Center Store Manager

Festival Foods • Mauston, WI

2d • Onsite

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 workflows across these areas. This hands-on 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 leads Center Store Assistant Manager(s), Center Store Assistant Manager(s)-PM, and Center Store Associates. It is a full-time role with a schedule that includes mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

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 for leading diverse teams and interacting with customers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including 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 for long periods, walk in the store, and regularly bend, stoop, and kneel.
• 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, receiving areas, and occasionally outdoors.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience managing a center store department.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside Center Store associates, provide direction, coach on best practices, and reinforce company expectations.
• Oversee daily operations in Grocery, Frozen/Dairy, Natural/Organic, and HBC/GM departments to ensure 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 maintain efficient department workflows.
• Oversee stocking, pricing accuracy, and merchandising execution to ensure departments meet store standards.
• Provide leadership coverage when the Senior Manager is unavailable and support overall store functions.
• Train and mentor associates, help them build skills and experience, and foster a positive, team-oriented environment.
• Be prepared to operate the register and support store closing procedures when needed.
• Collaborate and communicate with other store leaders and teams to align operations and resolve 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% 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.
• 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.
• 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