Center Store Director: Lead Multi-Dept Grocery Team

At Vallarta Supermarkets, we’re more than just a grocery store, we’re a vibrant part of the communities we serve. We’re seeking friendly, service-oriented individuals who take pride in delivering extraordinary customer experiences and thrive in a fast-paced, festive environment. If you’re passionate about fresh, quality baked goods and love making people smile, we’d love to meet you! About the Role The Center Store Director leads the Grocery, Dairy/Deli/Frozen, Shelf Edge, and Receiving departments. Fully accountable for performance, profitability, and compliance, this role drives sales, ensures extraordinary service, and develops strong teams. The Center Store Director collaborates with store and corporate leadership to implement strategies, optimize operations, and foster a culture of teamwork, safety, and customer satisfaction. What You’ll Do Oversee performance, sales, labor, and budgets for all Center Store departments. Manage ordering, inventory, equipment, and vendor relations. Walk through departments with managers daily to ensure quality, rotation, and compliance. Lead by example, modeling Vallarta’s Nuestra CASA pledge for customer service. Greet customers, resolve escalated concerns, and ensure a welcoming environment. Mentor and coach Department Managers to build strong, customer-focused teams. Ensure proper staffing, training, evaluations, and recognition of team members. Implement merchandising strategies, pricing, signage, and product displays. Ensure compliance with OSHA, Health Department, WIC, SNAP, ABC, COOL, and other regulations. Enforce workplace safety and labor law compliance (e.g., LA Fair Work Week). Collaborate with Store Director, Fresh Market Director, Corporate, HR, and vendors. Communicate with Center Store closing management to ensure procedures are followed. Cover duties of Fresh Market Director when absent and support storewide initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned. Physical Requirements Stand and walk constantly (6–8+ hours/day). Frequently bend neck/waist, squat, twist, and reach above/below shoulders. Use hands frequently for grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation. Lift and carry up to 25 lbs. frequently and up to 40 lbs. occasionally (e.g., bag of dog food up to 40 feet). Operate manual pallet jacks and forklifts safely (buddy system required for pallets). Work near equipment/machinery with exposure to dust, gas, fumes, noise, and temperature/humidity changes. What We’re Looking For 3–4 years of retail management experience (multi-department preferred). At least 2 years of team leadership within a multi-department operation. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Knowledge of retail operations, merchandising, and compliance. Proven ability to manage budgets, labor, and profitability. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel. Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English. Must pass a criminal and credit check. Willingness to transfer to other store locations as needed. Fast-paced retail setting with direct customer interaction. Exposure to perishable products and changing conditions. Team-oriented, collaborative workplace. Must work flexible schedule: afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Full-Time Team Members Free $25,000 Basic Life and AD&D Insurance. 401(k) Retirement Plan. Paid vacation. Access to legal services. Premium pay for holidays. Savings marketplace & credit union membership. Recognition programs (birthdays, years of service, spirit days, etc.). At Vallarta Supermarkets, we believe our culture drives execution. If you’re a results-driven leader who inspires teams, ensures operational excellence, and creates extraordinary customer experiences, we invite you to apply today to become our next Center Store Director! Explore Exciting Job Opportunities We offer positions to match your lifestyle and career goals. Whether you’re seeking part-time or full-time, Vallarta Supermarkets provides a dynamic and rewarding workplace with real opportunities for growth. #J-18808-Ljbffr