Sr Manager, Operator Initiatives

About Grocery Outlet:

• Our Mission: Touching lives for the better
• Our Vision: Touching lives by being the first choice for bargain-minded consumers in the U.S.
• Our Values & Behaviors: Achievement, Diversity, Entrepreneurship, Family, Fun, Integrity & Service

About the Team:

The Grocery Outlet Store Support team is here to enable our Independent Operators and Aspiring Operators in Training (AOTs) to be successful Operators. We do this by providing world-class Project Management, Training, Communication, and Support services so our Independent Operators can focus on what matters: their families, business, customers, and communities. We build strong relationships with our Operators by being transparent and collaborative in all that we do and by looking for ways to improve the operator experience continuously.

About the Role:

This highly visible and exciting role offers an opportunity to lead and drive strategic initiatives that have a direct impact on our Independent Operators and cross-functional teams. We are looking for a strategic, results-oriented leader with a strong background in retail operations, field leadership, and project execution. This individual will not only manage complex, high-impact initiatives but also influence strategy, foster collaboration, and ensure accountability across teams.

Responsibilities Include:

• Leading cross-functional initiatives that enhance operator success, optimize business processes, and drive operational efficiency. Examples include, but are not limited to, test-and-learn initiatives across CapEx, Refrigeration, Technology and Operations teams, Independence from Hunger campaign, new store operations, etc.

• Owning end-to-end project execution, from defining business requirements and success measures to implementation and post-launch assessment.
• Driving strategic alignment between key stakeholders, ensuring initiatives support broader business objectives.

• Proactively identifying opportunities to improve processes, create efficiencies, and drive value for operators and internal teams.
• Developing and executing change management strategies to ensure smooth adoption of new initiatives, processes, and tools across the organization.
• Engaging with field leadership and store teams to ensure projects are practical, actionable, and aligned with operational realities.
• Building strong relationships across the organization to influence decisions, drive adoption, and facilitate smooth execution.
• Ensuring accountability by tracking key milestones, following up on commitments, and driving progress to meet timelines and goals.
• Facilitating executive-level communications, including project updates, risk mitigation plans, and strategic recommendations.

About The Pay:

• Base Salary Range: $110,000 - $125,000 Annually
• Annual Bonus Program
• Equity
• 401(k) Profit Sharing
• Medical, Dental, Vision & More!
• Final compensation will be determined based upon experience and skills and may vary based on location.

About You:

• 5+ years of experience in retail operations, strategic project management, or field leadership.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional initiatives with measurable business impact.
• Knowledge and experience of project management standards, processes, procedures, guidelines, and tools (PMP certification a plus).

• Proven experience in the preparation of project plans, meeting notes, and presentations.

• Must have strong leadership and influencing qualities along with the ability to communicate, set expectations, and hold team members accountable.
• Ownership mindset-a proactive problem-solver who takes initiative, holds teams accountable, and drives results.Thrive in a fast-paced environment, and be comfortable with ambiguity.
• Detailed-oriented with a strong client or customer management experience skillset.
• Strong proficiency with M.S. Office and project management software (Asana, MS Project, etc.).

• Proven analytical, problem-solving, decision-making skills.
• Excellent organizational/prioritization skills with attention to detail.