Center Store Manager

Center Store Manager

The Center Store Department Manager leads day-to-day operations of assigned Grocery, Frozen Food/Dairy, Natural/Organic, and HBC/GM departments. With the guidance of the Center Store Sr. Manager, this role is responsible for executing plans, maintaining department operations, and ensuring efficient logistical workflows across all assigned center store areas.

Acting as a hands-on leader, this role works side-by-side with Center Store associates to direct daily tasks, balance inventory, coordinate vendor orders, and keep teams aligned with operational priorities. The Center Store Department Manager also provides coverage and support for the Senior Manager as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide Leadership: Work alongside Center Store associates, giving clear direction, coaching on best practices, and reinforcing company expectations.
• Execute Daily Operations: Ensure Grocery, Frozen/Dairy, Natural/Organic, and HBC/GM departments are stocked, organized, and meeting operational goals by leading associates and overseeing workflow.
• Manage Inventory & Orders: Balance orders, monitor deliveries, and coordinate with vendors to maintain proper inventory levels across all assigned departments.
• Maintain a Smooth Workflow: Troubleshoot issues, assist in scheduling, and adjust plans as needed to keep all departments running efficiently.
• Ensure Department Readiness: Oversee product stocking, pricing accuracy, and merchandising execution, ensuring all areas meet store standards.
• Leadership Coverage: Provide leadership coverage as needed when the Senior Manager is unavailable, supporting overall store functions.
• Train and Mentor: Train and mentor Center Store associates, helping them expand their skills and gain experience, while fostering a positive, team-oriented environment.
• Cashier Trained: Ready to step in at the register, and/or support store closing procedures when needed.
• Collaborate Across Departments: Communicate with other store leaders and teams to ensure alignment and resolve operational challenges.

• Ensure Compliance & Safety: Uphold safety policies, company procedures, and regulatory standards to maintain a safe and efficient store environment.
• Honor Commitments: Regular, timely attendance in compliance with the work schedule, and adequate notice to find a replacement for occasional absences.
• Support the Team: Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school education or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years of leadership experience with a strong ability to coach, motivate, and develop teams.
• Thorough knowledge of the retail food business, preferably in grocery or supermarket operations. Prior experience managing a center store department preferred.
• Strong decision-making skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively lead diverse teams and interact with customers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and ability to learn and use various systems, including Point-Of-Sale register system.
• Understanding of store safety policies and ability to identify potential hazards.
• Ability to learn and safely use the following equipment: power jack, walk behind lift, WAV, baler, compactor.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• The associate must possess the ability to stand in place for long periods of time; walk in the store; bend, stoop and kneel regularly. Requires fine finger and broad manual dexterity, and eye-hand-foot coordination in order to operate equipment.
• The associate must have full range of upper body motion in order to lift stock. Requires the ability to perform repetitive tasks for prolonged periods of time.
• Must possess functional sensory abilities in order to visually monitor the store, create attractive displays, and to operate equipment.
• The position requires the associate to lift up 50-60 pounds on an occasional basis.
• This role requires working in varying temperatures and humidity levels, moving between temperature-controlled areas, freezers, coolers, and the receiving area, with occasional outdoor tasks to inspect store property.

Work Schedule:

The Center Store Manager is a full-time position. The work schedule will include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits Overview

Why You'll Love It Here:

• Associate Discount: Enjoy an industry-leading 15% off your grocery purchases for you and your immediate household!
• Weekly Pay & Premium Pay: Hourly associates are paid weekly, providing more frequent access to their funds. Part-time store associates are paid a $1 premium per hour on Sundays and select holidays. Hourly full-time store associates receive time and a half on Sundays and select holidays.
• Two-Week Advanced Scheduling: Better Planning. Better Balance. We provide our associates with their schedules two weeks in advance, offering greater predictability & flexibility.
• Vision & Dental Insurance: Part-time and full-time associates are eligible for vision insurance and two dental coverage options that are designed to fit your needs.
• Support: Our associates receive support for their total well-being; including 3 weeks of paid parental leave, a fitness reimbursement program offering savings off of fitness membership fees; our EAP (Employee Assistance Program) and LEAPCare Care Coaches, which provide associates confidential care related to hospital visitation, conflict resolution, stress management, marriage or divorce, family issues and depression or anxiety.
• Save for Your Future: Offering a 401(k), we're proud to support our associates in planning for retirement. The 401(k) plan empowers associates to save a portion of their paychecks for retirement. Festival Foods has an annual discretionary match to help our associates reach their savings goals.