Center Store Assistant Department Manager PM

We are a Wisconsin grocer committed to giving back to the communities we serve and providing guests with exceptional service and value. We operate over 40 full-service supermarkets across Wisconsin. At Festival, people are at the top of our list—evident in our daily interactions, guest treatment, and extensive associate benefits and programs.

About the role

The Center Store Assistant Manager-PM provides operational and leadership support across multiple departments—Grocery, Frozen/Dairy, Natural & Organic, and Health & Beauty Care (HBC)/General Merchandise (GM)—flexibly shifting focus based on daily business needs. This role ensures department standards, accurate inventory levels, and pricing while supporting afternoon and night shift operations. The Assistant Manager collaborates with leadership to adapt to priorities, trains and guides associates, and ensures exceptional guest experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support Center Store departments, adapting based on daily business needs.
• Step in to lead teams in the absence of the Center Store Manager, ensuring associates are supported and department standards are maintained.
• Train, coach, and re-train new and current associates to ensure high performance, reinforcing company culture, guest service, and performance expectations.
• Ensure all department standards—including inventory levels, pricing, and cleanliness—are met consistently. Monitor sales floor and back stock conditions, addressing areas of opportunity.
• Collaborate with the Store Director, department managers, and associates to exceed guest expectations.
• Verify accurate timekeeping and communicate any missing time, transferred hours, or schedule issues to HR.
• Assist guests with product location, special orders, and address questions, concerns, or issues.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the department, including work areas, shelving, coolers, receiving, and the sales floor.
• Assist with writing and conducting performance reviews for department associates. Document policy/procedure violations and collaborate with management and HR on corrective action, up to and including termination.
• Trained to step in at the register and/or support store closing procedures.
• Ensure regular, timely attendance in compliance with the work schedule and provide adequate notice for occasional absences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school education or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years of leadership experience (manager or lead) in retail, grocery, warehouse, or restaurant preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of the retail food business, especially non-perishable department operations, and strong merchandising skills.
• Familiarity with store operations and ability to coordinate effectively with store and vendor teams.
• Ability to make timely and effective decisions, communicate in a fast-paced environment, and manage a diverse team.
• Understanding of all safety requirements and company safety policies, with the ability to recognize and react to potential safety hazards.
• Proper training and knowledge of equipment such as hand jacks, balers, forklifts, hand trucks, and trash compactors.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand for long periods, walk, bend, stoop, and kneel regularly.
• Fine finger and broad manual dexterity, along with eye-hand-foot coordination to operate equipment.
• Full range of upper body motion to lift stock.
• Functional sensory abilities to visually monitor the store, create displays, and operate equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50-60 pounds occasionally.
• Work in varying temperatures and humidity levels, moving between temperature-controlled areas, freezers, coolers, and receiving areas, with occasional outdoor tasks.

Schedule

The Center Store Assistant Manager-PM is a full-time position. The work schedule includes mornings, afternoons (mid-shift), evenings (with ability to support closing shift), weekends, and holidays.

Benefits

• Associate Discount: 15% off grocery purchases for you and your immediate household.
• Weekly Pay & Premium Pay: Hourly associates are paid weekly. Part-time associates receive a $1 premium per hour on Sundays and select holidays. Full-time hourly associates receive time and a half on Sundays and select holidays.
• Two-Week Advanced Scheduling: Schedules provided two weeks in advance for better planning and balance.
• Vision & Dental Insurance: Part-time and full-time associates are eligible for vision insurance and two dental coverage options.
• Support Programs: Includes 3 weeks of paid parental leave, fitness reimbursement, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), and LEAPCare Coaches for confidential support on various personal issues.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Festival Foods offers a 401(k) with an annual discretionary match to help associates reach their savings goals.