Meat Director
Overland Park, Kansas•Full-time
About the Job
Position Summary:
The Meat Department Director is responsible for overseeing all meat and seafood operations across the 5-store Queen’s Price Chopper chain. This role drives sales, profitability, product quality, and team development while ensuring best-in-class execution in merchandising, food safety, and customer experience. The Director will lead department managers, optimize procurement strategies, and implement programs that differentiate the company in fresh protein offerings.
Key Responsibilities:
Operations Performance:
The Meat Department Director is responsible for overseeing all meat and seafood operations across the 5-store Queen’s Price Chopper chain. This role drives sales, profitability, product quality, and team development while ensuring best-in-class execution in merchandising, food safety, and customer experience. The Director will lead department managers, optimize procurement strategies, and implement programs that differentiate the company in fresh protein offerings.
Key Responsibilities:
Operations Performance:
- Oversee daily operations of all meat departments across 5 locations
- Establish and monitor KPIs including sales, gross margin, shrink, and labor
- Drive consistent execution of merchandising, pricing, and promotional programs
- Conduct regular store visits to audit standards and provide coaching
Financial Management:
- Own department P&L's across all stores
- Manage margin through strategic pricing, vendor negotiation, and yield optimization
- Control shrink through inventory management, production planning, and training
- Develop and execute sales-driving initiatives and seasonal programs
Procurement Vendor Relations:
- Lead sourcing strategy for beef, pork, poultry, and value-added products
- Negotiate with suppliers to ensure competitive cost and consistent quality
- Evaluate new product opportunities and maintain strong vendor partnerships
Merchandising Product Strategy:
- Develop differentiated meat programs (e.g., CAB, Prime, in-house cuts, marinated/value-added items)
- Standardize cutting specs, case layouts, and merchandising across all stores
- Introduce innovative offerings aligned with customer demand and trends
Leadership & Team Development:
- Recruit, train, and develop Meat Managers and department staff
- Establish performance expectations and accountability systems
- Create a culture of ownership, craftsmanship, and customer service
- Support succession planning and internal talent development
Food Safety & Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with all USDA, FDA, HACCP, and local health regulations
- Enforce strict food safety, sanitation, and handling procedures
- Maintain traceability, labeling accuracy, and proper rotation standards
Customer Experience:
- Elevate service standards including custom cutting, product knowledge, and engagement
- Respond to customer feedback and implement improvements
- Support in-store events, sampling, and education initiatives
Qualifications:
- 7–10+ years of experience in meat department operations, with multi-unit leadership preferred
- Strong knowledge of meat cutting, merchandising, and production planning
- Proven track record of driving sales and margin improvement
- Experience managing P&L's and controlling shrink
- Excellent leadership, communication, and coaching skills
- Strong vendor negotiation and sourcing experience
- Deep understanding of food safety and regulatory compliance
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with branded programs (e.g., Certified Angus Beef, USDA Prime programs)
- Background in high-volume or specialty fresh retail environments
- Familiarity with GOT/inventory systems and data-driven decision making
Key Competencies:
- Strategic Thinking
- Financial Acumen
- Operational Excellence
- Leadership & Team Development
- Vendor Negotiation
- Customer Focus
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive salary + performance-based bonus
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays