Overview:
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.
Core Responsibilities
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Financial Performance & Sales Growth
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Lead regional Deli/Bakery Departments in achieving budgeted sales, gross profit, labor, and shrink targets.
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Monitor performance indicators, including:
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Sales and mix trends
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Labor productivity
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Food cost and shrink
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Production efficiency
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Implement strategies to increase revenue while protecting profitability and maintaining quality standards.
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Ensure promotional programs and seasonal initiatives are executed effectively to drive incremental sales.
2. Leadership & Operational Direction
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Provide clear performance expectations and direction to Store Managers and Deli/Bakery Managers
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Develop and mentor Deli/Bakery Specialists and departmental leaders to strengthen execution and leadership capability.
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Ensure consistent execution of departmental programs and standards, including:
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Safety and Sanitation
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Training and Processing Standards
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Pricing and Displaying
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Merchandising
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Weights & Tares
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Scanning Accuracy
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Inventory Control
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Customer Service
3. Store Execution & Field Leadership
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Conduct routine store visits (minimum weekly cadence across region) to assess department readiness and compliance.
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Evaluate hot case, cold case, bakery tables, grab-and-go, and meal solution execution.
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Identify operational gaps and implement corrective action plans with measurable follow-up.
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Partner with District Managers to address staffing, leadership, and execution challenges.
4. Labor & Food Cost Management
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Drive disciplined labor scheduling and production planning to align staffing with sales volume.
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Improve food cost control by reducing overproduction, waste, and spoilage.
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Coach department leaders on production forecasting and daily readiness routines.
5. Communication & Alignment
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Serve as a liaison between Operations leadership and store-level teams to ensure consistent communication and alignment.
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Provide performance updates and actionable insights to the VP of Operations.
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Promote a culture of “No Surprises” and operational accountability.
6. Training & Talent Development
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Support hiring, onboarding, and development of Deli/Bakery Managers and key associates.
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Coach leaders on improving customer service standards and team productivity.
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Identify high-potential talent and support succession planning within the region.
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Reinforce training standards to ensure consistent execution across all stores.
7. Food Safety, Compliance & Brand Protection
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Ensure strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards across all locations.
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Maintain consistent quality and presentation standards that protect the brand.
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Address compliance or execution issues quickly and ensure sustainable improvement.
Qualifications
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Proven leadership experience in grocery or retail, preferably in Deli, Bakery, or Food Service operations.
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Strong knowledge of Deli/Bakery Department operations and food safety standards.
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Demonstrated ability to analyze performance metrics and implement operational improvements.
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to influence and leadmulti-unit store teams.
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Passion for developing leaders and improving customer experience.
Core Competencies
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Accountability
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Customer Oriented
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Leadership & Influence
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Decision Making
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Detail Oriented
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Problem Solving
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Organized & Reliable
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Team Building
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Time Management
Education & Experience
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High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
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3+ years of Deli/Bakery or Fresh Multi-Unit leadership experience preferred.
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Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Physical Demands
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.
