H. Joshua Bartholomew
Bethlehem,PA
Summary
Dynamic executive with extensive experience at Grocery Outlet Inc., driving multi-unit growth and operational excellence. Proven track record in strategic planning and team building, successfully opening 77 stores and achieving significant revenue growth. Adept at cost controls and fostering employee development, ensuring high performance and customer satisfaction.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Director Sales and Merchandising
Grocery Outlet Inc.
02.2025 - Current
- Drove performance improvements for new and existing operators through enhanced inventory management, financial oversight, operational execution, and community engagement initiatives.
- Successfully improved comparative sales, profit margins, and shrink performance through disciplined operational and inventory management strategies.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to maximize organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability.
- Established performance metrics to evaluate departmental success and drive accountability.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements.
- Promoted a culture of collaboration among staff members through regular communication, feedback, and recognition.
Sr. Director New Store Growth
Grocery Outlet Inc.
07.2022 - 02.2025
- Inception of role, successfully opened 77 business units, meeting all identified KPIs.
- Led nationwide new store openings, ensuring alignment with growth objectives.
- Coordinated store setup, facility management, and comprehensive training for new Independent Owner/Operators.
- Directed first year financial strategy for Independent Owners, providing social media and community engagement support.
Independent Owner/Operator
Grocery Outlet Inc.
01.2018 - 01.2022
- New business startup with annual revenue year 1 of $3,380M grown to $6,812M with a 25% YOY growth rate by end of year 4 franchise sale.
- Oversee every aspect of the operation from labor relations, training, ordering/merchandising, social media, payroll and cashflow/P&L handling.
- Operated as a single owner/operator, differentiating from most GOI owners who are dual operators.
- Built a strong team member base with a focus on enhancing customer acquisition efforts.
- Created engaging social media content and implemented digital marketing strategies, including geofencing.
- Remained open during all pandemic timeframe with zero business disruption from team members, due to excellent Covid-19 team member and customer protective and sanitation measures.
Regional Director of Operations - Price Rite Supermarkets
Wakefern Food Corporation
01.2011 - 01.2018
- Oversee 32 store locations in Northeast Region (NY, CT, PA, MD, VA) representing $530M in annual revenue and encompassing 1,900 team members.
- Directed total store operations, enhancing workforce management, communication, customer experience, store technology, business analysis, operational planning, merchandising, and employee training.
- Drove market growth by enforcing best practices and leading corporate initiatives.
- Averaging 4% same store year-over-year sales growth through execution of new marketing and merchandising plans.
- Reduced regional turnover 40% by improving recruiting, onboarding, training, and succession planning.
- Improved customer loyalty and grew customer count 4.6% by improving appearance and layout of retail areas.
- Oversaw opening of nine new stores in region, expanding market presence and enhancing service offerings.
District Manager - Price Rite Supermarkets
Wakefern Food Corporation
01.2005 - 01.2011
- Turned around failing district - turned $3.8M loss to $800K profit within three years.
- Oversaw day-to-day operational performance of eight stores within Pennsylvania district representing $158M in annual revenue.
- Directed total store operations for organization with 600 team members, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
- Enhanced bottom line by 168 basis points in 2009 and top line sales by 6.3% in 2010 through targeted initiatives.
- Successfully opened three new stores within district.
- Recruited, trained, and promoted 16 associates to leadership roles, strengthening management pipeline within district.
- Promoted to senior management role based on outstanding performance and demonstration of leadership capability.
Store Operations Director
SUPERVALU Inc.
Pittsburgh, PA
01.2001 - 01.2005
- Oversaw store operations and 160+ team members in full-service supermarket, ensuring smooth daily functions and employee engagement.
- Boosted top line sales by 5%, elevated average order value by over $1, and expanded total customer count by 6%.
- Achieved #1 ranking for mystery shop score in 2003 with cumulative score of 97.5%, reflecting exceptional customer service standards.
Special Projects Manager
SUPERVALU Inc.
Pittsburgh, PA
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Consolidated 22 privately owned stores into one divisional structure to streamline operations.
- Merged operations, HR, vendor management, and cost center accounting, ensuring smooth transition with minimal disruption.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute special projects effectively.
- Developed project scopes and timelines to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
- Coordinated resource allocation for multiple concurrent initiatives across departments.
Sr. Area Risk Control Manager
SUPERVALU Inc.
Pittsburgh, PA
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Reduced worker’s compensation claim frequency 12% and general liability claim frequency 22%.
- Developed and managed programs that significantly reduced worker’s compensation claims and general liability risks.
- Optimized operations and reduced risk management budget from $10M to 7.2M.
- Created and executed ServSafe food safety training, department standards, training manuals, and annual inspections to enhance compliance and safety.
Dept. Mgr./Specialist Roles
SUPERVALU Inc.
Bethlehem, PA
01.1988 - 01.1998
- Performed roles as cashier, night crew chief, loss prevention specialist, and department manager.
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure efficient workflow and staff productivity.
- Managed staffing schedules to optimize department coverage and service levels.
- Implemented training programs for new employees to enhance team performance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Alvernia University
Reading, PAExecutive Leadership Training Program -
Cornell University
Skills
- Executive Leadership
- Multi-Unit Management
- Operations Management
- Retail Management
- Location Openings
- Process Design
- Change Management
- Cost Controls & Budgeting
- Merchandising
- Human Resources Administration
- Mentoring & Team Building
- Employee Training
- Strategic Planning
- Market Research
Certification
ServSafe
Timeline
Sr. Director Sales and Merchandising
Grocery Outlet Inc.
02.2025 - Current
Sr. Director New Store Growth
Grocery Outlet Inc.
07.2022 - 02.2025
Independent Owner/Operator
Grocery Outlet Inc.
01.2018 - 01.2022
Regional Director of Operations - Price Rite Supermarkets
Wakefern Food Corporation
01.2011 - 01.2018
District Manager - Price Rite Supermarkets
Wakefern Food Corporation
01.2005 - 01.2011
Store Operations Director
SUPERVALU Inc.
01.2001 - 01.2005
Special Projects Manager
SUPERVALU Inc.
01.2000 - 01.2001
Sr. Area Risk Control Manager
SUPERVALU Inc.
01.1998 - 01.2000
Dept. Mgr./Specialist Roles
SUPERVALU Inc.
01.1988 - 01.1998
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Alvernia University
Executive Leadership Training Program -
Cornell University