Darren Bass

About Darren Bass

Strategic and people-centered Sr. Director of Operations with extensive experience leading large, diverse teams across Merchandising Client Services, Merchandising Operations, Field Management, Field Merchandising, and Space Planning. Skilled in building high-performing organizations, improving operational efficiency, driving retailer and partner outcomes, and leading large-scale organizational change.I currently oversee 350+ employees, including Field Merchandisers, Analysts, Client Service Managers, Space Planners, and Operations leaders, ensuring flawless execution across national retail programs. Known for developing leaders, transforming processes, elevating reporting and analytics capabilities, and strengthening cross-functional alignment across Operations, Sales, and Merchandising.Passionate about operational excellence, team development, and delivering consistent, high-quality results for partners and customers.Specialties include: Organizational leadership, field operations, merchandising strategy, retail execution, client services, process optimization, cross-functional execution, analytics & reporting, vendor management, and large-scale team leadership.

Experience

1. Sr Director, Operations

   Blackhawk Network

   Mar 2025 — Present

   Sr. Director, OperationsBlackhawk NetworkJanuary 2025 – PresentAs Sr. Director of Operations, I lead all operational functions supporting Blackhawk’s national merchandising execution and client service delivery. My current scope includes:Organizational LeadershipLead a broad multi-functional organization of 354 employees, including:• Merchandising Client Services• Merchandising Operations• Merchandising Field Management• Field Merchandising• Space PlanningOversee senior leaders, managers, analysts, planners, and a team of national field merchandisers. Operational Execution & StrategyDrive execution excellence across all retail merchandising programs, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and partner satisfaction.Lead strategic initiatives and organizational redesigns to optimize field coverage, reporting structure, and team efficiency.Improve operational processes across scheduling, reporting, and vendor management.Cross-Functional Leadership.Partner closely with Field Operations, BI/Analytics, Retail Space Planning, and Client Services leadership to drive aligned, scalable execution.Support major retail transformation initiatives, merchandising improvements, and program rollouts across the network.People & Leadership DevelopmentDevelop and mentor emerging and senior leaders across Operations and Client Services.Lead performance management, talent reviews, and succession planning processes.

Education

• University of Phoenix

  BS, Business Management

Skills

• Project Management
• Business Relationship Management
• Vendor Management
• Retail
• Sales
• Merchandising
• Crm
• Gift Cards
• Retail Execution
• Account Management
• Analysis
• Budgets
• Grocery
• Inventory Management
• Management
• Strategy
• Training
• Business Intelligence
• Telecommunications
• Product Management
• Marketing Strategy