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. This role is responsible for executing plans, maintaining department operations, and ensuring efficient logistical workflows. Acting as a hands-on leader, this role works side-by-side with associates to direct daily tasks, balance inventory, coordinate vendor orders, and keep teams aligned with operational priorities.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership by giving clear direction, coaching on best practices, and reinforcing company expectations.
- Ensure 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.
- Troubleshoot issues, assist in scheduling, and adjust plans as needed to keep departments running efficiently.
- Oversee product stocking, pricing accuracy, and merchandising execution to meet store standards.
- Provide leadership coverage as needed when the Senior Manager is unavailable.
- Train and mentor associates, fostering a positive, team-oriented environment.
- Be ready to step in at the register and/or support store closing procedures.
- 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 absences.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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 preferred.
- Strong decision-making skills and the 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 and use various systems, including Point-Of-Sale register system.
- Understanding of store safety policies and ability to identify potential hazards.
- Ability to learn and safely use equipment such as power jacks, walk-behind lifts, WAVs, balers, and compactors.
- Ability to stand in place for long periods, walk, bend, stoop, and kneel regularly.
- Requires fine finger and broad manual dexterity, and eye-hand-foot coordination.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks for prolonged periods.
- Functional sensory abilities for visual monitoring, creating displays, and operating equipment.
- Ability to lift up to 50-60 pounds on an occasional basis.
- Ability to work in varying temperatures and humidity levels, including moving between temperature-controlled areas, freezers, coolers, and the receiving area, with occasional outdoor tasks.
Skills
- Leadership
- Coaching
- Team Development
- Retail Food Business Knowledge
- Grocery Operations
- Supermarket Operations
- Center Store Management
- Decision-Making
- Prioritization
- Communication
- Interpersonal Skills
- Microsoft Office Proficiency
- Point-Of-Sale System Operation
- Safety Policy Adherence
- Equipment Operation (power jack, walk behind lift, WAV, baler, compactor)
Location
- New London, WI
Work Type
- Full-Time
Experience Level
- 2+ years of leadership experience
Education Level
- High school education or equivalent experience
Benefits
- 15% associate discount on grocery purchases
- Weekly Pay
- Premium Pay (Sundays and select holidays)
- Time and a half pay on Sundays and select holidays for full-time associates
- Two-Week Advanced Scheduling
- Vision Insurance
- Dental Insurance (two coverage options)
- 3 weeks of paid parental leave
- Fitness reimbursement program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- LEAPCare Care Coaches
- 401(k) plan
- Annual discretionary match for 401(k)
About the Company
- Festival Foods is a Wisconsin grocer committed to giving back to the communities it serves and providing guests with exceptional service and value.
- Operates over 40 full-service supermarkets across Wisconsin.
- Prioritizes its associates, reflected in daily interactions, guest treatment, and extensive associate benefits and programs.
Equal Opportunity
- Festival Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all.
- Dedicated to building a top-notch team of skilled, experienced, and service-oriented associates.
- Believes that an inclusive environment for teammates of all backgrounds and perspectives strengthens its ability to serve guests and communities.
- Seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people.
