Director, Front Store Operations & Communications

Referred applicants should not apply directly to this role.

All referred applicants must first be submitted through Workday by a current Loblaw Colleague.

Come make your difference in communities across Canada, where authenticity, trust and making connections is valued - as we shape the future of Canadian retail, together. Our unique position as one of the country's largest employers, coupled with our commitment to positively impact the lives of all Canadians, provides our colleagues a range of opportunities and experiences to help Canadians Live Life Well®.

At Loblaw Companies Limited, we succeed through collaboration and commitment and set a high bar for ourselves and those around us. Whether you are just starting your career, re-entering the workforce, or looking for a new job, this is where you belong.

Job Description

This role reports to the Senior Director, Front Store Operations & Systems. The Director, Front Store Operations & Communications is responsible for coordinating and managing core initiatives and workload planning from an operational perspective. The role supports Stores and Field Resources as a liaison between the relevant Central Office departments for all Front Store initiatives and communications.

• Leads the Front Store Operations, Store Scheduling/Workload Planning, and Store Communications Teams
• Takes a leadership role in the research, recommendations, implementation, and sustainment of store level opportunities for continuous improvement to optimize in-store processes and enhancements to store systems to improve performance, efficiencies, productivity, and reduce operating costs.
• Manages the development and maintenance of the front store operating standards and certification program to ensure standards are current, relevant, and consistently applied across all stores nationally.
• Provides and recommends solutions for driving efficiencies, cost savings, and overall financial performance.
• Manages the Weekly Store Activity Guide and content for Field Resources on the National Operations intranet site, Quarterly Meetings (VP and Peers), and National Meetings.
• Responsible for providing input and presenting on the bi-weekly Operations Web Meeting from an operational perspective and where necessary provide additional operational content for various communications / video productions.
• Manages the weekly workload planning from a practical operational perspective understanding all Central Office departmental needs and addressing potential conflicts and priorities at weekly meetings.
• Reviews and validates applicable communications and programs from relevant Central Office departments to assist Store Management and Field Resources on smooth in-store execution of programs. Develops communications and tools as required.
• Supports execution strategy for all Seasonal and Marketing programs and manages the post mortem store feedback analysis.
• Supports Field Resources with respect to questions and requests, including identifying areas that may require solution management, and providing potential solutions.
• Responsible for support through research and needs analysis to determine what specific information and tools may be required to support the Field Resources including reports, training needs, coaching, and resource material.
• Directs workload and provides staff supervision to ensure work is done accurately, efficiently, and complies with policies, procedures, and standards as well as best working practices.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Skills, Experience & Education

What You'll Need:

Skills:

This position requires a demonstrated level of initiative and judgment in order to organize and prioritize tasks, workload, and projects. Courtesy, tact and diplomacy are required in dealing with colleagues in every day working relationships.

• Requires the ability to identify and improve work processes.
• Supervises related processes and people by leading work or project teams.
• Requires specialized interpersonal skills to resolve situations with colleagues where there may be some level of conflict, stress or uncertainty.
• Provides solutions by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required.
• Utilizes decision making skills to determine the best use of resources and operational processes.
• Adaptable to set and prioritize work with varying exceptions. Able to work with diverse personalities and styles.
• Communicates with clarity, verbally and in one on one or group situations, or over the telephone.
• Communicates well in writing by composing clear documents; facility with editing and/or proof-reading is required.
• Computer skills to produce and interpret reports, documents and presentations. Knowledge of inventory management and accounting software.
• Business acumen - advanced understanding of quality standards relative to inventory management and accounting procedures.
• Professional manner, tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with colleagues including senior management.
• Knowledge of National Store Operating, Merchandising, and POP Standards, inventory management, scheduling, business, and accounting systems.
• Sound Shoppers Drug Mart operational experience either in the field operations resource or Central Office capacity.
• Strong working knowledge of Shoppers Drug Mart front store systems including MMS, POS, WFM, and MicroStrategy Field Force. Knowledge of SAP and CPMS an asset.

• Strong computer skills especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Excellent organization and planning skills
• Excellent communications skills
• Strong project management skills

Experience:

5+ years of retail operational management experience. Shoppers Drug Mart experience is required.

Education:

Post-secondary education equivalent to a university degree in Business, Merchandising or equivalent.

Our commitment to Sustainability and Social Impact is an essential part of the way we do business, and we focus our attention on areas where we can have the greatest impact. Our approach to sustainability and social impact is based on three pillars - Environment, Sourcing and Community - and we are constantly looking for ways to demonstrate leadership in these important areas. Our CORE Values - Care, Ownership, Respect and Excellence - guide all our decision-making and come to life through our Blue Culture. We offer our colleagues progressive careers, comprehensive training, flexibility, and other competitive benefits - these are some of the many reasons why we are one of Canada’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, Canada’s Greenest Employers & Canada’s Top Employers for Young People.

If you are unsure whether your experience matches every requirement above, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are looking for varied perspectives which include diverse experiences that we can add to our team.

We have a long-standing focus on diversity, equity and inclusion because we know it will make our company a better place to work and shop. We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Please Note:
Candidates who are 18 years or older are required to complete a criminal background check. Details will be provided through the application process.