This position will be known internally as the "Director of Lifestyle Brands". The role will oversee Beer/Wine/Sprits, HBC, Housewares, Bulk Foods, Specialty Candy, and corresponding Private Labels.

WHO WE ARE

T&C is a family-owned company that builds authentic relationships one interaction at a time through consistent commitment to heartfelt service, relating to people as people (not numbers) and by selling the freshest, highest-quality products available. We have a deep passion for food and people and are always looking for service-minded individuals of all backgrounds to join our community.

WHO YOU ARE

You are genuine and authentic in your interactions both with your customers and co-workers. You thrive in a team environment, take your responsibilities seriously, and always consider the customer in your decisions. You see richness and strength in a diverse workforce and treat others with respect to create a place of belonging for all.  You care about your community and the environment. Pursuing knowledge in order to add value and grow is your idea of fun. Oh, and you love food!

WHAT WE OFFER (IN ADDITION TO BEING A FUN PLACE TO WORK)

We have a highly competitive benefits package ($5-$19 weekly medical premiums), vacation/sick time, paid holidays, premium pay rates, an Employee Assistance Program, a discount on virtually everything in our markets, 401(k) plans, profit-sharing and a pension, scholarship program and an employee referral bonus program. Whoa! That’s a lot of great stuff!

THE SMALL PRINT WE WANT YOU TO BE AWARE OF

T&C is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, caste, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other applicable characteristic protected by law. We invite women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing. 

If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can thrive in this role, we’d love to learn more about you. Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

• Reports to the Sr. Director of Operations
• Responsible for developing and carrying out the vision, strategy, and standards for Lifestyle Brands (Beer/Wine/Spirits – NA Beverage – HBC – Housewares – Bulk Foods – Specialty Candy – Greeting Cards/Wrap, Gifts and corresponding Private Label)
• Accountable for leading, managing and communicating with the Lifestyle Brand Team which includes the Specialists/Category Managers for BWS, NA Beverage, Bulk, HBC, Housewares
• Responsible for the development of product and category strategy as well as architecture and new product development for theLifestyle Brands
• In coordination with the Director of Center Store, develops Lifestyle Brands private label products
• Manages vendor sourcing criteria, vendor set up and cost, MOQ negotiations, PO and inventory maintenance, and on-going improvement of existing product programs for products included in Lifestyle Brands to ensure accurate costing and retail pricing
• Collaborates with vendors to review and negotiate new items, promotional opportunities, sampling support, and pricing to optimize category performance and maximize sales
• Oversees category management scheduling, category reviews, and development of new categories that drive sales for the markets
• Oversees Lifestyle Brand category reset activity, and develops Lifestyle Brand concepts, designs and programs for remodels and new markets
• Accountable for financial projections, budgeting, and Lifestyle Brands division performance
• Develops strategic plans for marketing, promotions and pricing to increase sales and profitability in Lifestyle Brand categories
• Oversees the development of all Lifestyle Brand advertising and promotional activities and selection for Big Board, Digital Ads, Market Buys and Biweekly Buys
• Oversees the Retail Merchandising Packet and Merchandising Portal to guide merchandising, pricing and signage for Lifestyle Brand departments
• Trains and mentors team through category management process, data analysis, and new item and discontinued product review as well as approve new item selections in keeping with the overall direction of the categories position in the Lifestyle Brands sales growth structure
• Considers new Lifestyle Brand products in conjunction with the other Product Directors to ensure product alignment and proper launch of new items
• Identifies guest and social trends to bring in new Lifestyle Brand items and implement new technologies
• Develops and maintains strong working relationships with Market Directors, Product Directors, Market Managers, employees and vendors
• Works with Lifestyle Brand Specialists and Category Managers to conduct regular cross-store meetings and conference calls
• Attends trade shows and keeps abreast of food and industry trends, standards, and changes
• Partners with markets on the selection and training/development of Department Leaders
• Maintains department in a neat, clean, and orderly manner
• Provides excellent customer service
• Ensures the dissemination of and adherence to all company and department policies
• Supports and follows sustainability programs
• Supports and follows all safety and security policies
• Provides and role models attitude of service to staff and guests
• Operates within the Company’s Core Values, Company Brand, and Business Principles

• 5+ years minimum of Center Store and/or Lifestyle Brand category management experience
• Sound knowledge and enthusiasm for Lifestyle Brand products
• Proven experience in managing and operating major Center Store and/or Lifestyle Brand departments
• Commitment to personal and professional development as well as staff development at all levels of Lifestyle Brand services
• Proven experience in new program creation, development, and training
• Thorough understanding of all POS procedures and objectives
• Emphasis on selling and merchandising creatively
• Willingness to take calculated risks to maximize sales
• Ability to be networked in the food industry to be able to source independent of others
• Strong knowledge of import/export processes and regulatory considerations
• Proven experience in retail food store layout design
• Ability to operate from the principles of collaboration, consensus building, and a culture of discipline
• Ability to prepare corporate reports, budgets, forecasts, P&Ls, etc.
• Must possess an attitude of service to others and always exemplify T&C Core Values
• Excellent facilitation skills for planning and conducting effective staff meetings
• Must possess strong communication skills including listening, speaking, reading, and writing
• Must possess intermediate or higher computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to work independently, as well as with a diverse group of guests, employees, vendors, and leadership
• Demonstrates self-discipline and accountability
• Must possess a strong desire to work hard, be enthusiastic, participate in achieving management goals, and leads by example
• Visionary leader and team player with good follow-through and people skills
• Excellent customer services skills
• Flexibility to work mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends and holidays as needed
• Requires regular travel to all company locations throughout Snohomish, King, and Kitsap counties
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Possesses full body mobility (bending, stooping, twisting, and reaching), with excellent manual dexterity and ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Exemplifies health department standards
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner