Center Store Director

vallartasupermarkets; San Fernando (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Free dental & vision

401(k) plan

Paid vacation

Legal services

Job summary

Vallarta Supermarkets is seeking a Center Store Director to lead Grocery, Dairy/Deli/Frozen, Shelf Edge, and Receiving, accountable for performance and profitability. The role drives sales and extraordinary service while developing strong teams in a fast-paced, festive retail environment.

You will mentor Department Managers, implement merchandising strategies, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance across departments.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years of retail management experience (multi‑department preferred).
• At least 2 years of team leadership within a multi‑department operation.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Knowledge of retail operations, merchandising, and compliance.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, labor, and profitability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Must speak, read, write, and understand English.
• Must pass a criminal and credit check.
• Willingness to transfer to other store locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee performance, sales, labor, and budgets for Center Store departments.
• Manage ordering, inventory, equipment, and vendor relations.
• Walk through departments with managers daily to ensure quality, rotation, and compliance.
• Lead by example, modeling Vallarta’s customer service pledge.
• Greet customers and resolve escalated concerns to maintain a welcoming environment.
• Mentor and coach Department Managers to build strong teams.
• Ensure staffing, training, evaluations, and recognition of team members.
• Implement merchandising, pricing, signage, and product displays.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, Health Department, WIC, SNAP, ABC, COOL, and other regs.
• Enforce workplace safety and labor law compliance (LA Fair Work Week).
• Collaborate with leadership and vendors; support storewide initiatives.

Skills

Retail mgmt

Team leadership

Leadership

English proficiency

Communications

Problem solving

Budgeting

Merchandising

Compliance

Criminal/credit check

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Excel

Job description

PAYSCALE:
$73,304 - $89,900

Join the Vallarta Supermarkets Family!

At Vallarta Supermarkets, we’re more than just a grocery store, we’re a vibrant part of the communities we serve. We’re seeking friendly, service-oriented individuals who take pride in delivering extraordinary customer experiences and thrive in a fast-paced, festive environment. If you’re passionate about fresh, quality baked goods and love making people smile, we’d love to meet you!

About the Role

The Center Store Director leads the Grocery, Dairy/Deli/Frozen, Shelf Edge, and Receiving departments. Fully accountable for performance, profitability, and compliance, this role drives sales, ensures extraordinary service, and develops strong teams. The Center Store Director collaborates with store and corporate leadership to implement strategies, optimize operations, and foster a culture of teamwork, safety, and customer satisfaction.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee performance, sales, labor, and budgets for all Center Store departments.
• Manage ordering, inventory, equipment, and vendor relations.
• Walk through departments with managers daily to ensure quality, rotation, and compliance.
• Lead by example, modeling Vallarta’s Nuestra CASA pledge for customer service.
• Greet customers, resolve escalated concerns, and ensure a welcoming environment.
• Mentor and coach Department Managers to build strong, customer-focused teams.
• Ensure proper staffing, training, evaluations, and recognition of team members.
• Implement merchandising strategies, pricing, signage, and product displays.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, Health Department, WIC, SNAP, ABC, COOL, and other regulations.
• Enforce workplace safety and labor law compliance (e.g., LA Fair Work Week).
• Collaborate with Store Director, Fresh Market Director, Corporate, HR, and vendors.
• Communicate with Center Store closing management to ensure procedures are followed.
• Cover duties of Fresh Market Director when absent and support storewide initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk constantly (6–8+ hours/day).
• Frequently bend neck/waist, squat, twist, and reach above/below shoulders.
• Use hands frequently for grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation.
• Lift and carry up to 25 lbs. frequently and up to 40 lbs. occasionally (e.g., bag of dog food up to 40 feet).
• Operate manual pallet jacks and forklifts safely (buddy system required for pallets).
• Work near equipment/machinery with exposure to dust, gas, fumes, noise, and temperature/humidity changes.

What We’re Looking For

• 3–4 years of retail management experience (multi‑department preferred).
• At least 2 years of team leadership within a multi‑department operation.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Knowledge of retail operations, merchandising, and compliance.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, labor, and profitability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.
• Must pass a criminal and credit check.
• Willingness to transfer to other store locations as needed.

Work Environment

• Fast‑paced retail setting with direct customer interaction.
• Exposure to perishable products and changing conditions.
• Team‑oriented, collaborative workplace.
• Must work flexible schedule: afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits

Full-Time Team Members

• Health medical plan: $25/week, plus free dental & vision.
• Free $25,000 Basic Life and AD&D Insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan.
• Paid vacation.
• Access to legal services.

Part-Time & Full-Time Benefits

• Paid sick time.
• Premium pay for holidays.
• Scholarship opportunities.
• Savings marketplace & credit union membership.
• Recognition programs (birthdays, years of service, spirit days, etc.).