Regional Sales Manager of Deli/Bakery in Bowling Green, Kentucky at Houchens Food Group, Inc.

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

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Core Competencies

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

Education & Experience

• 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)

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.