Purpose:   

The Director of Program Management is responsible for leading the end-to-end delivery of a high-impact, cross-functional program that builds business capabilities and delivers measurable value. The role will initially focus on an enterprise merchandising program, translating defined objectives into an actionable plan and coordinating execution across multiple functions. The Director will work through cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders to move the program from planning through implementation, adoption, and value realization. 

Job Responsibilities: 

Core Responsibilities

Project Leadership and Management  

• Lead the day-to-day planning and execution of a high-impact, cross-functional program, initially focused on enterprise merchandising capability development. 

• Partner with business and functional leaders to confirm objectives, define scope, clarify roles and decision rights, and align on expected outcomes. 

• Develop and manage the integrated program plan across merchandising, sales, commercial, and other partner functions as needed. 

• Create integrated roadmaps, milestones, metrics, and value-realization plans; identify dependencies and risks; and provide clear, decision-oriented reporting to leadership. 

• Translate strategy into repeatable processes, tools, operating rhythms, governance, and accountability mechanisms that can scale beyond the initial program. 

• Serve as a thought partner to leadership, using customer, market, financial, and operational insights to shape recommendations and resolve cross-functional tradeoffs. 

Cross-Functional Leadership and Adoption 

• Coordinate cross-functional workstream owners and contributors, creating clarity on deliverables, timing, dependencies, and accountability. 

• Build effective relationships with business and functional leaders and facilitate the forums needed for timely decisions and issue resolution. 

• Lead change and adoption planning, including stakeholder engagement, pilots, capability building, communications, and reinforcement through existing operating routines.

Performs other duties as assigned. 

Job Requirements: 

Education/Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or equivalent work-related experience required  

• MBA Preferred  

• PMP, Lean Six Sigma or similar project management certification preferred  

Experience:

• 10+ years’ experience in program or project management, transformation, merchandising, commercial operations, or a related field, including leadership of complex cross-functional teams. 

• Proven track record of managing large-scale, cross-functional programs from planning and design through implementation, adoption, and measurable results. 

• Experience building scalable capabilities, processes, tools, or operating models; merchandising or retail experience preferred. 

• Experience in a matrixed environment  

• Experience organizing, planning, and executing large-scale projects from vision through implementation, involving internal and external resources    

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities:

• Strong leadership and project management skills;  

• Strong understanding of how strategy, process, data, technology, governance, and change management work together to build sustainable business capabilities. 

• Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity and drive clarity in complex environments    

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic skill set    

• Highly flexible and adaptable to work in a fast-paced, continuously changing environment   

• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate and influence at all management levels and successfully manage in a cross-functional environment    

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong customer focus and demonstrated ability to work in geographically dispersed teams    

• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available. 

Work Environment:

Remote Role:  

This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager. 

Travel (minor):

This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons. 

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