from more than 80 countries and represent various backgrounds, religious beliefs, and lifestyles. #J-18808-Ljbffr