Corporate Director of Center Store

We are a high-quality, experience-driven food retailer committed to delivering an elevated, curated shopping experience. The Corporate Director of Center Store is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the overall strategy, performance, and brand integrity of Center Store categories, including Grocery, Frozen, Dairy, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Wellness, and General Merchandise/Housewares. This leader will oversee merchandising, pricing, assortment, vendor partnerships, and in-store execution to deliver a differentiated, high-quality customer experience aligned with a premium grocery retail brand. This role partners closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to elevate private label offerings, optimize category performance, and ensure operational excellence across all locations. What You’ll Do Set the Vision Define and lead a compelling Center Store strategy that reflects a premium, quality-first brand Curate assortments that balance artisan, local, exclusive, and national brands Anticipate trends and bring innovation to life in a way that inspires customers Elevate the Product Experience Oversee all aspects of category management, including assortment, pricing, and merchandising Create engaging, story-driven merchandising programs that enhance the in-store experience Lead seasonal, promotional, and cross-merchandising strategies that drive discovery and basket growth Drive Financial Excellence Own category performance across sales, margin, inventory turns, and profitability Develop thoughtful pricing strategies that align with brand positioning while delivering results Use data and insights to continuously refine and elevate performance Build Meaningful Partnerships Establish strong, strategic relationships with vendors, makers, and distributors Negotiate with a focus on quality, exclusivity, and long-term value Champion the development of distinctive private label and proprietary products Lead & Inspire Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing merchandising team Foster a culture of curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement Partner closely with store and operational leaders to ensure flawless execution Who You Are A seasoned retail or merchandising leader with 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in grocery retail, including multi-unit or enterprise-level responsibility for category management, merchandising, and P&L performance Experience in premium, specialty, or high-end grocery retail environments A strong merchant with a refined eye for product, quality, and presentation Financially savvy, with experience owning and driving P&L performance A collaborative leader who thrives in cross-functional environments Passionate about food, wellness, and creating exceptional customer experiences Equally comfortable thinking strategically and rolling up your sleeves to execute Why Join Us Be part of a brand that prioritizes quality, guest experience, and community Lead with autonomy and influence at a strategic level Work alongside a passionate, values-driven team Competitive compensation up to $170K base salary Outstanding comprehensive benefits package, including fully funded Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Life Insurance, and AD&D; 401K with 4% match, Medical, Dental, Vision with very strong company contribution, and PTO/Vacation accrual starting Day 1. Opportunities for long-term growth and impact JOB ID: 174395#post Trish Cram #J-18808-Ljbffr