Center Store Lead - Grocery & Merchandising Ops

Festival Foods; Mauston (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Associate Discount

Weekly Pay

Advanced Scheduling

Vision Insurance

Parental Leave

401(k)

Job summary

Festival Foods in Mauston, WI seeks a Center Store Manager to lead day-to-day operations across Grocery, Frozen/Dairy, Natural/Organic, and HBC/GM departments. You will guide center store teams, balance inventory, manage orders, and coordinate with vendors to meet store goals.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong communication, and a focus on safety and efficiency. Full-time schedule with variable shifts and weekend coverage is expected.

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 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 system.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide Leadership Work alongside Center Store associates, giving clear direction, coaching on best practices, and reinforcing company expectations.
• Execute Daily Operations Ensure Grocery, Frozen/Dairy, Natural/Organic, and HBC/GM departments are stocked, organized, and meeting operational goals by leading associates and overseeing workflow.
• Manage Inventory & Orders Balance orders, monitor deliveries, and coordinate with vendors to maintain proper inventory levels across all assigned departments.
• Maintain a Smooth Workflow Troubleshoot issues, assist in scheduling, and adjust plans as needed to keep all departments running efficiently.
• Ensure Department Readiness Oversee product stocking, pricing accuracy, and merchandising execution, ensuring all areas meet store standards.
• Leadership Coverage Provide leadership coverage as needed when the Senior Manager is unavailable, supporting overall store functions.
• Train and Mentor Train and mentor Center Store associates, helping them expand their skills and gain experience, while fostering a positive, team-oriented environment.
• Cashier Trained Ready to step in at the register, and/or support store closing procedures when needed.
• Collaborate Across Departments Communicate with other store leaders and teams to ensure alignment and resolve operational challenges.
• Ensure Compliance & Safety Uphold safety policies, company procedures, and regulatory standards to maintain a safe and efficient store environment.
• Honor Commitments Regular, timely attendance in compliance with the work schedule, and adequate notice to find a replacement for occasional absences.
• Support Our teams Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Decision making

Team development

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

POS systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Festival Foods in Mauston, WI seeks a Center Store Manager to lead day-to-day operations across Grocery, Frozen/Dairy, Natural/Organic, and HBC/GM departments. You will guide center store teams, balance inventory, manage orders, and coordinate with vendors to meet store goals.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong communication, and a focus on safety and efficiency. Full-time schedule with variable shifts and weekend coverage is expected.