Matthew Salazar
San Antonio
Summary
Senior retail and operations leader with 15+ years of progressive experience across grocery and specialty retail, including executive multi-unit leadership. Recognized for developing high-potential leaders, driving strong financial and people results, and consistently exceeding customer service expectations. Proven ability to scale operations through SOP development, disciplined KPI management, and cross-functional partnership with Finance and HR. Trusted mentor known for building durable leadership pipelines and high-performance cultures.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Retail Operations
Ace Mart Foodservice Equipment
09.2024 - 10.2024
- Executive oversight for 19 retail locations with responsibility for approximately 600 associates, including store teams and marketing staff.
- Led multi-unit leadership teams, establishing operational priorities, accountability, and performance standards.
- Developed and implemented SOPs to drive consistency, compliance, and scalable execution across locations.
- Partnered with Finance to align operational strategy with budgeting, forecasting, and performance controls.
- Drove onboarding structure, leadership coaching, and mentorship to stabilize teams and accelerate performance.
Director of Retail Operations
Ace Mart Foodservice Equipment
09.2024 - 10.2024
- Executive oversight for 19 retail locations with responsibility for approximately 600 associates, including store teams and marketing staff.
- Led multi-unit leadership teams, establishing operational priorities, accountability, and performance standards.
- Developed and implemented SOPs to drive consistency, compliance, and scalable execution across locations.
- Partnered with Finance to align operational strategy with budgeting, forecasting, and performance controls.
- Drove onboarding structure, leadership coaching, and mentorship to stabilize teams and accelerate performance.
Store Director
H-E-B Grocery
10.2015 - 05.2024
- Consistently exceeded financial, people, and customer service expectations while leading high-volume operations.
- Led operations for stores with up to 400 partners, regularly overseeing teams of 200+ on shift.
- Selected for H-E-B Mentorship Program; actively mentored and developed emerging leaders and management candidates.
- Selected for Expanding Leadership Capabilities (ELC) program for high-potential leaders.
- Selected for Advanced Leadership Program (ALP) through the University of Southern California for select leaders.
- Developed and promoted multiple leaders into management and store director roles across the region.
- Managed full-scope HR responsibilities including FMLA/LOA administration, employee relations, and independent HR investigations.
- Directed payroll, labor forecasting, and KPI performance while ensuring labor law compliance.
- Designed and delivered leadership training and curriculum beyond corporate requirements to accelerate talent development.
Store Director
H-E-B Grocery
10.2015 - 05.2024
- Consistently exceeded financial, people, and customer service expectations while leading high-volume operations.
- Led operations for stores with up to 400 partners, regularly overseeing teams of 200+ on shift.
- Selected for H-E-B Mentorship Program; actively mentored and developed emerging leaders and management candidates.
- Selected for Expanding Leadership Capabilities (ELC) program for high-potential leaders.
- Selected for Advanced Leadership Program (ALP) through the University of Southern California for select leaders.
- Developed and promoted multiple leaders into management and store director roles across the region.
- Managed full-scope HR responsibilities including FMLA/LOA administration, employee relations, and independent HR investigations.
- Directed payroll, labor forecasting, and KPI performance while ensuring labor law compliance.
- Designed and delivered leadership training and curriculum beyond corporate requirements to accelerate talent development.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Economics, Business / Human Resources
Texas A&M; University
College Station, TXSkills
- Multi-Unit Retail Operations
- Executive Leadership
- Leadership Development
- Mentorship
- Succession Planning
- Strategic Planning
- Financial Partnership
- SOP Creation
- Process Standardization
- HR Operations
- Onboarding
- Employee Relations
Certification
Crucial conversations certified
Timeline
Director of Retail Operations
Ace Mart Foodservice Equipment
09.2024 - 10.2024
Director of Retail Operations
Ace Mart Foodservice Equipment
09.2024 - 10.2024
Store Director
H-E-B Grocery
10.2015 - 05.2024
Store Director
H-E-B Grocery
10.2015 - 05.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Economics, Business / Human Resources
Texas A&M; University