Sr. Fresh Manager

Festival Foods • Wausau, WI

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Fresh Manager provides strategic in-store leadership across Bakery, Deli, Meat, Food Court, and Produce, ensuring alignment with store and company objectives. The role focuses on future-oriented planning, inventory management, vendor coordination, and department standards. It directly leads Fresh Department Managers and indirectly leads Assistant Managers and associates to drive operational execution. The manager also supports overall store operations by serving as acting Store Director when needed, managing storewide functions, and covering calls.

This full-time role is based at the Wausau store. The work schedule includes mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Work takes place primarily in a temperature-controlled environment, with short periods in walk-in coolers or freezers and exposure to changing temperatures and humidity, cleaning agents, noise, and wet or slippery floors.

Requirements

• High school education or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least five years of relevant experience, including two years in a key leadership position.
• Thorough knowledge of the retail food business and perishable department operations.
• Proven merchandising skills and the ability to make timely, effective decisions.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with guests and associates in a fast-paced environment.
• Good organizational skills and the ability to understand and learn operating systems.
• Good oral and written communication skills and the ability to handle a diverse crew.
• Must have a Wisconsin Certified Food Manager License; Festival will pay for certification if needed.
• Ability to learn and use technology and department equipment, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, and Word) and fresh department operating systems.
• Thorough understanding of safety requirements and company safety policies.
• Ability to complete and apply on-the-job safety training, recognize and respond to potential store safety hazards, and operate equipment safely.
• Training and knowledge of hand jacks, slicers, balers, trash compactors, fryers, ovens, grinders, mixers, blasters, chillers, and cook and holds.
• 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 range of upper-body motion to operate equipment and handle stock.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently and perform repetitive tasks for prolonged periods.
• Functional sensory abilities to visually monitor the store, create displays, and operate equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience managing a department is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop associates across Bakery, Meat, Deli, and Produce, ensuring department goals for helpfulness and in-stock performance are achieved.
• Train and mentor department leaders and associates and prepare them for future advancement opportunities.
• Plan and organize department operations, including balancing orders and coordinating vendors.
• Promote and deliver exceptional guest service and uphold the company’s boomerang principle.
• Support store operations by covering store calls, overseeing storewide operations, and managing perishable departments when needed.
• Partner with Buying, Accounting, Store Operations, and HR to support perishable department operations.
• Monitor fresh department budgets and labor projections and adjust schedules to optimize productivity and profitability.
• Ensure compliance with sanitation standards and food safety guidelines set by local and company officials.
• Uphold asset protection policies and manage inventory to minimize shrink in perishable departments.
• Ensure fresh department equipment is used and maintained safely and properly.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels and accurate pricing, and execute display standards for in-line, end-cap, and seasonal merchandise.
• Collaborate with the Store Director, Guest Service Manager, Center Store Sr. Manager, and department teams on programs, store initiatives, and operational improvements.
• 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; 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 for savings on fitness membership fees.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 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: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED