Manager: Food Service Program
Our client is an independent multi-billion dollar gasoline and convenience store retailer. Today, through its retail convenience locations, their network includes 500 company-operated stores and 56 fee-operated locations. They have established themselves as one of the largest independent owners, operators of gas stations and convenience stores in the Western United States. The company employs over 3,000 associates and operates its retail businesses in California, Oregon, Washington and Colorado.
About You
The Food Service Program Manager will oversee the retail execution of food service, dispensed beverages, and QSR concepts for the western region. They will closely partner with operations to ensure store locations meet company program standards. This role involves frequent travel to retail sites, providing leadership, guidance, and support to district leaders and store managers. The goal is to ensure food and beverage programs are optimally executed with a focus on presentation, quality, customer service, and profitability. Additionally, the FSPM will ensure all food service operations, including QSR concepts, comply with company policies, health and safety regulations, and industry standards. The FSPM will evaluate labor and production plans with the operations team, making necessary adjustments to maximize profitability through sales optimization and waste control strategies. The FSPM will partner with the training department and key vendors to develop training assets with an operational focus. The FSPM will work in lockstep with the category management team, implementing promotional campaigns and pricing strategies to drive sales and customer engagement. Additionally, they will assist in the launch of new products, gather market and competitive information, and assist in selecting the right mix of products based on customer demands and market trends.
What You Will Do
• This is a field-based position that involves regular store site visits.
• Ensure all food service operations, including QSR concepts, comply with company policies, health and safety regulations, and industry standards.
• Ensure retail locations maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and customer service, with a focus on consistency in program offerings.
• Guide and mentor district leaders and store managers on food preparation, safety, and customer service best practices.
• Partner with operational leadership to develop and implement action plans to address underperforming stores.
• Analyze sales and financial data to identify opportunities for improvement and implement strategies to enhance profitability.
• Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products, including QSR-specific ingredients and supplies.
• Regularly meet with QSR concept representatives to drive growth of existing programs and identify potential expansion opportunities.
• Gather and analyze customer feedback to continuously improve food service offerings and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute promotional campaigns to drive sales and customer engagement.
• Will work with Category Food leader in identifying capital expenditure requirements to support the expansion of food service programs and oversee the implementation of approved capex projects.
• Assess the profitability of proprietary programs and develop action plans to optimize performance.
• Document recipes, processes and procedures of proprietary food programs.
• In conjunction with category management, assist with the optimization of food menus based on customer demand and market trends.
• Maintain a strong relationship with operations to ensure seamless integration and execution of food service initiatives.
• Work with category management on the launch of new products, pilot programs and equipment testing at retail.
• Contribute to the development of training materials for store associates to ensure consistent and high-quality service.
• Assist in selecting the right mix of products for the category based on customer demands and market trends.
What You Bring
• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in food service management, preferably in the convenience or retail industry, with experience in managing QSR concepts.
• Store merchandising leadership experience, with prior merchandising experience in the convenience store industry highly preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• A self-starter with proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously, and consistently strives to exceed expectations.
• Ability to read, understand and translate P&L and CapEx reports is required
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Proficiency in MS Office (excel, word, power point)
• Excellent oral, written, and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional leadership and organizational skills
• Ability to convey ideas and processes in easy-to-understand terms to diverse audience
• Possess a valid Driver’s License and provide required proof of insurance and demonstrate a safe driving record
