Director, Merchandising (Produce)

Director, Merchandising (Produce)

Merchandising| Emeryville, CA | Full-time

About Grocery Outlet

• Our Mission: Touching lives for the better
• Our Vision: Touching lives by being the first choice for bargain-minded consumers in the U.S.
• Our Values & Behaviors: Achievement, Diversity, Entrepreneurship, Family, Fun, Integrity & Service

About the Team

We're a passionate and collaborative merchandising team dedicated to delivering the right products at the right price, with the right presentation to inspire our customers and drive results. We blend market insights, customer understanding, and operational excellence to create compelling assortments, impactful promotions, and consistent in-store experiences. Guided by data, creativity, and a commitment to quality, we partner across the business to bring our merchandising vision to life in every store.

About the Role

As the Director of Produce Merchandising, you will be a part of a brand-new department leading Grocery Outlet's produce category strategy. You will ensure best-in-class product quality, competitive pricing, and impactful merchandising execution. You will set the vision for produce merchandising, translate it into actionable strategies, and ensure consistent execution across all stores. You will lead the strategic direction for produce while working cross functionally with teams in Marketing, Purchasing, Inventory Planning, Visual Merchandising, Finance and Marketing. Success in this position requires a balance of strategic leadership, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of produce market trends, customer preferences, and competitive landscapes. The Director of Produce Merchandising will report to the EVP, Chief Merchandising Officer.

Responsibilities Include

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead the Produce Pod, ensuring clear roles, collaboration, and accountability across Merchandising, Buying, Planning, Visual Merchandising, Finance, and Marketing.
• Set category vision, priorities, and performance goals, aligning all team members toward common outcomes.
• Provide coaching, development, and performance feedback to direct reports and cross-functional partners.

Merchandising Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute a comprehensive produce merchandising strategy to meet sales, margin, and customer satisfaction goals.
• Oversee product assortment, pricing strategy, promotional plans, and seasonal transitions.
• Partner with Visual Merchandising to ensure consistent and impactful in-store presentation.
• Align with corporate sustainability, quality, and sourcing standards.

Buying & Supplier Relations

• Collaborate with the purchasing team to source high-quality produce at competitive costs.
• Negotiate supplier agreements, promotional opportunities, and marketing support.
• Anticipate seasonal supply challenges and market trends to proactively manage risk.

Planning & Financial Management

• Partner with Planning and Finance to forecast sales, manage budgets, and achieve margin goals.
• Analyze sales performance, shrink, and inventory turns to identify opportunities and risks.
• Approve pricing and promotional strategies to maximize profitability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Marketing to develop campaigns that highlight seasonal, local, and value-driven produce offers.
• Partner with Operations to ensure consistent execution of merchandising standards across stores.
• Facilitate regular Produce Pod meetings to review performance, address challenges, and align priorities.

Success will be measured by

• Sales and margin growth in the produce category.
• Shrink reduction and improved inventory turns.
• Execution of merchandising standards and promotional programs.
• Cross-functional alignment and efficiency.
• Customer satisfaction and quality perception.

About The Pay

• Base Salary Range: $165,000 - $185,000 Annually
• Annual Bonus Program
• Equity
• 401(k) Profit Sharing
• Medical, Dental, Vision & More!
• Final compensation will be determined based upon experience and skills and may vary based on location.

About You

• 8+ years of retail merchandising experience, including at least 3 years in produce or perishable categories.
• Proven leader with experience managing cross-functional teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced start up like environment
• Skilled in negotiation, vendor management, and category strategy.
• Deep knowledge of produce sourcing, seasonality, and quality standards.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in category management tools and reporting systems.
• Excellent communicator and collaborator with a customer-centric mindset.
• Strategic thinker who can translate vision into action.
• Highly collaborative, able to lead without direct authority.
• Data-driven problem solver with strong commercial acumen.
• Results-oriented leader with high accountability standards.