Sr. Center Store Manager

Festival Foods • Portage, WI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Center Store Manager provides strategic in-store leadership across Grocery, Frozen Food/Dairy, Natural/Organic, HBC/GM, Wine & Spirits, and Receiving. The role aligns these departments with storewide and company objectives through planning, inventory management, vendor coordination, and oversight of department standards. The manager directly leads Center Store Manager(s), the Lead Receiver, the Center Store 3rd Shift Supervisor, and the Wine & Spirits Manager, while providing indirect leadership to assistant managers and associates. The role also supports overall store operations by serving as Acting Store Director when needed, covering store calls, and overseeing storewide functions.

This is a full-time position based in Portage, Wisconsin. The schedule includes mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays, with the ability to support closing shifts. The role involves working in varying temperatures and humidity, including freezer, cooler, and receiving areas, and occasionally outdoors to inspect store property.

Requirements

• High school education or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience, including at least 2 years as a manager in retail or restaurant.
• Ability to coach, motivate, and develop teams.
• Thorough knowledge of the retail food business and experience in 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 other 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; bend, stoop, and kneel regularly; perform repetitive tasks for prolonged periods; and lift stock.
• Ability to lift 50–60 pounds occasionally.
• Functional sensory abilities to visually monitor the store, create displays, and operate equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience managing a center store department.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop associates across Grocery, Frozen Food/Dairy, HBC/GM, Wine & Spirits, and Receiving, ensuring department goals, policies, and procedures are met.
• Serve as Acting Store Director as needed, including covering store calls and overseeing storewide operations.
• Train and mentor department leaders and associates, supporting their development and advancement.
• Plan and organize scheduling, orders, and vendor coordination across departments.
• Set high expectations for customer service and department standards, including helpfulness and in-stock benchmarks.
• Finalize and approve weekly Center Store work schedules in alignment with labor and budget projections, making daily adjustments as needed.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels, accurate pricing, and strong merchandising and display standards for in-line, end-cap, and seasonal programs.
• Be prepared to operate the register and support store closing procedures.
• Collaborate with the Store Director, Guest Service Manager, Fresh Sr. Manager, and department teams on programs, initiatives, and operational improvements.
• Train new Center Store, Receiving, and Wine & Spirits associates and foster a positive, team-oriented environment.
• Guide Wine & Spirits Manager and Center Store leaders in inventory management and pricing accuracy for products received and sold.
• 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; full-time store associates receive time and a half on those days.
• 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 (EAP) and LEAPCare Care Coaches.
• 401(k) plan with an annual discretionary match.

What This Job Offers

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