Director of Liquor

Foodland Super Market Ltd. is locally owned and operated and has been doing business in Hawai`i for over 75 years. Foodland is strongly committed to sharing our passion for extraordinary service, unmatched quality and innovation, and delivering exceptional food and shopping experiences to inspire our community.

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and organized individual with previous managerial experience in the food retail industry with a focus on beer, wine, and spirits, to join our team as Director of Liquor.

This position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of sales and merchandising for the liquor department for the company’s grocery stores and affiliated markets. This position requires a deep understanding of beer, wine, spirits, market trends, and customer preferences. The director of liquor will work with the head of sales and merchandising to create an overall vision and strategy for the department. The position will be responsible for ensuring that your team (in the corporate office and at the store level) executes this strategy in alignment with our company’s high standards.

Essential Job Duties:

• Sales Strategy: Develop and execute strategies to achieve sales targets and increase market share in the liquor department.
• Merchandising Strategy: Ensure the development and execution of sound merchandising plans that respond to changing customer needs and are in alignment with company vision.
• Product Assortment: Ensure product assortment reflects changing customer preferences, trends, and company vision and develop plans to ensure ongoing updating and maintenance of all sets.
• Pricing: Execute pricing strategies and promotional activities to drive sales and maintain competitiveness in the market.
• Supplier Relations: Develop and maintain strong relationships with liquor suppliers and vendors to ensure proper assortment, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery.
• Inventory Control: Manage inventory levels to ensure availability and minimize waste and excess inventory.
• Market Analysis and Awareness: Monitor and analyze sales data, market trends, and customer preferences to identify opportunities for growth and improvement. Visit and monitor competition, staying on top of customer trends, and responding to the changing needs and wants of customers.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies regarding the sale and marketing of alcoholic beverages.
• Collaboration: Works closely with other departments and store management to develop and execute company programs and initiatives. Works closely with direct supervisor and executive team to ensure alignment of programs and objectives.
• Company Culture: Understands and live by company mission, vision, values, guiding principles, and house rules.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Proven knowledge and passion for beer, wine and spirits.
• Strong team leader committed to the organization's values, culture, and objectives.
• Able to achieve results through others.
• Able to manage and organize multiple concurrent projects effectively.
• Strong analytical, negotiating, and problem-solving skills.
• Able to synthesize complex ideas and data to formulate plans and actions.
• Able to think strategically and develop long-term plans.
• Able to foster and build relationships internally and externally.
• Able to work effectively, meet deadlines, and accomplish team objectives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Office, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

Education/Experience:

• 3-5 years of proven experience in a managerial or leadership role within the retail liquor industry
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Working Environment:

• This position involves traveling to store locations and/or neighbor islands for initiative implementation, maintenance, and training. Mainland and international travel may also be required for industry shows and research and development.
• Requires ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays to accommodate the business. Additionally, the job requires the individual to be able to spend periods of time off island to execute company initiatives and meet store needs.
• Work is conducted in an office environment and may require work to be conducted in non-standard workplaces, including stores.

Mental Demands:

• Ability to analyze reports, interpret findings, and effectively problem-solve based on data.
• The position requires remembering processes, procedures, and complete information.
• Will be required to learn new tasks, adapt to changes, and stay updated with industry trends.
• Requires quick decision-making ability and at times with minimal information available.
• Must maintain focus during tasks, especially when dealing with intricate details or repetitive work.
• The position involves reading reports, emails, or other written materials as well as writing and creating documents and presentations.
• Will be required to speak publicly when presenting information to various audiences including hourly employees, managers, vendors, and senior leaders.

Physical Demands:

• Frequently sits, performs desk-based computer tasks, and stands and/or walks for long periods in stores.
• Occasional lifting, and/or carrying, pushing, and/or pulling merchandise that weighs up to 50 pounds.

Communication Demands:

• The position requires talking and listening to employees, supervisors, managers, executives, and outside trade persons/vendors; written communication to employees, supervisors, managers, executives, and outside persons/vendors; responding to written or verbal requests; reading; composing written language; receiving verbal and written instructions.

With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.