Director of Center Store (59609)

HOMELAND STORES•Oklahoma City, OK

About The Position

The Director of Center Store is responsible for the full financial and operational performance of all center store categories, including Grocery, Dairy, Frozen, HBC, Alcoholic Beverages, DSD, General Merchandise, and Fuel. This role owns the center store P&L, with accountability for sales growth, gross margin, EBITDA contribution, inventory productivity, and cost of goods optimization. The Director leads merchandising strategy, vendor negotiations, pricing architecture, and inventory management while ensuring disciplined execution across all store locations. This position plays a critical leadership role in driving profitability, navigating organizational change, and aligning merchandising strategy with company financial objectives and ensuring exceptional customer experience across all center store categories.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, or related field (MBA preferred) or equivalent experience
8–12+ years of progressive leadership experience in grocery retail, merchandising, or category management
Proven track record of owning financial performance and driving margin improvement
Experience in multi-unit retail environments with operational complexity
Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasts, and P&L performance
Deep knowledge of merchandising, category management, pricing strategy, inventory management systems, and vendor negotiations
Ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization, including senior leadership
Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills
Proven leadership ability with a focus on accountability and results
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, ambiguous, and evolving environment

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred
Experience in turnaround, cost optimization, or transformation environments preferred

Responsibilities

Financial Ownership & Performance: Own and manage the center store P&L, including sales, gross margin, and EBITDA contribution
Develop and execute annual budgets, forecasts, and financial plans in partnership with Finance
Monitor and report on performance, identifying risks and implementing corrective actions
Drive improvement in key metrics including sales growth, gross margin expansion, inventory turns, shrink reduction, and promotional ROI
Merchandising Strategy & Execution: Develop and execute category strategies, assortment plans, pricing architecture, and promotional programs
Ensure alignment of merchandising strategy with customer insights, market trends, and competitive positioning
Lead private label strategy and penetration growth
Oversee ad planning, promotional effectiveness, and pricing competitiveness
Vendor Strategy & Cost Optimization: Lead vendor negotiations, including cost of goods, trade funding, promotional support, and contract terms
Drive a lowest cost of goods mindset while balancing quality, assortment, and customer value
Optimize trade spend and vendor income opportunities
Maintain strategic relationships with wholesale, DSD, and direct suppliers
Inventory, Supply Chain & Operational Effectiveness: Oversee inventory strategy, ensuring optimal service levels, turns, and in-stock performance
Partner with Supply Chain and Transportation to optimize freight flow, distribution efficiency, and replenishment
Influence enterprise strategies related to cross-dock, space capacity, and inventory flow
Minimize shrink and excess inventory while maintaining strong availability
Store Execution & Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner with Store Operations to ensure consistent execution of merchandising programs
Support store teams in resolving inventory and merchandising challenges
Collaborate with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and margin planning
Collaborate with HR on labor model alignment and organizational design
Ensure merchandising strategies are practical, executable, and aligned with store realities
Leadership & Team Development: Lead, develop, and hold accountable a high-performing merchandising team, including category management, pricing, and inventory functions
Establish clear performance expectations tied to financial and operational results
Build leadership capability and succession pipeline within the team
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Change Management & Transformation: Lead merchandising strategy through periods of organizational change
Identify and execute cost containment and margin improvement initiatives
Drive adoption of new processes, systems, and operating models
Challenge legacy practices and implement more efficient, scalable solutions
Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including alcohol sales where applicable
Ensure compliance with pricing and labeling standards
Operate within collective bargaining agreements where applicable
Identify and mitigate operational, financial, and compliance risks