Jess Jachens
Cornwall-on-Hudson
Summary
Highly motivated and results-oriented Grocery Department Manager with 18 years of experience in overseeing daily operations, managing staff, inventory control, and delivering exceptional customer service. Proven track record of increasing sales, improving efficiency, and fostering a positive work environment. Skilled in merchandising, budgeting, and ensuring product availability while maintaining high-quality standards. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Grocery Department Manager
Defense Commissary Agency, DECA
04.2011 - Current
- Collaborated with other departments to develop cross-merchandising strategies that boosted overall store sales performance.
- Ensured compliance with food safety standards, maintaining high levels of quality control within the department.
- Maximized sales performance with effective inventory management and stock rotation practices.
- Utilized analytical tools such as planograms and endcap displays in order to maximize shelf space efficiency while optimizing visual appeal for customers.
- Collaborated with store management to optimize overall store performance and meet company goals.
- Evaluated market trends to make informed decisions about product selection, pricing strategy, and promotional tactics within the grocery department contextually relevant events or seasons.
- Implemented successful promotional campaigns to increase sales and drive customer engagement.
- Enhanced customer experience by addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and providing exceptional service at all times.
- Evaluated financial data to identify opportunities for cost reduction and revenue growth within the grocery department.
- Led a team of employees, providing ongoing training and development for optimal performance.
- Fostered an inclusive work environment by promoting open communication among team members, celebrating successes, and addressing challenges proactively.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers to secure better pricing and product availability.
- Managed supplier relationships effectively, negotiating favorable terms on contracts for the procurement of products in various categories.
- Implemented loss prevention measures throughout the department by conducting routine audits of inventory counts along with reviewing surveillance footage as needed.
- Streamlined department processes to enhance productivity and reduce labor costs.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, identifying areas for improvement among staff members and implementing targeted coaching initiatives accordingly.
Produce Department Manager
Defense Commissary Agency, DECA
10.2007 - 04.2011
- Ensured accurate pricing and signage, maintaining compliance with company guidelines and regulations.
- Addressed customer inquiries promptly, providing knowledgeable guidance on product selection and usage recommendations.
- Successfully managed seasonal transitions within the department, offering a diverse range of products yearround.
- Developed strong vendor relationships for consistent product availability and competitive pricing.
- Oversaw daily maintenance tasks such as cleaning, trimming, watering plants, ensuring an appealing shopping environment for customers at all times.
- Reduced waste and shrinkage by implementing proper inventory management techniques.
- Implemented creative merchandising strategies, resulting in increased sales and profitability.
- Streamlined department processes for increased efficiency and productivity.
- Coordinated with other departments for cross-merchandising opportunities, increasing visibility of produce offerings throughout the store.
- Responded proactively to market trends by introducing new products or modifying existing offerings accordingly.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing exceptional product quality and freshness.
- Established performance metrics for staff members, regularly reviewing progress toward individual goals as well as overall department objectives.
- Maximized use of available space through effective layout planning and product placement strategies in the department area.
- Collaborated with store management to achieve overall store goals and targets.
- Maintained accurate records of employee schedules, time-off requests, payroll submissions for efficient workforce management.
- Conducted regular staff training sessions to ensure proper handling of produce items and compliance with food safety standards.
- Managed department budget, optimizing expenses for maximum return on investment.
- Coached and mentored new team members.
- Assisted customers with produce questions.
- Strengthened profits by reducing waste, controlling shrinkage, and increasing team efficiency with optimized workflows.
- Planned attractive produce displays, using color and texture to enhance.
Fresh Produce Inspector
C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc.
03.2002 - 08.2007
- Collaborated with warehouse staff to ensure proper storage conditions were maintained, preserving product freshness.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations through consistent monitoring of produce handling procedures.
- Participated in industry conferences and workshops, staying current on best practices related to produce inspection and safety.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, promoting open communication and mutual accountability for maintaining high standards.
- Implemented corrective actions as necessary to address any identified deficiencies during inspections.
- Contributed to supply chain optimization through proactive communication with suppliers about potential issues or improvements.
- Streamlined inspection processes by utilizing advanced technology and tools whenever possible.
- Assisted in training new inspectors, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the organization.
- Actively contributed to a safe work environment by adhering to safety protocols and promptly reporting any observed hazards or potential concerns.
- Identified trends in produce quality issues, providing valuable insights for addressing potential concerns proactively.
- Increased customer satisfaction by ensuring that only high-quality products were available for purchase.
- Played an integral role in upholding the company''s reputation for offering high-quality products by consistently applying rigorous inspection standards.
- Maintained accurate records, contributing to the overall efficiency of the inspection process.
- Presented written and oral documentation of investigations, surveys and field assignments.
- Trained line personnel on quality control procedures.
- Checked facilities for compliance with sanitation and disposal procedures as part of comprehensive inspections.
- Observed destruction and disposal of condemned items to maintain control and prevent contamination of food chain.
Food Safety Inspector
Army
09.1997 - 01.1999
- Evaluated employee hygiene practices to ensure compliance with proper food handling procedures.
- Coordinated efforts with other inspectors as part of a cohesive team approach to maintain consistent standards across all inspected sites.
- Reduced the risk of foodborne illnesses through meticulous monitoring and enforcement of sanitary practices.
- Supported continuous improvement in the industry by staying informed on emerging trends and sharing insights with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Contributed to the development of new food safety policies and regulations by sharing expertise with lawmakers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders.
- Assisted establishments in developing comprehensive HACCP plans tailored to their specific operations, minimizing potential risks associated with foodborne pathogens.
- Conducted risk assessments for new products or processes, ensuring consumer safety without impeding innovation within the industry.
- Troubleshot material quality concerns, held vendors accountable, and documented production impact.
- Monitored packaging of spirits and beverages to confirm adherence to safety standards and specifications.
- Upheld the highest ethical standards in all inspection activities, ensuring unbiased evaluations and promoting a culture of integrity within the field.
- Contributed to a safer food supply chain by inspecting various stages from production to distribution facilities.
- Enhanced food safety by conducting thorough inspections of facilities and identifying potential hazards.
- Verified compliance with food safety quality systems and regulatory guidelines.
- Presented written and oral documentation of investigations, surveys and field assignments.
- Maintained quality inspection records database.
- Inspected area restaurants to measure compliance with food safety and environmental health regulations.
- Checked facilities for compliance with sanitation and disposal procedures as part of comprehensive inspections.
- Observed destruction and disposal of condemned items to maintain control and prevent contamination of food chain.
- Adhered to HACCP protocols to evaluate risk level of food-related items and record results.
- Inspected farms and fields for compliance with local and state regulations.
Education
High School Diploma -
Monroe-Woodbury High School
Monroe, NY06-1996
Skills
- Shelf stocking
- Pricing and shelf labeling
- Merchandising strategies
- Grocery Store Operations
- Staff Supervision & Training
- Inventory Management
- Budgeting & Cost Control
- Customer Service Excellence
- Vendor Relations & Negotiations
- Sales & Probability Enhancement
- Safety & Compliance
- Conflict Resolution
- Scheduling & Workforce Management
Timeline
Grocery Department Manager
Defense Commissary Agency, DECA
04.2011 - Current
Produce Department Manager
Defense Commissary Agency, DECA
10.2007 - 04.2011
Fresh Produce Inspector
C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc.
03.2002 - 08.2007
Food Safety Inspector
Army
09.1997 - 01.1999
High School Diploma -
Monroe-Woodbury High School
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