Homeland

Director, Grocery Retail – Fresh Meat
Professional Services
Kansas City, Kansas Direct Hire Jul 30, 2026
Job Summary
Homeland Talent Solutions has partnered with a leading merchandising, planning, and analytics firm that helps grocery retailers and consumer product manufacturers increase market share, strengthen customer loyalty, and drive profitable growth. Our client is seeking an experienced Director, Grocery Retail, Fresh Meat to lead strategic grocery retail initiatives for key client accounts.

The Director, Grocery Retail, Fresh Meat will develop and execute category strategies that drive sales, profitability, and market share through pricing, promotions, assortment planning, shelf space optimization, sourcing, and supply chain collaboration. Leveraging data-driven analytics and merchandising expertise, the Director, Grocery Retail, Fresh Meat will identify opportunities to improve category performance, optimize fresh meat merchandising and operations, and deliver measurable business results.

The ideal Director, Grocery Retail, Fresh Meat candidate brings 10+ years of experience in fresh meat retail category management and operations, with a proven ability to transform complex data into actionable strategies, influence key stakeholders, and lead initiatives that improve merchandising performance across multiple retail organizations.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the development and execution of category strategies for grocery retail clients, with a focus on pricing, promotions, assortment planning, shelf space optimization, supply chain collaboration, and visual merchandising to drive sales and customer engagement
  • Manage key product categories, with primary responsibility for fresh meat merchandising and operations, ensuring alignment between merchandising strategies and operational execution
  • Analyze fresh meat and protein markets, including case-ready processing capabilities, market trends, supply chain dynamics, and packaging technologies to identify opportunities and maintain a competitive advantage
  • Leverage advanced analytics to evaluate sales performance, consumer behavior, competitive activity, and market trends, transforming data into actionable business strategies
  • Partner with internal teams, retail clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders to implement category plans and merchandising initiatives that deliver measurable results
  • Conduct category performance reviews, promotional analyses, and ROI evaluations, using real-time data to optimize strategies and achieve financial objectives
  • Integrate data from multiple sources, including POS systems, syndicated market data, and consumer research, to identify growth opportunities, improve category performance, and mitigate risk
  • Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, industry standards, sustainability initiatives, and other regulatory requirements, particularly within fresh meat and other perishable categories
  • Mentor and develop team members by sharing merchandising, analytics, and category management best practices while supporting broader client initiatives across the company

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Retail Management, or a related field preferred, but not required
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in grocery retail category management or category leadership within high-volume retail environments
  • Proven expertise in merchandising strategies, including pricing, promotions, assortment planning, shelf space optimization, and execution
  • Strong experience in fresh meat merchandising and operations, with a demonstrated track record of improving performance across fresh and perishable categories
  • Ability to analyze category performance, identify growth opportunities, and implement data-driven strategies that improve sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to partner effectively with clients, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives
  • Advanced analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, SQL, Tableau, and retail analytics platforms such as Nielsen, Circana (IRI), or SPINS to interpret large, complex datasets
  • Strong strategic planning and category management capabilities, including annual planning cycles, forecasting, and long-term category roadmaps
  • Ability to transform quantitative and qualitative data into actionable insights and recommendations that drive business performance and informed decision-making
  • Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence clients, vendors, and cross-functional teams
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and client initiatives in a fast-paced, consultative environment while maintaining accuracy and delivering results
  • In-depth knowledge of grocery retail trends, including e-commerce, private label growth, consumer purchasing behaviors, fresh and perishable merchandising, and sustainable product strategies
  • Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills with a continuous improvement mindset and a focus on delivering measurable business outcomes
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, for reporting, analysis, and executive presentations

Additional Information
The selected candidate will be expected to be based in the Kansas City, MO area for the first 18–24 months, with a planned relocation to Nashville thereafter.

Benefits
This position offers a competitive annual salary of $150,000 - $200,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative environment focused on retail excellence.

Summary
If you are a strategic leader passionate about transforming grocery categories through innovative merchandising strategies and data-driven insights, we encourage you to apply today.



EEO Notice
Homeland LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Homeland LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Homeland LLC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.
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