Center Store Lead — Hospitality-Driven Grocery Leader

The Fresh Market; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Team Member discount up to 40%

Early Earn Wage Access

401K contribution and company match

Financial Wellness Program

Personal time off and additional time‑

Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, &

Life Insurance

Job summary

The Fresh Market in Columbia, SC is seeking a Center Store Department Lead to support the Center Store Department Manager in delivering an extraordinary guest experience. You will lead with care and purpose, coaching your team to grow, solving issues quickly, and stepping in as acting manager when needed.

You’ll monitor labor, manage inventory, and analyze department metrics while applying a culture of hospitality, teamwork, and excellence.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of progressive management experience in supermarkets, retail, restaurants, hotels, or general business.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Proven ability to deliver an exceptional guest experience while achieving performance goals.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Basic proficiency with POS systems, scheduling tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Preferred: Associate’s degree in business, retail management, or related field; experience in grocery, fresh food retail, hospitality, or high-volume specialty retail; knowledge of inventory management systems and financial reporting; bilingual skills a plus.

Responsibilities

• Help monitor labor schedules to meet productivity and budget goals.
• Assist in maintaining accurate inventory levels, minimizing shrink, and supporting ordering processes.
• Act as a resource for team members and provide guidance in the manager’s absence.
• Model and coach “Impeccable Hospitality” by actively engaging guests and creating positive experiences.
• Help implement merchandising strategies and promotional plans to maximize sales and profitability.
• Assist in analyzing department financial and performance metrics.
• Collaborate with fellow department leaders to drive overall store success.
• Leverage available technology to perform these tasks.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Conflict resolution

Flexibility

Team development

Education

Associate’s degree in business/retail management

Tools

POS systems

Scheduling tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Fresh Market in Columbia, SC is seeking a Center Store Department Lead to support the Center Store Department Manager in delivering an extraordinary guest experience. You will lead with care and purpose, coaching your team to grow, solving issues quickly, and stepping in as acting manager when needed.

You’ll monitor labor, manage inventory, and analyze department metrics while applying a culture of hospitality, teamwork, and excellence.