Job Description

About Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, Fairway Market®, Gourmet Garage®, Di Bruno Bros.®, and Morton Williams® banners.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices.

About You

In support of both the company and division’s goals, the Associate Director of Market Research will direct the efforts of all Market Research in support of the long-range store development plan for Wakefern and its cooperative Members. This role oversees a variety of activities, including new store and remodel volume and impact projections, gravity modeling, competition monitoring and tracking, geomapping, store acquisition, membership opportunities, database management, development of growth strategy, and mergers & acquisitions. The Associate Director of Market Research manages several hundred projects in the full geography of the Wakefern trade area and beyond, on an annual basis. In completing the department’s mission, the Associate Director of Market Research works closely with the Real Estate department, the Site Development Committee (SDC), cooperative Members, outside consultants and other Wakefern divisions.

Core Functions:

• Directs a team of site location, competition and mapping analysts.
• Manages the maintenance and enhancement of internal databases that include data on Wakefern-bannered stores; industry competition; demographic/socio-economic data, geolocation, etc. to provide timely, relevant data in support of Market Research studies and other projects across Wakefern. Develops and maintains processes to continuously update loyalty data in the database.
• Directs the planning, execution and analyses of all new store and remodel sales volume and impact projections.
• Ensures the department utilizes “state-of-the-art” research techniques and tools to improve overall accuracy and productivity.
• Advising senior management on the risks and rewards of merger & acquisition opportunities.
• Serves as a key member of the SDC support team by providing assessment of proposed sites. Attends SDC meetings - presenting, when necessary, results of Market Research studies, as well as other pertinent competitive and demographic information.
• Coordinates the preparation and presentation of special project requests from Wakefern leadership and Members. Projects include analyses of market share, projection vs. actual, remodel/expansion, competitive performance, store acquisitions, and identifying areas of opportunity.
• Develops the team through continuous training, professional seminars, broadening project assignments, exposure to management and members; monitors their performance.
• Engages with a cadre of reputable, highly skilled outside research consultants to provide Wakefern and cooperative members with additional professional research sources when needed. Coordinates and reviews the work of all outside consultants for thoroughness, accuracy and sound interpretation of the facts.
• Oversees the monitoring of competitive/industry activity to provide regular updates to Wakefern and the cooperative members.
• Interacts daily with Wakefern leadership and other Wakefern divisions, including but not limited to Real Estate, Construction, Design, Finance, Retail Operations and Advertising.
• Supports the Vice President of Site Development in relevant projects and growth planning and, when necessary, presents to the Wakefern board and committees.

Knowledge and Skills Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Business Administration, etc.
• Prior retail site location research experience of 15+ years.
• Strong office and market research software skills including Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, SitesPlus, Alteryx, FIT modeling.
• Demonstrated organizational, analytical, presentation, mathematical, statistical, financial, presentation and communication skills.
• Proven customer service and teamwork skills with a willingness to assist others.
• Prior management experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet project deadlines. Strong problems solving skills are required.
• Understanding of the merger & acquisition lifecycle, including due diligence, integration planning, and post-merger evaluation.
• Experience managing highly confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Proven track record with working cross-functionally with senior executives and division leaders.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills; ability to lead important meetings and establish actionable expected outcomes. Comprehends and conveys information clearly and effectively.
• Embodies strong leadership, strategic thinking and influencing skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work with limited oversight.
• Understands and adheres to maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Conveys strong business acumen, uses sound judgement and decision making skills to manage leadership responsibilities.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Ability to drive long distances and sit in a car for extensive periods of time.
• Ability to monitor computer screens, access interactive meetings with camera and sound.
• Ability to travel within Wakefern trade area (10 states), including overnight travel as required.
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule requiring four days in office/on the road and one day remote.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is: $180,000 to $210,000.

Placement in the range depends on several factors, including experience, skills, education, geography, and budget considerations. Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional development of our Associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan with company match & annual company contribution, paid time off, holidays, and parental leave. Associates also enjoy access to wellness and family support programs, fitness reimbursement, educational and training opportunities through our corporate university, and a collaborative, team-oriented work environment. Many of these benefits are fully or partially funded by the company, with some subject to eligibility requirements.

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