Area Manager

ABOUT THE CLIENT

Our Client is a rapidly growing gourmet dessert and confectionery company with roots in Italy and a fast-expanding footprint in the United States. Known for its artisanal approach and dedication to high-quality, natural ingredients, the company specializes in premium confections, including chocolates, spreads, and gelato. Celebrating traditional flavors and culinary excellence, the brand has established itself globally with boutiques in multiple countries. Its beautifully presented products are popular for both personal enjoyment and gifting occasions.

Mission:

We are seeking a passionate and results-driven
Area Manager
for the
NYC Metro area
to join our Client's dynamic Retail Team. Based in NYC Metro, this is a field-based role requiring significant time spent in the stores, ensuring operational excellence and team development.

Our Client's Retail channel is thriving and rapidly expanding across the United States, with direct stores in New York City, the Northeast, Florida, California, and exciting new openings on the horizon. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated leader to make an impact in a fast-growing retail environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Regional Manager to execute and adapt strategic operational plans to the East Coast market.
• Oversee the assigned Cluster P&L, ensuring financial performance and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Lead and develop the assigned Cluster store team, working closely with Store Managers to drive operational and team success.
• Uphold the Company's Service Model standards to deliver exceptional customer experience at every store.
• Act as a trainer and coach for store teams, inspiring and guiding them to meet and exceed performance goals.
• Monitor and analyze store KPIs and performance metrics, implementing action plans to achieve company targets.
• Ensure visual merchandising aligns with the Company's brand guidelines.
• Oversee and optimize store operations, including scheduling, productivity, ordering, forecasting, and inventory management.
• Conduct regular store visits to ensure maintenance of fixtures, furniture, and facilities.
• Identify and implement innovative solutions to operational challenges.
• Collaborate with Store Managers and Human Resources to manage the recruitment process and build strong store teams.

The Ideal Candidate:

• A minimum of 3 years of multi-unit management experience or equivalent, preferably in the Food and Beverage sector
• At least 4 years of experience leading and developing people, with proven success in building high performing teams.
• Experience working in a fast-paced retail environment; international experience is a plus
• Results orientated with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a hands-on approach.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills, with a focus on performance and attention to detail.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset, capable of making decisions and thriving in both independent and collaborative environments.
• Fluency in English, bilingual is a plus.
• Ability to travel regularly across the region and occasionally to other states.
• Leads talent management efforts by actively networking, recruiting, and onboarding top talent while fostering a culture of ongoing training, development, and engagement to build high-performing teams.
• Positive and flexible…and obviously a chocolate and gelato lover

What on Offer:

• $95,000 - $120,000 base salary and competitive annual bonus
• 100% Company covered health and dental benefits for the employee
• 401k matching (up to 4%)
• Competitive paid time off policy
• Employee Discounts through the Client's extended network, including fitness, cellular, travel, electronics, and many more
• Commuter benefits
• Internal promotion opportunities, the Client always seeks to promote from within
• 30% discount in-store