Director of Seafood

Role Overview

The Seafood Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of product procurement and operational excellence within Heinen’s Seafood Department. This leadership role defines and drives the strategic vision while providing executional support across store operations, merchandising, product assortment, procurement, pricing, and promotional planning. The Seafood Director serves as a critical liaison between the external supplier network and Heinen’s internal warehouses, ensuring seamless collaboration and strict adherence to the company’s high-quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the strategic vision for Heinen’s Seafood Department to drive innovation, growth, and operational excellence.

• Build strong partnerships with store operations leadership teams to identify improvement opportunities and implement strategic solutions.

• Maintain comprehensive product knowledge and support the development of associates’ sales and merchandising skills.

• Achieve targeted sales and gross margin objectives through effective planning, execution, and performance optimization.

• Provide comprehensive oversight of department performance, including category management (assortment, pricing, margin, and promotional strategy), in-store operations, merchandising standards, and team development.

• Oversee, design and improve department processes.

• Partner with Operations, assist in training of new Seafood Leads.

• Cultivate and manage direct relationships with fish suppliers and distributors to ensure adherence to Heinen’s stringent quality standards.

• Partner with the Seafood Category Manager to provide the appropriate product mix and analytical support for the business.

• Design and support floor layouts, store sets, planograms, and new store openings or remodels.

• Maintain expertise in small wares and department equipment.

• Provide informal leadership and mentorship to store-level Seafood teams, engaging regularly with Market Managers to promote alignment, inspiration, and shared success.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in Seafood merchandising or retail operations.

• Extensive knowledge of Seafood department operations, including procurement, merchandising, and in-store execution.

• Proven ability to lead through ambiguity and drive successful organizational change.

• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of managing supplier relationships and contract execution.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including written, verbal, and active listening capabilities.

• Demonstrated ability to foster and sustain effective cross-functional partnerships.

• Analytical, data-driven thinker with significant experience in category management, including assortment planning, pricing strategy, and promotional execution.

• Results-oriented, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced retail environment while ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field a plus.

Pay

Competitive compensation.

Schedule

Monday-Friday work week. 8am-5pm schedule

Benefits

Full-time, 40 hours per week.