Store Planner

Associated Wholesale Grocers • Hernando, MS

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Store Planner is responsible for design and construction coordination for all phases of grocery store development projects in the assigned division. The role designs and develops floor plans and advises member retailers on store development and equipment needs. The Store Planner works with architects and engineers to develop complete project working drawings, coordinates construction and equipment installation, and uses a strong background in Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing systems and CAD. Equipment sales and installation coordination are significant components of the position. Some travel is required within Kansas and Missouri, with travel up to 50%. The role is based in Nashville or Memphis and follows a hybrid work model.

The position also provides direction and training to Store Engineers, creates work processes, prepares annual sales projections and departmental operating budgets, manages the equipment/billing department, and resolves departmental issues.

Requirements

• Minimum of a high school diploma.
• Understanding of the retail grocery industry, vendor community, and sales area(s).
• Design experience using current CAD software.
• Exposure to construction management techniques and job site visits.
• Understanding of construction documents and specifications.
• Experience making presentations.
• Basic knowledge of refrigeration systems.
• Exceptional attention to detail and time management skills.
• Strong technical aptitude and comfort navigating software.
• Effective relationship-building skills with vendors and retailers.
• Ability to adapt and manage various tasks while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Grocery retail background, with sales and marketing experience.
• Ability to perform bending, squatting, sitting, and reaching from floor level to waist level; move throughout buildings and retail sites; load and unload materials and equipment; lift 25 pounds; sit in a car for long periods; and drive during the day and at night.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%.

Nice To Haves

• College degree or comparable work experience preferred.
• Two to five years of grocery store design or Store Engineering experience preferred.
• Two to five years of construction trade, engineering, or design field experience highly desirable.
• Two to five years of experience managing employees.

Responsibilities

• Meet with member retailers and design fixture layouts.
• Recommend building and equipment components for new and existing retail facilities.
• Prepare bid lists and quote equipment for retail stores.
• Supervise all areas of building construction, including selection of architects and engineers.
• Review construction documents for accuracy.
• Prepare and review project budgets.
• Visit retail locations and coordinate equipment installation and requirements with design professionals.
• Develop preliminary site plans.
• Schedule equipment deliveries and installation.
• Negotiate with equipment vendors.
• Visit job sites, resolve construction and equipment problems, and attend job site meetings with retailers, contractors, and vendors.
• Interface with other AWG departments involved with store development.
• Manage project budgets.
• Provide direction and training to Store Engineers and create work processes.
• Prepare annual sales projections and departmental operating budgets.
• Manage the equipment/billing department and resolve departmental issues.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health Savings Account.
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account.
• Paid vacation, holiday, and sick time.
• 401(k) with 4% match along with three other contributions.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Basic and supplemental life and AD&D insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• Wellness Program.
• Yearly holiday bonus.

What This Job Offers

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