Bakery Sales Manager

Albertsons-Safeway's Northern California Division has an opening for a Bakery Sales Manager.

Strategically manages their categories to increase sales, total gross dollars, and market share versus prior year and to meet or exceed projected numbers.  Creates and implements pricing, promotion, assortment and shelf planograms for each assigned category, based on detailed analysis of past performance and results, industry best practices, and consumer trends. The Sales Manager partners with corporate merchants to maximize category performance and vendor relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop yearly category business plans based on analysis of previous results and market trends.
• Achieve or exceed projected sales and profit contributions.
• Create and maintain a detailed pricing strategy by zone and category.
• Implement a promotional calendar for major categories, tracking sales, profit, and share growth.
• Design schematics and recommend product adjacencies to support category roles.
• Determine appropriate product assortments, authorizing new items and discontinuing lines based on their potential contribution.
• Maintain scorecards to track sales, gross profit dollars, and category share.
• Measure total contribution to the department.
• Manage and maximize categories for efficient use of vendor dollars.
• Create sales and gross profit projections at the category level, rolling up to department and division projections.
• Conduct post-promotional analysis at the item and category level.
• Plan ads and displays to support category plans and department initiatives.
• Coordinate and communicate between stores, merchandising, and other departments within the division.
• Act as the primary contact for all vendors in assigned categories.
• Meet with vendors for deal negotiations and business updates.
• Work closely with the procurement function to ensure desired service levels and optimal inventory positions.
• Coordinate promotional plans and merchandising messages within the department.
• Attend key vendor planning meetings.
• Collaborate with department colleagues, division teams, and corporate merchandising to implement programs.
• Visit stores to observe merchandising program results.
• Support and implement corporate initiatives.
• Supervise applicable office support staff and provide guidance to Buyers.
• Initiate and follow through on personnel actions such as interviewing, hiring decisions, and performance reviews.
• Coordinate and evaluate formal training activities and on-the-job training programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing or related field preferred

Experience Level

• 5-10+ years of retail/category experience
• 15 total years’ experience in grocery industry
• 5+ years in retail store management (Store Director level), Sales/Assistant Sales Management, Procurement, or Operations Specialist/Merchandising roles
• Retail experience in the category

Skills and Experiences

• Solid understanding of marketing, merchandising, consumer research, and financial management practices.
• Excellent understanding of store operations, merchandising methodologies, P&L, and financial management.
• Strong background in financial, mathematical, statistical, marketing, merchandising, and consumer research.
• Ability to read and interpret profit and loss statements and understand the impact on managed categories.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to take initiative and make decisive decisions.
• Strong planning and organizing skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with excellent interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships.
• Strategy development and relationship management skills.
• Skilled in Category Business Planning.
• Demonstrated effective leadership abilities.
• Understanding of procurement, logistics, and inventory management.
• Proficiency with computers (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Internet).

Travel Requirements: Less than 50% travel

Physical Environment

• Work may be performed in a temperature-controlled environment.
• Must sit, stand, or walk for extended periods.
• May spend long periods at a desk or computer terminal.
• Use of calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment is required.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be necessary.
• Fast-paced work environment; some evening and weekend work may be required.

Albertsons Companies' Northern California Division support office is located in Pleasanton, CA and supports the operations of 285 retail stores across northern California, northwestern Nevada, and Hawaii under the Safeway, Andronico’s, Vons, and Pak ‘n Save Foods banners.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us
At Albertsons Companies, people are at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to thoughtful people practices is a cornerstone of our philosophy. We bring communities together through the joy of food and inspire well-being — and that starts with you. When you join our team, you bring your unique talents and make us stronger, better, and more connected.

Here’s what we offer:

• Competitive pay with weekly payroll
• Exclusive associate discounts
• Comprehensive benefits for eligible associates, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), and more (eligibility details at myACI Benefits: https://myaci-benefits.com)
• Paid time off: vacation, holidays, and sick leave (eligibility details at myACI Benefits: https://myaci-benefits.com)
• Career growth and development supported by leaders who invest in your success
• Inclusive, collaborative work environment with colleagues who reflect the communities we serve