Direct Importer - Wholesale Distributor

Direct the operation of 3 departments across 14 stores with oversight for sales and gross profit. Lead team of 2 field supervisors and 5 buyers, indirectly manage up to 175 department personnel, and manage and maintain vendor and store level relationships. Oversee purchasing of products and programs and manage distribution and implementation across all stores. Develop private label programs and lead department execution with store level teams. Write and implement procedures and conduct regular analysis of results. Generated new sales of over $15K per week without additional labor by establishing a self-serve shrimp freezer. Delivered savings of over $300K per year by playing the lead role in reverse cost auctions. Developed a Premium Salmon product line that is now the #1 item in the department.

Collaborated closely with Human Resources in operational matters and monitoring of company policy and procedures. Supervised and provided employee and labor relations counseling and coaching to store managers. Participated in union contract negotiations and performed role of company representative at all unemployment hearings. Communicated with union representatives to resolve employee related issues and comply/enforce the collective bargaining agreement. Administered and approved all leaves of absences and oversaw unemployment claims.

Held oversight for sales, gross profit and inventory for all Seafood Departments across 48 locations. Directed procurement of products to stores and managed all transportation. Created impactful private label programs. Directed meat and seafood supervisors on operational issues, product information, merchandising, product allocation, inventory and best practices. Coached seafood managers on product knowledge, product sourcing and in-store merchandising. Led quarterly corporate manager meetings and oversaw merchandise, planning, advertising, and developed ads and weekly sales programs. Re-set and optimized underperforming departments and established new locations. Boosted sales and increased GP by approximately 10% in the first year. Achieved promotion over 8 veteran managers and successfully won their ongoing support.

Managed the company’s #1 volume store in Bridgehampton NY with oversight for department sales, gross profit, inventory, payroll and ordering. Directed all aspects of daily operations including setting displays, merchandising, cutting fish, and quality control. Boosted department profit ranking from #5 to #1 within the first year. Developed Country of Origin program in collaboration with corporate management.

Led wholesale distribution of produce, meat and seafood to various accounts on Long Island. Managed 2 other buyers and 10 warehouse personnel/drivers. Made nightly purchases from Hunts Point produce and meat market. Managed daily deliveries and distribution of products. Interfaced with customers on pricing, availability of items and sourcing special requests. Managed warehouse rotation/quality control.

Procured all seafood from the market and various vendors. Managed restaurant purchasing of meat, paper goods, liquor, dry goods, produce and supplies. Placed orders, controlled inventory, and developed the retail and promotional sales program. Recruited, trained and led employee development initiatives. Managed daily operation ensuring continual business readiness of the fish market and restaurant.