North Island Area Manager

Job Title: North Island Area Manager

Job Purpose: The North Island Area Manager is responsible for overseeing operational performance for Cascadia Liquor within the assigned North Island territory which currently includes Parksville, Nanoose Bay, Crown Isle, Port Alberni, Royal Bay and Langford. This position leads a team of General Managers (GMs) to achieve strong sales results, productivity and operational efficiency, and a collaborative work environment that supports growth and success. This is a hands-on role, working closely with the leadership team to model and champion the working environment and culture of Cascadia Liquor and The Truffles Group and requires regular travel between locations. The North Island Area Manager reports directly to the Senior Manager, Retail Operations.

Position Details: Full-time (40 hours per week), weekend and evening availability required from time to time.

Location: Flexible (South or North Vancouver Island) with regular travel required to visit store locations. Company car and reimbursement for gas provided for business use only. Candidates based in the Victoria area will operate out of our local office. Candidates based on the North Island will work remotely from a home office.

Compensation: Annual salary range of $85,000 – $95,000 per annum, with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package + bonus potential.

Benefits: We offer 100% employer paid extended health & dental, RRSP matching, health and wellness, professional development tuition, donation matching and more! Learn more about the employee perks we offer at trufflesgroup.com/careers

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of GMs across multiple locations within the North Island territory, ensuring consistent achievement of sales and operational targets.
• Coach GMs on established store and leadership KPIs, review progress regularly, and ensure action plans address gaps in performance.
• Ensure all stores within the territory meet liquor retail compliance requirements.
• Maintain operational consistency across all locations, ensuring consistent brand, guest and team member experience.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures and recommend new procedures to improve operational efficiency and reduce risk.
• Coordinate coverage for GM absences and provide hands-on interim support when required.
• Maintain weekly contact with each GM and conduct regular store visits based on store needs and operational priorities.
• Work with the Senior Manager, Retail Operations to implement strategic initiatives, grow sales, manage expenses and ensure an elevated guest and team experience. Guest service is a primary focus.
• Review guest feedback and secret shop results with GMs, ensuring timely follow-up and improvements to service.
• Provide support to GMs with operational concerns, escalating matters as required for higher-level attention.
• Review monthly financials with GMs and recommend ways to increase sales, maximize margins and reduce expenses to improve EBITDA.
• Oversee people management functions for locations within the territory and support GMs as required, including:
• Conduct 90-day and annual performance reviews for all direct reports.
• Ensure direct reports complete 90-day and annual reviews for their respective teams.
• Work with GMs to ensure recruitment and onboarding follow best practices and relevant legislation.
• Be the first point of contact for promptly addressing performance concerns, ensuring performance management and progressive discipline processes are followed.
• Work with GMs, the Senior Manager, Retail Operations and HR to manage leaves of absence.
• Ensure GMs hold quarterly team meetings and attend these meetings.
• Partner with the Senior Manager, People and Culture on all HR-related matters.
• Work with GMs and property management companies to ensure store maintenance and safety, and that stores reflect brand standards.
• Work with GMs to maintain and enhance culture and team member initiatives.
• Work with cross-functional teams to improve inventory systems and controls, increase efficiency and accuracy, and minimize loss.
• Participate in leadership and monthly GM meetings as required, and attend Cascadia operations and monthly business review meetings.
• Work with GMs and the Senior Manager, Retail Operations to coach and develop AGMs and other emerging leaders, establish development plans, and assess readiness for future leadership opportunities.
• Provide regular reports on store performance, challenges and opportunities to the Senior Manager, Retail Operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned from time to time by the Employer.

Education, Skills and Qualifications:

• A minimum of seven years of experience in retail or hospitality management, ideally with five or more years in a senior leadership position.

• Demonstrated experience leading multiple locations and coaching store managers to improve business and team performance.

• Regular travel throughout the assigned territory, including overnight stays, is required. A company vehicle will be provided for travel to store visits.

• Demonstrated experience delivering operational efficiencies.

• Strong focus on elevating the guest experience through service, brand and store appearance.

• Strong business acumen, with the ability to interpret business trends and financial metrics to make decisions and recommendations.

• Ability to lead a large team with confidence, compassion and support.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage and motivate people.

• WSET Level 2 or equivalent preferred; Certified Cicerone and Spirits Certification are assets.

• Serving It Right certification required.

• Proficiency in Office 365 and experience with retail POS systems required.

• Ability to remain physically active and lift up to 25 kg from time to time, as required for store operations.

• Valid driver’s license and driver’s abstract required.

The Truffles Group is an equal opportunity employer. Should you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please reach out to Nadia Valckx, Recruitment Lead & HR Generalist, [email protected]