Assistant Store Manager

Smart Foodservice Stores•Federal Way, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Store Manager - Center Store is responsible for the strategic direction, leadership, and performance of the Center Store departments within the retail location. This role ensures operational excellence, effective inventory and merchandising execution, team development, and alignment with company standards and goals. The ASM - Center Store works closely with the Store Manager to deliver a seamless customer experience, drive department profitability, and foster a high-performance culture across all Center Store categories.

Requirements

3–5 years of progressive leadership experience in retail grocery operations, with a strong background in Center Store or grocery management.
Demonstrated success in team leadership, associate development, and driving operational excellence.
Strong knowledge of merchandising principles, inventory control, and planogram execution.
Experience with ordering and inventory platforms (Relex or similar systems preferred).
Strong communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead through change in a fast-paced environment.
Flexibility to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
High school diploma or equivalent required
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Frequent bending, lifting, and reaching.
Capable of using handheld scanners, scales, and POS systems.

Nice To Haves

Prior supervisory or lead experience in a Center Store or grocery department.
Experience managing multiple departments or a full-store operation in a grocery or large-format retail environment.
Familiarity with financial reporting, KPI tracking, and labor management systems.
Experience leading cross-functional teams and executing high-volume promotional resets.
Proficiency with Relex ordering and inventory management systems.
Experience in associate training, coaching, and development.
Familiarity with CMS (Corporate Management System) task completion and performance tracking.
Strong working knowledge of planogram management tools and merchandising software.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage all Center Store departments-including dry grocery, baking, snacks, canned goods, beverages, and non-perishables- to ensure excellence in execution, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
Ensure accurate and timely execution of planograms, promotional displays, resets, and seasonal merchandising strategies in accordance with corporate directives and store-level priorities.
Oversee inventory accuracy and in-stock position across Center Store departments.
Lead and manage the Relex ordering process to maintain product availability and minimize shrink.
Ensure the delivery of exceptional customer service by modeling best practices, addressing customer concerns, and promoting a customer-first mindset throughout the department.
Ensure timely completion of daily and weekly operational routines, including price changes, promotional resets, and signage updates.
Complete assigned CMS (Corporate Management System) tasks accurately and on schedule.
Analyze department sales trends, margins, and labor utilization to identify opportunities and implement strategies to drive revenue and improve profitability.
Ensure adherence to all company policies, safety regulations, and operational standards.
Enforce food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures across Center Store operations.
Partner with peers across perishable, front-end, and store support areas to support overall store performance, guest satisfaction, and team cohesion.
Monitor department performance against sales targets, margin goals, and shrink KPIs. Take corrective actions and implement strategies to improve performance.
Serve as the acting Store Manager when needed, assuming full operational responsibility for the store and all departments.
Supervise, mentor, and develop Center Store Leads and department associates, setting clear expectations, and fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.