East Coast District Manager

ABOUT THE CLIENT

Our Client is a rapidly growing gourmet dessert and confectionery company with roots in Italy and a fast-expanding footprint in the United States. Known for its artisanal approach and dedication to high-quality, natural ingredients, the company specializes in premium confections, including chocolates, spreads, and gelato. Celebrating traditional flavors and culinary excellence, the brand has established itself globally with boutiques in multiple countries. Its beautifully presented products are popular for both personal enjoyment and gifting occasions.

Mission:

We are seeking a passionate and results-driven Retail District Manager for the East Coast to join the Company's dynamic Retail Team. Based in New York, this is a field-based role requiring significant time spent in the stores, ensuring operational excellence and team development.

The Company's Retail channel is thriving and rapidly expanding across the United States, with direct stores in New York City and Long Island, along the Northeast Coast, Florida, and California, and exciting new openings on the horizon. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated leader to make an impact in a fast-growing retail environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Director of Retail to execute and adapt strategic operational plans to the East Coast market
• Oversee the East Coast Area P&L, ensuring financial performance and identifying opportunities for growth
• Lead and develop the Store Manager team, working closely with Cluster Managers to drive operational and team success
• Uphold Company's Service Model standards to deliver an exceptional customer experience at every store
• Act as a trainer and coach for store teams, inspiring and guiding them to meet and exceed performance goals
• Monitor and analyze store KPIs and performance metrics, implementing action plans to achieve company targets
• Ensure visual merchandising aligns with Company's brand guidelines
• Oversee and optimize store operations, including scheduling, productivity, ordering, forecasting, and inventory management
• Conduct regular store visits to ensure maintenance of fixtures, furniture, and facilities
• Identify and implement innovative solutions to operational challenges
• Collaborate with Store Managers and Cluster Managers to manage the recruitment process and build strong store teams.

The Ideal Candidate:

• A minimum of 4 years of District/Area manager experience, preferably in the Food and Beverage sector
• At least 2 years of experience leading and developing people, with proven success in building high-performing teams
• Experience working in a fast-paced retail environment; international experience is a plus
• Results orientated with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a hands-on approach
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills, with a focus on performance and attention to detail
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset, capable of making decisions and thriving in both independent and collaborative environments
• Experience using data to develop business strategies and drive decision-making
• Fluency in English, bilingual is a plus
• Ability to travel regularly across the region and occasionally to other states.
• Positive, flexible attitude with a passion for chocolate and gelato
• Leads talent management efforts by actively networking, recruiting, and onboarding top talent while fostering a culture of ongoing training, development, and engagement to build high-performing teams.
• Positive and flexible…and obviously a chocolate and gelato lover!