James Lewis

Multi-unit retail and food service operations leader with 15+ years of progressive leadership experience overseeing 4 grocery stores, 20+ departments, a centralized commissary kitchen, and 175+ employees supporting $40M+ in annual sales. Broad P&L accountability with a proven record of improving financial performance, employee retention, customer experience, and operational execution.

Operations Director | Store Director | Central Kitchen Manager | Deli Manager at MISSISSIPPI MARKET NATURAL FOODS CO-OP (2015-01 – Present)

Direct operations across 4 grocery stores, 20+ departments, and a centralized commissary kitchen, supporting $40M+ in combined annual sales and 175+ employees. Manage broad P&L accountability and operational KPIs, including Sales, Labor, Personnel, and Operating Income, while driving performance across multiple locations and departments.

• Reduced centralized kitchen employee turnover from 164% to 64% year over year through improvements in onboarding, training, leadership development, staffing systems, and operational processes.
• Developed and improved systems for onboarding, scheduling, training, job descriptions, SOPs, and cross-functional operations to improve consistency and team performance.
• Led hiring, coaching, and development of managers and cross-functional teams across multiple departments and locations.
• Directed product planning, inventory control, supply chain coordination, food-service operations, and compliance within grocery and commissary environments.
• Drove customer experience initiatives using SMG customer survey metrics, with individual store performance reaching the Top 20% in multiple categories.
• Helped transform a $600K deficit into a $100K surplus within one year, contributing to a significant improvement in financial performance.
• Recognized nationally for measurable improvements in customer experience survey results.
• Lead and support cross-departmental strategic initiatives while aligning teams around organizational goals and operational priorities.

Associate of Science – Inver Hills Community College