Center Store Manager

About Festival Foods

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, treatment of guests, and extensive associate benefits and programs.

About the Role

The Center Store Department Manager leads day-to-day operations of assigned Grocery, Frozen Food/Dairy, Natural/Organic, and HBC/GM departments. With guidance from the Center Store Sr. Manager, this role executes plans, maintains department operations, and ensures efficient logistical workflows. As a hands-on leader, you will work alongside Center Store associates to direct daily tasks, balance inventory, coordinate vendor orders, and align teams with operational priorities. You will also provide coverage and support for the Senior Manager as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership by working alongside Center Store associates, offering clear direction, coaching on best practices, and reinforcing company expectations.
• Execute daily operations to ensure Grocery, Frozen/Dairy, Natural/Organic, and HBC/GM departments are stocked, organized, and meeting operational goals.
• Manage inventory and orders by balancing stock levels, monitoring deliveries, and coordinating with vendors.
• Maintain a smooth workflow by troubleshooting issues, assisting in scheduling, and adjusting plans as needed.
• Ensure department readiness by overseeing product stocking, pricing accuracy, and merchandising execution to meet store standards.
• Provide leadership coverage when the Senior Manager is unavailable, supporting overall store functions.
• Train and mentor Center Store associates to expand their skills and foster a positive, team-oriented environment.
• Step in at the register or support store closing procedures when needed.
• Collaborate with other store leaders and teams to ensure alignment and resolve operational challenges.
• Uphold safety policies, company procedures, and regulatory standards to maintain a safe and efficient store environment.
• Maintain regular, timely attendance in compliance with the work schedule and provide adequate notice for occasional absences.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the team.

Requirements

• High school education or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years of leadership experience with a strong ability to coach, motivate, and develop teams.
• Thorough knowledge of the retail food business, preferably in grocery or supermarket operations; prior experience managing a center store department is preferred.
• Strong decision-making skills and the 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, Excel) and the ability to learn and use various systems, including Point-Of-Sale register systems.
• Understanding of store safety policies and the ability to identify potential hazards.
• Ability to learn and safely use equipment such as power jacks, walk-behind lifts, WAVs, balers, and compactors.

Physical Demands

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

Schedule

The Center Store Manager is a full-time position. The work schedule includes mornings, afternoons, evenings, 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 are provided two weeks in advance for better planning and work-life 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, a fitness reimbursement program, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), and LEAPCare Coaches for confidential support on various personal and professional challenges.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Festival Foods offers a 401(k) with an annual discretionary match to help associates save for retirement.