CDS District Manager

About the Role

The District Manager oversees and manages the CDS operations of multiple Costco retail locations within a designated district. This role ensures each warehouse meets CDS standards for sales, customer service, safety, and operational efficiency while driving business growth, managing budgets, and implementing Operational Excellence strategies. The position involves monitoring performance, addressing operational issues, managing staffing levels, building rapport with Costco General Managers, and ensuring compliance with Advantage policies and industry regulations.

The Company is one of North America’s leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management, and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers, and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. We service a variety of trade channels, including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics, and home centers, bridging the gap between manufacturers and retailers.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and administrative support for operational activities such as supplies ordering and systems needs.
• Ensure warehouse locations meet CDS standards for sales, customer service, safety, and operational efficiency by:
  • Conducting regular location visits and audits to ensure adherence to operational SOPs and company policies.
  • Holding Event Managers accountable for misses and recognizing them for wins.
  • Partnering with the company safety department to uphold safety procedures and prioritize a safety-first culture.
  • Implementing and upholding company policies and procedures.
• Develop relationships with Costco managers and team members through regular, in-person conversations.
• Drive business growth by:
  • Ensuring adoption of Operational Excellence strategies and helping teams understand their importance.
  • Leveraging data and insights to manage profitability, budgets, staffing, and performance in partnership with management.
  • Monitoring performance, coaching, and performance-managing Event Managers.
  • Addressing operational issues, coaching, documenting, and holding teams accountable.
• Workforce Management:
  • Manage and continually upskill a roster of high-performing Event Managers.
  • Support Event Managers with appropriate location staffing levels, navigating TA resources and budgets.
  • Create a culture of accountability and high performance by ensuring teammates adhere to performance, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Advantage policies and industry regulations.
• Strategic Alignment:
  • Execute performance in line with organizational strategy goals.
  • Support and communicate with full transparency to the Regional Director.
  • Leverage organizational resources and participate in stretch assignments and regional initiatives.
  • Communicate strategic messages and operational needs as a mature leader with the business’s interests in mind.
• Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • Direct Reports: Hire, retain, train, coach, guide, and develop direct reports using company-wide processes, tools, and resources.
  • Indirect Reports: Delegate work and provide guidance, direction, and mentoring as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in a client-side, branded, consumer-packaged goods company; or a combination of supplier-side and client-side experience.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong supervisory skills, including delegating responsibility, training, and evaluating performance.
• Well-organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle a fast-paced work environment.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining customer/client relationships.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Strong decision-making skills.
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Outlook, and web browsers.
• NEHA Professional Food Handler Certification required.

Environmental & Physical Requirements

• Work may be performed in an office, field, retail store, or warehouse environment.
• Typically requires the ability to spend 66%+ of each workday engaged in considerable physical activity, including:
  • Lifting and/or pushing up to 50 pounds.
  • Standing for long periods.
  • Using products or cooking food as appropriate for demonstrations.
  • Working in extremely cold conditions (e.g., refrigerated and freezer sections).
• Travel and driving are required.
• Proper safety practices when handling products and/or cooking are essential.