The Project Manager, Operations Strategic Initiatives – Retail is responsible for driving the successful execution of enterprise operational initiatives across CUB. This role ensures strategic priorities are translated into consistent store execution by coordinating cross-functional workstreams, managing implementation plans, removing barriers, and holding initiatives accountable from planning through sustained adoption.
Serving as the central execution lead for Retail Operations, this position partners closely with Operations, Merchandising, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Supply Chain, and external partners to ensure initiatives are delivered on time, aligned across functional areas, and produce measurable business results. Primary areas of focus include shrink reduction, fresh quality, labor optimization, operational standards, and store conditions.
This position owns execution governance, implementation discipline, cross-functional accountability, and enterprise adoption to ensure operational initiatives achieve intended outcomes.
Program & Initiative Execution
Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, implementation roadmaps, milestones, dependencies, and execution timelines.
Monitor initiative progress, identify execution risks, remove barriers, and ensure projects remain on schedule.
Coordinate pilot programs, operational testing, rollout planning, and enterprise deployment to ensure successful implementation across stores.
Cross Functional Leadership
Serve as the central coordination point across Retail Operations, Merchandising, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Distribution, Supply Chain, and external business partners.
Operational Excellence & Business Improvement
Support enterprise initiatives focused on shrink reduction, store conditions, labor optimization, fresh quality, and operational consistency.
Coordinate implementation of production planning improvements, waste reduction strategies, fresh process standardization, and merchandising enhancements.
Governance, Reporting & Performance Management
Maintain governance processes that provide clear visibility into initiative status, risks, milestones, dependencies, and business outcomes.
Develop executive-level dashboards, scorecards, and status updates for weekly operating reviews, monthly business reviews, and executive leadership meetings.
Identify opportunities to improve implementation processes, execution routines, governance practices, and operational adoption.
Job Requirements: Education/ Certifications:
Bachelor degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain, Project Management, or related field required.
Five or more years of experience leading cross-functional projects, operational initiatives, or business transformation within a retail, grocery, or multi-unit operating environment.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Strong knowledge of retail operations, merchandising execution, labor management, store operations, and operational improvement methodologies.
Experience supporting shrink reduction, quality improvement, production planning, labor optimization, or operational excellence initiatives.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to translate complex work into clear, actionable plans.
Hybrid Role: This role operates in a hybrid work environment, combining time in the corporate support center and retail stores, with remote work. The hybrid model is designed to support collaboration, cross‑functional partnership, and flexibility, while maintaining strong connection to field operations and business priorities. In‑person presence may be required for key meetings, working sessions, and certain phases of project execution.
This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.
Physical Environment/Demands: Office Roles:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.
UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Compensation:
UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.
Benefits:
For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.
Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.
UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.
