Center Store Assistant Department Manager

Festival Foods • Wausau, WI

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Center Store Assistant Manager provides operational and leadership support across Grocery, Frozen/Dairy, Natural & Organic, and Health & Beauty Care/General Merchandise departments, shifting focus based on daily business needs. Working with Center Store leadership, the role helps maintain department standards, inventory accuracy, pricing, and daily operations, while training and guiding associates and supporting exceptional guest experiences. The position reports to the Center Store Manager and is based in Wausau, Wisconsin.

This is a full-time role. The schedule may include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays, with occasional support for closing shifts as needed. The work includes standing for extended periods, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, repetitive tasks, operating equipment, and occasionally lifting 50–60 pounds. The associate works in varying temperatures and humidity, including temperature-controlled areas, freezers, coolers, and receiving, and may occasionally perform outdoor tasks to inspect store property.

Requirements

• High school education or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Thorough knowledge of the retail food business, especially non-perishable department operations.
• Strong merchandising skills.
• Familiarity with store operations and ability to coordinate effectively with store and vendor teams.
• Ability to make timely and effective decisions and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage a diverse team.
• Understanding of safety requirements and company safety policies, including the ability to recognize and respond to potential hazards.
• Proper training and knowledge of point-of-sale systems, hand jacks, balers, forklifts, hand trucks, and trash compactors.
• Ability to stand for extended periods; walk; bend, stoop, and kneel regularly; perform repetitive tasks for prolonged periods; and lift stock, including occasional lifting of 50–60 pounds.
• Fine finger and broad manual dexterity, eye-hand-foot coordination, full upper-body range of motion, and functional sensory abilities to monitor the store, create displays, and operate equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Leadership experience as a manager or lead in retail, grocery, warehouse, or restaurant work.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support Center Store departments, adapting to daily business needs.
• Lead teams in the absence of Center Store Manager(s), supporting associates and maintaining department standards.
• Train, coach, and retrain associates as needed.
• Reinforce company culture, guest service, and performance expectations.
• Ensure department standards for inventory levels, pricing, and cleanliness are consistently met.
• Monitor sales floor and back-stock conditions and address areas of opportunity.
• Collaborate with the Store Director, department managers, and associates to exceed guest expectations.
• Verify accurate timekeeping and communicate missing time, transferred hours, or schedule issues to HR.
• Be prepared to work at the register and support store closing procedures when needed.
• Assist guests with product locations, special orders, questions, concerns, and issues.
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of departments and work areas, including shelving, coolers, receiving, and the sales floor.
• Assist with writing and conducting performance reviews for department associates.
• Document policy or procedure violations and collaborate with management and HR on corrective action, up to and including termination.
• Maintain regular, timely attendance and provide adequate notice to find a replacement for occasional absences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 15% associate discount on grocery purchases for the associate and immediate household.
• Weekly pay for hourly associates.
• Two-week advance scheduling.
• Vision insurance.
• Two dental coverage options.
• Three weeks of paid parental leave.
• Fitness reimbursement program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and LEAPCare Care Coaches.
• 401(k) plan with an annual discretionary match.
• Hourly full-time store associates receive time and a half on Sundays and select holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED