Center Store Manager

Festival Foods • Mauston, WI

1d

About The Position

The Center Store Manager leads the day-to-day operations of assigned Grocery, Frozen Food/Dairy, Natural/Organic, and HBC/GM departments. With guidance from the Center Store Senior Manager, the manager executes plans, maintains department operations, and ensures efficient logistical workflows across assigned center store areas. This hands-on leadership role works alongside associates to direct daily tasks, balance inventory, coordinate vendor orders, and keep teams aligned with operational priorities. The manager also provides coverage and support for the Senior Manager as needed.

The position reports to the Center Store Senior Manager or Store Director, depending on store size, and directly supervises Center Store Assistant Manager(s), Center Store Assistant Manager(s)-PM, and Center Store Associates. It is full-time, with a schedule that includes mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The role involves working throughout the store in varying temperatures and humidity, including temperature-controlled areas, freezers, coolers, and the receiving area, with occasional outdoor tasks to inspect store property. Associates must be able to stand for extended periods, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, perform repetitive tasks, operate equipment, and occasionally lift 50–60 pounds.

Requirements

• High school education or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years of leadership experience, with the ability to coach, motivate, and develop teams.
• Thorough knowledge of the retail food business, preferably grocery or supermarket operations.
• Strong decision-making skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to lead diverse teams and interact with customers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, and Excel) and ability to learn and use systems, including a Point-Of-Sale register system.
• Understanding of store safety policies and ability to identify potential hazards.
• Ability to learn and safely use a power jack, walk-behind lift, WAV, baler, and compactor.
• 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 use functional sensory abilities to monitor the store, create displays, and operate equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift 50–60 pounds.
• Ability to work mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience managing a center store department.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside Center Store associates, provide clear direction, coach on best practices, and reinforce company expectations.
• Lead daily operations across Grocery, Frozen/Dairy, Natural/Organic, and HBC/GM departments, ensuring they are stocked, organized, and meeting operational goals.
• Balance orders, monitor deliveries, and coordinate with vendors to maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Troubleshoot issues, assist with scheduling, and adjust plans to keep departments operating efficiently.
• Oversee stocking, pricing accuracy, and merchandising execution to ensure department areas meet store standards.
• Provide leadership coverage when the Senior Manager is unavailable and support overall store functions.
• Train and mentor associates, helping them develop skills and fostering a positive, team-oriented environment.
• Be prepared to work at the register and support store closing procedures when needed.
• Collaborate with other store leaders and teams to align work and resolve operational challenges.
• Uphold safety policies, company procedures, and regulatory standards.
• 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, providing confidential support for a range of personal and family concerns.
• 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