Grocery Department Head (Full- Time)

denninger ltd; Burlington; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount 20%

Staff discount at Bistro/Bitehaus 50%

Health, vision & dental after 6 months

Employee Assistance Program

24/7 virtual health care access

Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (DPSP)

Job summary

Denninger's Limited in Burlington, Ontario seeks a Department Head to lead the Grocery department. You will drive sales and protect profitability while delivering an outstanding shopping experience.

This role reports to the Store Manager and requires strong leadership, coaching, and cross-functional collaboration across store teams. Responsibilities include executing merchandising strategies, monitoring sales performance, managing labor costs, enforcing safety and company policies, and guiding a

Qualifications

• Requires 2+ years in retail or Denninger’s-equivalent experience.
• Hands-on management style with ability to delegate.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to coach staff.
• Excellent communication across all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales and gross margin by executing merchandising and promotional strategies with support from the category manager.
• Lead department head meetings and coordinate with Store Manager to set goals and monitor progress.
• Control labor and operating expenses through efficient scheduling and cost-conscious practices.
• Ensure safety, compliance, and adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Manage, train, and evaluate department staff; provide guidance and ensure teamwork.
• Oversee shift management and ensure smooth opening, mid, and closing procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

People management

Time management

Job description

R. Denninger Limited is one of the finest food companies in the world. For more than 70 years, quality has been the founding criteria of our company. Denninger’s has four retail locations, a manufacturing plant and a warehouse all located throughout Southern Ontario. Denninger’s associates are hand picked to provide the best service in the industry. If you have a passion for customer service and thrive in a team environment, Denninger’s is the place for you!

What We Offer

• Associate training focused on developing practical skills
• Employee Recognition Program
• 20% Staff discount across all locations
• 50% Staff discount at our Bistro/ Bitehaus
• Perks Program (Monthly Super Staff Discounts, Goodlife Discount, Perkopolis and more)
• Health, vision and dental benefits 6 months after hire
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to 24/7 virtual health care
• Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (DPSP)

Job Summary:

The role of the Department Head is to manage the operation of the Grocery department efficiently and effectively to achieve Sales and Net Operating Profit (NOP) goals while giving customers an excellent shopping experience.

Vacancy Status: Open

Reports to: Store Manager

Duties

Sales & Gross Margin

• Execute the Company's Merchandising and Promotional strategies to achieve the Company's sales objectives with the assistance of the category manager
• With the assistance of the Store Manager, utilize the Store Promotion Master Book/ Intranet to execute department sales goals as assigned by the Store Manager by participating in biweekly/ monthly department head meetings
• Analyse sales and gross margin reports with the assistance of the Store Manager to maximize sales and gross margin for the department
• Ensure quality control of all products
• Orders effectively to achieve maximum sales and gross margin
• Ensure proper procedures are followed including not limited to credits, product rotation, invoicing, store transfers, receiving, etc.

Expense Control

• Control labour costs through efficient weekly store schedules (to be approved by Store Manager)
• Minimize all operational expenses (utilities, supplies, samples, waste, donations, etc.)
• Conduct regular, preventative maintenance of equipment to ensure proper functionality and control of equipment expenses

Policies and Procedures

• Enforces and adheres to all applicable legislation to ensure a safe and clean retail environment
• Support the Company Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles
• Enforce all Company policies and procedures
• Manage and report any accident, incidents, WSIB cases to the Store Manager
• Reports maintenance repairs in accordance with the Company’s reporting procedure

People Management

• Ensure completion of departmental tasks by delegating to associates within the department
• Communicate staffing levels to the Store Manager to ensure departmental efficiency and customer service
• Provide ongoing training and guidance to all members of the department
• Responsible for the performance management of all members of the department with the assistance of the Store Manager, using employee meeting records and annual performance reviews
• Attend regular department head meetings to review all policies, procedures and expectations and goals and achievement of goals in the department
• Ensure a harmonious and productive working environment in the store to maximize associate morale and performance
• Respond to customer concerns / issues in an appropriate and timely manner.

Shift Management and Key Holder Responsibilities

• When assigned as active shift manager, you are responsible for the general communication and organization between all departments.
• Ensures all store opening procedures are followed and complete when designated as opening shift supervisor
• Ensures all mid shift procedures are followed and complete when designated as mid shift supervisor
• Ensures all closing shift procedures are followed and complete when designated as closing shift supervisor

All other duties as assigned by Management

Requirements

• A minimum of 2 years service with Denninger’s or equivalent experience in a similar retail environment
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the department
• Demonstrate a hands on management style
• Proven leadership skills and ability to delegate
• Demonstrates strong communication skills throughout all levels of the organization
• Demonstrates professionalism throughout all levels of the organization
• Proven ability to handle confidential information
• Excellent time management skills

Essential Job Functions

• Stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Bend and stoop to grasp objects and climb ladders. Bend and twist neck and waist, reach above and below shoulders and squat.
• Bend and lift loads, not to exceed 50 pounds. Push and pull carts weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Repetitive use of hands for grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation.
• Environmental exposure to extreme temperatures (coolers, ovens, freezer, outdoors, etc.)

We thank all applicants, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Denninger's Limited is an equal opportunity employer and we value the importance of diversity and dignity in the workplace. If you are contacted by R. Denninger Limited regarding a job opportunity, please advise prior to the interview if you require accommodation and we will work with you to make appropriate arrangements.

AI Disclosure: R. Denninger Limited utilizes AI in the preliminary screening of all applicants to determine their base eligibility. All further review is completed by a member of the Human Resource team.