Director Of Retail Operations

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Creative Culinary Management Company ("CCMC") is a hospitality company founded in 2020 by Jean-Georges Restaurant Holding Company. Based in New York City's Seaport in Lower Manhattan, CCMC is responsible for the management of a variety of acclaimed restaurants at the Seaport, each offering unique, world-class dining. CCMC's mission is to channel its team's extensive knowledge and passion for hospitality into the creation of memorable guest experiences-from family-friendly dining on the historic cobblestones to intimate waterfront restaurants on Pier 17, along with rooftop dining concepts featuring one-of-a-kind views of Lower Manhattan, and an extensive selection of globally-influenced drinking and dining establishments throughout the Tin Building by Jean-Georges-the a 53,000-square-foot culinary marketplace at Pier 17 on the former site of the Fulton Fish Market.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Tin Building by Jean-Georges is a sprawling food emporium located inside one of New York's most historic landmarks. The TIN Building features multiple unique venues: Several full-service restaurants, fast casual, and counter dining outlets as well as 10,000 sf of Retail featuring private label products, grab and go, grocery and more. To support this significant operation the Marketplace features a large commissary kitchen and bakery, as well as an exhibition kitchen that will provide media opportunities.

The Howard Hughes Corporation, the nationally recognized real estate company overseeing the re-development of New York City's Seaport District, envisions the repositioning of the property as a magnet for attracting locals and visitors alike with a unique, year-round blend of entertainment, food, and retail offerings. The centerpiece of the Seaport District's renaissance is an entirely re-imagined historic TIN Building, featuring a one-of-a-kind Marketplace and entertainment venue operated by renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Retail is responsible for successfully leading and managing the day-to-day Retail Operations while ensuring that the Tin Building establishes and maintains a best-in-class brand profile, guest experience, and selection of products. This oversight of this role includes but is not limited to Central Market, Spoiled Parrot, Mercantile & Mercantile East, Produce, and all retail areas across the building. The collection of Retail selections spans across shelf stable products, perishable, prepared foods, and more.

This role will drive creative initiatives and services, while consistently meeting and exceeding financial targets including but not limited to the cost of goods, inventory management, labor, and margin contributions.

The Director of Retail will be involved in curation of product assortment under guidance of VP of Retail and in alignment with JG brand standards. S/he will ensure an effective and efficient retail procurement system and identify and maintain relationships with the highest quality suppliers that align with the brand profile.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute the overall strategic direction for the Retail Operations, aligning with the company's goals and brand standards

• Drive an outstanding culture of service and hospitality in all retail areas, counters, and outlets
• Oversee day to day Retail Operations including but not limited to quality control, staffing, scheduling, guest experience, merchandising, signage, receiving, purchasing, storage and inventory.

• Manage the curation and sourcing of high quality product assortment, with approval from VP of Retail and Senior Leadership Team
• Ensure cross-departmental operational efficiencies, minimize waste, and positively impact overall building profitability
• Develop, implement and maintain systems to ensure superior food quality, in alignment with JG standards
• Responsible for ensuring all retail legal requirements are set including internally generated labels, scale labels, department of weights and measures requirements, UPC licensing, product sign requirements and more.
• Source and manage relationships with co-packers / private label food producers to grow JG branded items including oils, vinegars, jams, sauces, dessert sauces, chocolates, confection, juice, water, spices, nuts / snacks, etc., with VP of Retail & Senior Executive approval

• Participate in packaging and labeling design of all JG branded items produced internally and externally, with VP of Retail & Senior Executive approval

• Manage all Retail operating expenses; Accountable for meeting and exceeding projected food cost, labor cost, and other forecasted operating expenses

• Responsible for the fiscal performance, sales targets, and adherence to budget

• Analyze financial performance, including sales, labor costs, food costs, and other key metrics, and provide insights and recommendations to optimize profitability and operational efficiency
• Plan budgets in partnership with Senior Finance & Operations team as needed
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute marketing strategies, promotions, and initiatives that drive traffic, increase brand awareness, and support revenue goals

• Ensure proper product merchandising, lay out of all retail including schematic designs and flow charts.

• Ensure monthly inventory of Retail department is accurate and systematic in all areas of operation

• Oversee vendor relationships alongside Purchasing Manager, and support cost negotiations as needed

• Actively participate in establishing pricing
• Oversee and actively participate in hiring, supervision, scheduling, development, and training of Retail managers and hourly reports
• Lead and set clear direction for the retail management and hourly team, providing guidance, coaching, and support to optimize performance, develop talent, and ensure succession planning
• Foster and promote a high performing and positive working climate, maximizing productivity and employee morale while maintaining a healthy, happy, and productive work environment that builds loyalty and dedication.
• Develop a cross functional talent pool to deliver on business objectives
• Develop and implement initiatives including a focus on training and development to increase/maintain employee engagement and longevity
• Demonstrate and hold direct reports accountable for acting with the highest levels of professional standards including engaging in Progressive Disciplinary process as needed

• Maintain full ownership and organization of all forward facing and back-end retail areas across the building

• Implement and monitor industry trends and best practices; attend and participate in food shows, trade shows, and industry events
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, licensing requirements, and other legal obligations
• Ensure that proper security procedures are in place to protect employees, guests, and company assets.
• Ensure a safe working and guest environment to reduce the risk of injury and accidents; complete accident reports promptly in the event that a guest or employee are injured and handle follow up.
• Operate ethically to protect the assets and image of the company.
• Performs other duties, initiatives, and responsibilities as per business need and per request

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• 10+ years of experience in high-end food retail operation serving in a leadership role and/or equivalent relevant experience
• Deep passion for Fine Food products and delivering exceptional guest experiences

• Strong financial & business acumen and ability to analyze and interpret financial data, including P&L statements, to drive profitability and make informed business decisions

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Proven and successful track record of growing sales
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and senior executives
• Ability to establish and continually elevate a best- in-class training and development program with focus on building a selling culture
• Creative sales mindset with keen attention to detail
• Top level leadership and listening skills
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with multiple tasks and projects at hand. 
• Competent proficiency in Microsoft Office including Microsoft Excel and overall computer skills

• Must be able to maintain a schedule availability flexible to the business demands including nights, weekends, holidays  

REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to perform the essential job functions consistent safely and successfully with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs; Ability to stand for prolong periods of time and climb steps regularly.
• Ability to physically maneuver through work areas; bend, lift, carry, reach/extend arms, and hands above shoulder height frequently, or otherwise move in a constantly changing environment.

The base pay range for this position is between $150,000 - $200,000 per annum. The determination of what a specific employee in this job classification is paid depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, prior employment history/job-related knowledge, qualifications and skills, etc.

Creative Culinary Management is an equal opportunity employer.