Vice President of Operations

Location: Langhorne, PA (Headquarters)

Travel: Regular travel to store and commissary locations throughout PA & NJ

Position Type: Full-Time | Salaried | Executive Leadership

Position Summary

The Vice President of Operations is a senior executive responsible for the overall operational and financial performance of eight upscale, perishable-forward supermarkets across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as the company’s Pennsylvania-based commissary.

Reporting directly to Ownership, this role provides strategic leadership and enterprise-level oversight across Retail Operations, Commissary Operations, and Purchasing. The VP of Operations ensures alignment between merchandising strategy, operational execution, financial performance, and the elevated customer experience that defines the brand.

This position is based at Company Headquarters in Langhorne, PA, with consistent field presence required.

Executive ResponsibilitiesRetail Operations Leadership

Provide executive oversight of all store operations through direct leadership of multi-unit operators and senior field leaders.
Drive sales growth, gross margin performance, labor productivity, shrink control, and EBITDA contribution.
Establish and maintain consistent operational standards across all locations.
Ensure exceptional execution in perishable merchandising, food safety, quality, and service.
Conduct regular field visits to maintain operational alignment and cultural consistency.
Lead succession planning and leadership development at store and district levels.

Commissary Executive Oversight

Provide strategic leadership and executive oversight to the Commissary Director, who maintains day-to-day operational responsibility.
Ensure commissary production strategy aligns with retail merchandising objectives, innovation initiatives, and seasonal programs.
Maintain accountability for financial performance including labor efficiency, yield management, shrink, and contribution margins.
Partner with the Commissary Director on capital planning, equipment investment, and process optimization.
Oversee regulatory compliance, food safety standards, and quality assurance across all production categories.
Evaluate long-term scalability of commissary operations to support growth and format evolution.

Purchasing & Merchandising Leadership

Lead and develop all Purchasing Directors, ensuring alignment between vendor strategy, category management, and operational execution.
Establish margin targets, inventory turn expectations, and shrink performance standards.
Oversee vendor relationship strategy at an executive level.
Collaborate with Finance to manage working capital and purchasing controls.
Ensure seamless coordination between Purchasing, Commissary, and Store Operations.

Financial & Strategic Leadership

Own operational budgeting, forecasting, and KPI accountability.
Analyze and improve key performance metrics including:
Gross margin mix
Sales per labor hour
Shrink percentage
Inventory turns
Perishable productivity
Partner with Ownership on capital allocation, new store development, remodels, and strategic growth initiatives.
Identify operational efficiencies while preserving brand positioning and quality standards.

Leadership & Culture

Build and reinforce a performance-driven, accountability-focused leadership culture.
Mentor and develop senior leaders across operations and merchandising.
Ensure organizational depth through succession planning.
Model company values and community commitment.

Compliance & Risk Oversight

Ensure enterprise-wide compliance with food safety regulations, labor laws, and state requirements (PA & NJ).
Oversee safety standards and risk mitigation programs.
Maintain audit readiness across retail and commissary operations.

Qualifications

10+ years of progressive grocery retail leadership experience with multi-unit oversight.
Executive-level experience in perishable-intensive formats.
Demonstrated ability to manage multi-location P&Ls and senior leadership teams.
Strong financial acumen with experience driving margin improvement and labor productivity.
Experience leading purchasing or category management functions at a senior level.
Bachelor’s degree preferred (Business, Supply Chain, Retail Management, or related field).
Willingness to travel regularly to store locations.

Core Competencies

Enterprise-Level Operational Strategy
Financial & Margin Discipline
Perishable Excellence
Leadership Development & Succession Planning
Vendor & Supply Chain Strategy
Systems & Process Optimization
Change Leadership

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive executive-level salary negotiable based on experience
Performance-based bonus opportunity
Comprehensive benefits package
Opportunity to shape the next phase of growth for a respected regional grocery operator

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