Director, Strategy and Implementation

Company: United Natural Foods
Location: Stillwater
Posted on: March 26, 2026

Job Description:

The Director of Retail Strategy and Implementation provides strategic leadership for enterprise-wide retail initiatives, setting the vision and direction for operational excellence across all store locations. The role is accountable for defining and guiding the execution of key strategies that elevate store performance, enhance the associate and customer experience, and support long?term business growth. This leader drives alignment across cross?functional partners, ensuring retail strategies are scalable, sustainable, and consistently delivered. They champion disciplined operational standards, labor optimization, and productivity improvements, while fostering a culture that embraces continuous improvement, technology adoption, and best?practice execution. Through strong influence, clear prioritization, and forward?looking planning, the Director ensures that retail processes are thoughtfully designed, effectively implemented, and fully adopted at scale—empowering store teams and strengthening operational outcomes enterprise?wide. Job Responsibilities: Core Responsibilities: · Collaborate with operations and field teams to understand in-store tools, processes, and workflows for effective gap analysis and identification. · Provide tools and resources for store-level training needs, addressing gaps identified by gap analysis and field and store leadership feedback. · Responsible for one direct report. · Define, implement, measure, and evolve standard processes via continuous improvement. · Drive store standard scoring process and improvement in partnership with District Managers. · Update Store Standards Playbook as required to promote operational consistency and enhance the associate and customer experience. · Lead labor planning process and drive key labor initiatives. · Identify, scope, and implement work content removal to drive efficiency and improve the associate and customer experience. · Improve department workflows to increase efficiency and associate engagement. · Development of training materials for District Managers and Operational Specialists, tracking adoption and effectiveness through established measures. · Conduct periodic reviews of processes to identify additional improvement opportunities, incorporating Lean principles as appropriate. Additional Responsibilities: · Build collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams and support leadership in achieving operational goals. · Serve as a resource to leadership teams, facilitating communication and alignment on strategic initiatives. · Manage and execute assigned projects, ensuring alignment with timelines and priorities. · Performs other duties as assigned. Job Requirements: Education/ Certifications: · Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience in retail operations or merchandising. Experience: · 5-7 years of experience in retail operations, with exposure to store management, strategy support, and process improvement. · Familiarity with Lean methodologies or similar frameworks in retail or operational settings. · Experience in contributing to training programs to diverse audiences, from front-line employees to store leadership. · Background in working with cross-functional teams, including safety, food safety, marketing, and learning & development, to drive operational improvements. · Ability to analyze operational data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement efforts. Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities · Strong understanding of retail operations, including store management and basic process optimization. · Proficiency with computer software, including Microsoft Office, for managing projects and reporting. · Effective communication skills, with the ability to engage various stakeholders. · Organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities. · Ability to support strategic initiatives and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. Work Environment: Hybrid Role: · This position follows a hybrid schedule working between the office and retail stores each week. This will be located out of Minnesota and require to be located in the area. Travel: · This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, stores or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons. Physical Environment/Demands: Office Roles: · Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office or store environment. · Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal. · While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. · Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday. · Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Company: SUPERVALU Inc Compensation: UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state/provincial and local laws. Benefits: Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program (or retirement savings plan if in Canada); medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account (U.S. only), subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. Sales Positions Only: For sales positions that are commission-based, the above range is an estimate of total potential commission-based compensation during an associate’s first year, but UNFI offers an introductory period minimum of $680 per week. After the introductory period, as a 100% commission-based role, there is no set salary. UNFI’s commission plans are uncapped and average earnings vary depending on territory and sales achieved, among other factors. UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum. Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act or for Canadian applicants in accordance with provincial human rights legislation.

Keywords: United Natural Foods, St. Paul , Director, Strategy and Implementation, Retail - All , Stillwater, Minnesota