The job in a nutshell

This position manages key functions in the Operations department, working with all store leaders and Regional Managers to ensure full compliance for required operational duties and tasks as well as with required regulatory certifications. This is done by effectively communicating requirements, putting measurements in place to assess completion and results, and providing consistent follow up on open items until compliance is achieved. The Operations Excellence Manager will work closely with the Director of Store Operations – Store Support Center and will oversee the Operations’ Compliance team.

Applications are accepted by the date below, which may be updated if the hiring timeline is extended.

02/28/2025

Main Ingredients:

1. Ensures adherence to existing operational policies and procedures and institutes solutions for visibility where needed.
   1. Works with Operations’ Compliance team to ensure checks are in place for all required items and that compliance checks are being completed accurately and on time.
   2. Communicates via phone calls, emails, and conference calls etc. with store leaders and Regional Managers when tasks are not completed and works to gain 100% compliance.
2. Manages company compliance program for required certifications including food safety, alcohol safety, and forklift/powered industrial vehicle safety where required.
   1. Maintains accurate records of locations where certification is required, and which Crew must be certified.
   2. Ensures full company compliance with regulatory requirements.
3. Works with store teams to create and implement training plans when needed.
4. Escalates compliance issues per Company framework.
5. Manages quarterly department inspection process and follows up with store leaders to achieve 100% compliance to drive successful store operations and set Crew up for success.
6. Manages the quarterly key audit process for all stores in the Company ensuring all records are up to data, stores have all required keys, and coordinates replacement keys and rekeying of locks when necessary.
7. Works cross-departmentally to stay up to date on Company initiatives, promotions, etc. to identify necessary compliance requirements and implements and oversees new and ongoing compliance measures.
8. Reviews and analyzes compliance results and addresses outliers, escalating concerns and issues appropriately per Company framework.
9. Compiles and posts data necessary for annual Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, and Regional Manager feedback.
   1. Ensures all data is accurate, in the required format and is posted to Company SharePoint by deadline each quarter.
10. Creates SOPs, QRGs and other operational documents in collaboration with Operations and SSC departments to support store operations and compliance.
11. Analyzes results and effectiveness of operations’ compliance tools and institutes control systems or other solutions when opportunities are identified.
12. Streamlines existing manual processes for efficiency and accuracy improvements.
13. Leads and develops the Operations’ Compliance team members ensuring they understand the “why” behind all initiatives, communicate the “why” clearly to store leaders and deliver timely and accurate data.
14. Recognizes the impact of data being provided to Operations and collaborates with the team to identify process improvements.

1. Creates structure and documentation for department processes.

16. Partners with Regional Managers, Director of Store Operations – Store Support Center, Directors of Store Operations and Vice President of Store Operations in providing analytical data to determine required action and drive business decision making.
17. Oversees the electronic vehicle charging station program for the Company.
18. Travel to stores to conduct compliance audits and support roll out of operational initiatives monthly as needed.

1. Assist with Regional Manager training on region specific compliance needs
2. While this role oversees compliance, they ultimately are part of the Operations department and may be required to support other operational, company, or store needs and must be willing and able to perform all tasks requested.

Supervisory responsibilities:

1. Effectively manage team members ensuring a high level of performance to include completion of projects and meeting critical deadlines.
2. Hires and manage Operations Compliance team members
3. Oversees the daily workflow, work accuracy, and schedules of the department
4. Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive
5. Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy

Although this is a general outline of job responsibilities all employees are expected to be “hands on” and do whatever it takes to get the job done and make the company thrive.

Recipe for Success:

1. Bachelor’s degree preferred
2. 3 years experience compliance analyst experience preferred
3. Ability to effectively collaborate with all levels of the organization
4. Familiarity with Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage policies and procedures as well as with NGVC products and vendors and their representatives
5. Previous NGVC store level or management experience preferred
6. Excellent leadership, ownership, and process improvement skills required
7. Outstanding professional communication and writing skills, must be detail oriented
8. Must be excellent at analyzing data and trends with the ability to create solutions that address identified issues.
9. Excellent customer service skills to interact with internal and external customers as well as vendors and outside organizations
10. Advance skills in Excel required
11. Intermediate proficiency in MS Word and Publisher
12. Experience with SAP
13. An analytical mindset with strong organizational skills
14. Ability to multi-task and work easily with multiple demands and competing priorities
15. Proven track record managing teams, driving results, and meeting deadlines
16. Ability to remain calm under stress
17. Proactive self-starter working with minimal supervision, thinks outside the box; solution oriented

This job description is not an employment contract.  It does not guarantee a job or that the above-listed duties are the limit of responsibilities.  The job and job description are subject to change with and without notice.  Employees are required to accomplish any and all tasks assigned to them by company executives that may not be listed in this job description.

Physical and Environmental Demands:                               

N = Never

O = Occasional; 1-33% of time

F = Frequent; 34-66% of time

C = Constant; 67-100% of time

Physical Requirements:

• Must have the ability to occasionally lift or carry up to 20 lbs.
• Must have the ability to occasionally push or pull up to 30 lbs.
• Must be able to constantly use the computer for data entry and use of mouse.
• Must be able to constantly sit, stand, grip and use fine motor manipulations.
• Must be able to frequently walk, bend, twist, and turn.
• Must be able to occasionally squat, kneel, crawl, climb, reach outward and reach above chest as needed.

Environmental Requirements:

• Must be able to work frequently with noise, contact stress and congested worksite.
• Must be able to work occasionally with outside, cold, heat, wet, humid, sharp tools and equipment, heights, dust, fumes, and vibration.