Center Store Operations Specialist

Why Choose Us

Join us for an exciting opportunity at Albertsons Companies, where innovation and customer service go hand-in-hand. This role offers the chance to lead, innovate, and contribute to the growth of a company that values great service and lasting customer relationships. Work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that’s constantly evolving.

Position Purpose

The Center Store Operations Specialist is responsible for supporting, monitoring, and driving execution of division merchandising strategies across assigned stores. This position partners with Store Directors, Department Managers, and store leadership teams to improve merchandising standards, operational execution, sales performance, gross profit, labor efficiency, and customer satisfaction. The Center Store Operations Specialist provides coaching, training, and guidance to develop store teams and ensure consistent execution of company programs and initiatives across the division.

Responsibilities

• Merchandising & Operational Excellence
  • Monitor and support execution of division merchandising plans within assigned stores.
  • Partner with Department Managers and Store Directors to implement merchandising strategies and operational initiatives.
  • Evaluate department presentation, product merchandising, cleanliness, compliance, and program execution.
  • Ensure company policies, procedures, and merchandising standards are consistently followed.
  • Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and store execution.
• Store Support & Performance Improvement
  • Travel to assigned stores to provide operational guidance and support.
  • Work closely with Department Managers and Store Directors to achieve sales, gross profit, and labor objectives.
  • Assess store-level performance and develop improvement plans where needed.
  • Review department conditions and implement corrective actions to improve results.
  • Support execution of company initiatives and performance improvement programs.
• Training & Development
  • Train and develop Department Managers and store teams on merchandising, operations, and business fundamentals.
  • Provide coaching in product knowledge, customer service, sales techniques, and operational processes.
  • Help leaders understand financial performance, labor management, and profitability drivers.
  • Measure the effectiveness of training programs and development efforts.
  • Support succession planning and leadership development initiatives.
• Performance Management & Business Analysis
  • Evaluate store performance through sales, gross profit, labor percentage, and operational metrics.
  • Analyze trends and identify opportunities to improve business results.
  • Conduct store visits and assess execution against established goals and standards.
  • Provide recommendations to improve productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
  • Provide performance feedback and developmental input regarding Department Managers to Store Directors.
• Leadership & Partnership
  • Build effective working relationships with Store Directors, Department Managers, and district leadership teams.
  • Influence business results through coaching, mentoring, and collaborative leadership.
  • Promote accountability and consistent execution across multiple locations.
  • Support a culture focused on customer service, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for assigned departments and merchandising programs.

Requirements

• College degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of grocery retail experience with a strong understanding of Front End, Grocery, and Fresh Operations.
• Previous Department Manager and Store Director experience required.
• Strong knowledge of merchandising, retail operations, labor management, and profitability.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to influence and motivate others without direct supervisory authority.
• Proficiency in financial analysis, reporting, and business performance measurement.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel extensively throughout the division.
• Division-wide travel up to 70%, including overnight travel as needed.
• Ability to work in retail store environments as well as office settings.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, driving, and computer use.
• Must possess reliable transportation and be available for multi-state travel.

Key Competencies

• Leadership & Influence
• Merchandising Excellence
• Operational Excellence
• Financial Acumen
• Team Development
• Coaching & Training
• Strategic Thinking
• Customer Focus
• Communication
• Business Analysis
• Collaboration
• Problem Solving
• Accountability
• Results Orientation

Benefits

• Competitive wages paid weekly.
• Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream.
• Associate discounts.
• Health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates (Medical, Dental, 401k and more).
• Time off (vacation, holidays, sick pay).
• Leaders invested in your training, career growth, and development.
• An inclusive work environment with talented colleagues who reflect the communities we serve.