Center Store Assistant Department Manager

Festival Foods • La Crosse, WI

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Center Store Assistant Department Manager provides operational and leadership support across Grocery, Frozen/Dairy, Natural & Organic, and Health & Beauty Care/General Merchandise departments. The role shifts focus according to daily business needs and works with Center Store leadership to maintain department standards, accurate inventory and pricing, and smooth daily operations. The assistant manager trains and guides associates and helps ensure exceptional guest experiences.

The position may require stepping in to lead teams when Center Store Manager(s) are absent, assisting with register coverage and store closing, and coordinating with store leadership, associates, vendors, and HR. The associate must be able to work in a fast-paced grocery store environment, including areas with varying temperatures and humidity.

Requirements

• High school education or 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, communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment, and manage a diverse team.
• Understanding of safety requirements and company safety policies, and ability to recognize and respond to potential safety hazards.
• Proper training and knowledge of equipment such as point-of-sale systems, hand jacks, balers, forklifts, hand trucks, and trash compactors.
• Ability to stand in place for long periods, walk in the store, and bend, stoop, and kneel regularly.
• Fine finger and broad manual dexterity, eye-hand-foot coordination, and full upper-body range of motion to operate equipment and lift stock.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks for prolonged periods and visually monitor the store, create displays, and operate equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift 50–60 pounds.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures and humidity, including temperature-controlled areas, freezers, coolers, and receiving areas, with occasional outdoor tasks.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Lead and support Center Store departments, adjusting focus to daily business needs.
• Lead teams in the absence of Center Store Manager(s), supporting associates and maintaining department standards.
• Train, coach, and retrain new and current associates as needed.
• Reinforce company culture, guest service, and performance expectations.
• Maintain department standards for inventory levels, pricing, and cleanliness; monitor sales-floor and back-stock conditions and address opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Store Director, department managers, and associates to exceed guest expectations.
• Verify accurate timekeeping and communicate missing time, transferred hours, or scheduling issues to HR.
• Be prepared to work at the register and support store closing procedures when needed.
• Help guests locate products, place special orders, and resolve questions, concerns, or issues.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in department work areas, shelving, coolers, receiving areas, and the sales floor.
• Assist with writing and conducting performance reviews for department associates.
• Document company 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.
• Premium pay for hourly associates on Sundays and select holidays: part-time associates receive an additional $1 per hour, and full-time associates receive time and a half.
• Schedules provided two weeks in advance.
• Vision insurance and two dental coverage options for part-time and full-time associates.
• Three weeks of paid parental leave.
• Fitness reimbursement program offering savings on fitness membership fees.
• Employee Assistance Program and LEAPCare Care Coaches offering confidential support.
• 401(k) plan with an annual discretionary company match.

What This Job Offers

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