Center Store Manager

About the role

Festival Foods is a Wisconsin grocer operating more than 40 full‑service supermarkets across the state. The company is committed to giving back to the communities it serves and providing guests with exceptional service and value. The Center Store Manager leads day‑to‑day operations of the Grocery, Frozen Food/Dairy, Natural/Organic, and HBC/GM departments, working side‑by‑side with associates to execute plans, maintain operations, and ensure efficient logistical workflows.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership by giving clear direction, coaching best practices, and reinforcing company expectations.
• Ensure Grocery, Frozen/Dairy, Natural/Organic, and HBC/GM departments are stocked, organized, and meeting operational goals.
• Balance orders, monitor deliveries, and coordinate with vendors to maintain proper inventory levels.
• Troubleshoot issues, assist in scheduling, and adjust plans to keep all departments running efficiently.
• Oversee product stocking, pricing accuracy, and merchandising execution to meet store standards.
• Provide leadership coverage for the Senior Manager when unavailable.
• Train and mentor Center Store associates, fostering a positive, team‑oriented environment.
• Step in at the register and support store closing procedures as needed.
• Communicate with other store leaders and teams to ensure alignment and resolve operational challenges.
• Uphold safety policies, company procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Maintain regular, timely attendance and provide adequate notice for occasional absences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 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 preferred.
• Strong decision‑making skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and ability to learn various systems, including POS registers.
• Understanding of store safety policies and ability to identify potential hazards.
• Ability to safely use equipment such as power jack, walk‑behind lift, WAV, baler, and compactor.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The associate must be able to stand for long periods, walk throughout the store, and regularly bend, stoop, and kneel. Fine finger and broad manual dexterity, as well as eye‑hand‑foot coordination, are required to operate equipment. Full range of upper‑body motion is needed to lift stock, and repetitive tasks may be performed for prolonged periods. The role requires occasional lifting of 50‑60 pounds, functional sensory abilities to monitor the store and create displays, and the ability to work in varying temperatures and humidity levels—including freezers, coolers, receiving areas, and occasional outdoor tasks.

Schedule

This 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: Weekly pay for all associates; $1 premium per hour on Sundays and select holidays for part‑time staff; time‑and‑a‑half on Sundays and select holidays for full‑time staff.
• Two‑Week Advanced Scheduling for better predictability and flexibility.
• Vision and Dental Insurance options for part‑time and full‑time associates.
• Support programs including 3 weeks paid parental leave, fitness reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and LEAPCare Care Coaches.
• 401(k) retirement plan with an annual discretionary match.

Location: 750 N Union St, Mauston, WI 53948