Sr. Center Store Manager

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 Senior Manager provides strategic in-store leadership across Grocery, Frozen Food/Dairy, Natural/Organic, HBC/GM, Wine & Spirits, and Receiving departments, ensuring alignment with storewide and company objectives. This role focuses on future-oriented planning, overseeing inventory management, vendor coordination, and department standards while directly leading the Center Store Manager, Lead Receiver, 3rd Shift Center Store Manager, and Wine & Spirits Manager. It also involves indirect leadership of department Assistant Manager(s) and Associate(s) to drive operational execution. This role supports overall store operations by stepping in as acting Store Director when needed, managing storewide functions, and covering store calls.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Center Store, Wine & Spirits, and Receiving Operations: Lead, coach, and develop associates across Grocery, Frozen Food/Dairy, HBC/GM, Wine & Spirits, and Receiving departments while ensuring department goals, policies, and procedures are met.
• Total Store Leadership: Serve as Acting Store Director as needed, including covering store calls and overseeing storewide operations.
• Develop Future Leaders: Train and mentor department leaders and associates, fostering growth and preparing them for future advancement opportunities.
• Strategic Planning & Organization: Provide expertise and focused planning, ensuring efficiency in scheduling, balancing orders, and vendor coordination across departments.
• Enhance Guest Experience: Set high expectations for customer service and department standards, ensuring all areas meet helpfulness and in-stock benchmarks.
• Oversee Scheduling: Finalize and approve weekly work schedules in alignment with labor and budget projections, making daily adjustments as needed for Center Store departments.
• Drive Inventory & Merchandising Excellence: Maintain proper inventory levels, ensure accurate pricing, and execute strong display standards for in-line, end caps, seasonal programs, etc.
• Cashier Trained: Ready to step in at the register and support store closing procedures.
• Build Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with the Store Director, Guest Service Manager, Fresh Sr. Manager, and department teams to align on overarching programs, store initiatives, and operational improvements.
• Lead by Example: Train new Center Store, Receiving, and Wine & Spirits associates while fostering a positive, team-oriented environment.
• Vendor Partnership: Guide Wine & Spirits Manager and Center Store Leaders in maintaining appropriate inventory levels and ensuring accurate pricing on products received and sold.
• Ensure Compliance & Safety: Uphold safety policies, company procedures, and regulatory standards to maintain a safe and efficient store environment.
• Honor Commitments: Maintain regular, timely attendance in compliance with the work schedule, and provide adequate notice to find a replacement for occasional absences.
• Support the Team: Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school education or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of leadership experience (at least 2 years as a Manager in retail or restaurant), with a strong ability to coach, motivate, and develop teams.
• Thorough knowledge of the retail food business, with experience 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 to effectively lead diverse teams and interact with customers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and ability to learn and use various systems, including Point-Of-Sale register systems.
• Understanding of store safety policies and ability to identify potential hazards.
• Ability to learn and safely use the following equipment: power jack, walk-behind lift, WAV, baler, compactor.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand in place for long periods; walk in the store; bend, stoop, and kneel regularly.
• Requires fine finger and broad manual dexterity, and 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 attractive displays, and operate equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50-60 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Work in varying temperatures and humidity levels, moving between temperature-controlled areas, freezers, coolers, and the receiving area, with occasional outdoor tasks to inspect store property.

Schedule

The Center Store Sr. Manager 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: Enjoy an industry-leading 15% off your grocery purchases for you and your immediate household.
• Weekly Pay & Premium Pay: Hourly associates are paid weekly. Part-time store associates receive a $1 premium per hour on Sundays and select holidays. Hourly full-time store 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 balance.
• Vision & Dental Insurance: Part-time and full-time associates are eligible for vision insurance and two dental coverage options.
• Support Programs: Access to 3 weeks of paid parental leave, a fitness reimbursement program, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), and LEAPCare Coaches for confidential support related to various personal and professional challenges.
• 401(k) Plan: Festival Foods offers a 401(k) plan with an annual discretionary match to help associates reach their savings goals.