Regional Sales Manager of Deli/Bakery

Description

The Regional Sales Manager of Deli/Bakery is responsible for driving sales growth, labor efficiency, food cost control, and operational excellence across Deli/Bakery Departments within an assigned region. This role partners closely with the VP of Operations, District Managers, Store Managers, and Deli/Bakery Managers to ensure consistent execution of company standards, programs, and financial targets.

This leader provides both strategic direction and hands-on operational support to strengthen performance, improve shrink control, and enhance the customer experience in all Deli/Bakery locations.

1. →Financial Performance & Sales Growth

• →Lead regional Deli/Bakery Departments in achieving budgeted sales, gross profit, labor, and shrink targets.
• →Monitor performance indicators, including:
• →Sales and mix trends
• →Labor productivity
• →Food cost and shrink
• →Production efficiency
• →Implement strategies to increase revenue while protecting profitability and maintaining quality standards.
• →Ensure promotional programs and seasonal initiatives are executed effectively to drive incremental sales.

2. Leadership & Operational Direction

• →Provide clear performance expectations and direction to Store Managers and Deli/Bakery Managers
• →Develop and mentor Deli/Bakery Specialists and departmental leaders to strengthen execution and leadership capability.
• →Ensure consistent execution of departmental programs and standards, including:
• →Safety and Sanitation
• →Training and Processing Standards
• →Pricing and Displaying
• →Merchandising
• →Weights & Tares
• →Scanning Accuracy 
• →Inventory Control
• →Customer Service

3. Store Execution & Field Leadership

• →Conduct routine store visits (minimum weekly cadence across region) to assess department readiness and compliance.
• →Evaluate hot case, cold case, bakery tables, grab-and-go, and meal solution execution.
• →Identify operational gaps and implement corrective action plans with measurable follow-up.
• →Partner with District Managers to address staffing, leadership, and execution challenges.

4. Labor & Food Cost Management

• →Drive disciplined labor scheduling and production planning to align staffing with sales volume.
• →Improve food cost control by reducing overproduction, waste, and spoilage.
• →Coach department leaders on production forecasting and daily readiness routines.

5. Communication & Alignment

• →Serve as a liaison between Operations leadership and store-level teams to ensure consistent communication and alignment.
• →Provide performance updates and actionable insights to the VP of Operations.
• →Promote a culture of “No Surprises” and operational accountability.

6. Training & Talent Development

• →Support hiring, onboarding, and development of Deli/Bakery Managers and key associates.
• →Coach leaders on improving customer service standards and team productivity.
• →Identify high-potential talent and support succession planning within the region.
• →Reinforce training standards to ensure consistent execution across all stores.

7. Food Safety, Compliance & Brand Protection

• →Ensure strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards across all locations.
• →Maintain consistent quality and presentation standards that protect the brand.
• →Address compliance or execution issues quickly and ensure sustainable improvement.

• Proven leadership experience in grocery or retail, preferably in Deli, Bakery, or Food Service operations.
• Strong knowledge of Deli/Bakery Department operations and food safety standards.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze performance metrics and implement operational improvements.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence and leadmulti-unit store teams.
• Passion for developing leaders and improving customer experience.

• Accountability
• Customer Oriented
• Leadership & Influence
• Decision Making
• Detail Oriented
• Problem Solving
• Organized & Reliable
• Team Building
• Time Management

• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• 3+ years of Deli/Bakery or Fresh Multi-Unit leadership experience preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Must be able to stand, walk, bend, lift, and perform physical tasks required in a Deli/Bakery Department environment.

Houchens Industries is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.