Center Store Manager

Festival Foods is a Wisconsin‑based grocery chain operating more than 40 full‑service supermarkets. 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, executing plans, maintaining department operations, and ensuring efficient logistical workflows.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership by working alongside Center Store associates, giving clear direction, coaching on best practices, and reinforcing company expectations.
• Ensure Grocery, Frozen/Dairy, Natural/Organic, and HBC/GM departments are stocked, organized, and meeting operational goals by leading associates and overseeing workflow.
• Balance orders, monitor deliveries, and coordinate with vendors to maintain proper inventory levels across all assigned departments.
• Troubleshoot issues, assist in scheduling, and adjust plans as needed to keep all departments running efficiently.
• Oversee 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, 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 to maintain a safe and efficient store environment.
• Maintain regular, timely attendance and give 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 the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for leading diverse teams and interacting with customers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and ability to learn and use various systems, including point‑of‑sale registers.
• Understanding of store safety policies and ability to identify potential hazards.
• Ability to safely operate equipment such as power jack, walk‑behind lift, WAV, baler, and compactor.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Stand for long periods; walk throughout the store; bend, stoop, and kneel regularly.
• Fine finger and broad manual dexterity, eye‑hand‑foot coordination to operate equipment.
• Full range of upper‑body motion to lift stock; occasional lifts of 50‑60 lb.
• Repetitive tasks for prolonged periods.
• Functional sensory abilities to monitor the store, create displays, and operate equipment.
• Work in varying temperatures and humidity levels, moving between temperature‑controlled areas, freezers, coolers, receiving area, 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 – hourly associates are paid weekly; full‑time associates receive time‑and‑a‑half on Sundays and select holidays, with a $1 premium per hour for part‑time associates on those days.
• Two‑Week Advanced Scheduling for better predictability and flexibility.
• Vision and Dental Insurance – eligible for vision coverage and two dental plan options.
• Paid Parental Leave – three weeks of paid leave.
• Fitness Reimbursement Program – savings on fitness membership fees.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and LEAPCare Care Coaches – confidential support for a range of personal and family issues.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with an annual discretionary match.