Center Store Specialist

Adams Hometown Markets•Cheshire, CT

About The Position

The Center Store Specialist is responsible for consistent execution of nonperishable merchandising programs and effective store operations. The role focuses on building sales, developing talent, merchandising, inventory control, shrink and risk management, and fostering a culture of selling. The Specialist works closely with the Director of Center Store, the Center Store Merchandising team, Store Operations, and other internal and external partners to support strong day-to-day execution and store guidance. The position is based in office and retail-store environments and requires regular daily travel to stores in CT, MA, RI, NY, ME, and PA. The schedule is weekdays for 45 hours, with some nights and/or weekends as needed and some overnight travel.

Requirements

Strong business acumen, including understanding business transactions, operations, profit and loss financials, and business and industry strategy.
Strong communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with peers and leaders.
Organizational skills, including the ability to fulfill executive directions in a timely manner, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently and as a team player in a team-based environment.
Ability to maintain integrity and high standards.
Ability to maintain and drive safety policies and accountability for safe practices throughout the shift.
Ability to stand, walk, and sit throughout the day and walk on carpet, concrete, tile, and other flooring.
Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Ten years of experience in grocery store operations, merchandising, buying, or a related industry.
Bachelor’s degree in business management or a related field.
Proficiency with office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and BRdata.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain weekly merchandising plans to maximize sales and margins.
Organize, produce, maintain, and distribute merchandising plans and signage, using cross-merchandising to support sales.
Oversee categories, product mix, variety, innovation, quality, and item selection.
Review markets, store demographics, and competition when implementing new items and discontinuation programs.
Manage Center Store pricing integrity and conduct pricing surveys as required.
Maintain pricing for beer, wine, liquor, and tobacco, including addressing daily pricing discrepancies, monthly price changes, and weekly advertisements.
Cultivate relationships with Store Operations, DSD, and location vendors to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Ensure DSD service levels meet company and store requirements and serve as the directing contact for product issues and remedies.
Develop seasonal item selections, retail strategies, and markdown programs.
Use data and marketing insights to improve decisions about programs and products.
Partner with Store Operations to drive consistent execution and adherence, while providing open and honest feedback.
Visit stores regularly to assess strategies and direct improvements.
Assist with store remodels, refreshes, and merchandising, including building and removing displays, endcaps, and other fixtures, and organizing backrooms, coolers, and freezers.
Collaborate with customers, buyers, suppliers, marketing, pricing, IT, HR, Store Operations, compliance, and other internal and external partners.
Monitor and address goals against actual performance.
Develop strategies to grow sales, buying, and profits and meet sales and margin targets.
Maintain weekly, period, quarterly, and annual scorecards.
Use persuasive leadership and engagement to motivate others and clearly communicate goals and objectives.
Partner with Talent Acquisition on hiring processes.
Participate in teammate training and evaluation to support talent growth and development.
Attend and assist with purchasing at food shows, including Bozzuto’s IRC, Non-Foods Marketing, and Imperial shows.
Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.