Store Planner

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG); Kansas City (KS); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is seeking a Store Planner to design grocery store layouts and coordinate construction across projects in the Kansas City region. You will work with architects, engineers and vendors to develop complete working drawings and manage equipment installation.

The role emphasizes CAD proficiency, floor plan development and strong vendor/retail collaboration, with travel up to 50% and a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Design experience for grocery store development and equipment planning.
• Knowledge of CAD-based working drawings and specs.
• Ability to review construction documents for accuracy.
• Experience with construction management techniques and site visits.

Responsibilities

• Meet retailers to design fixture layouts and quote equipment.
• Coordinate installation and construction with architects/ engineers.
• Develop preliminary site plans and manage schedules and budgets.
• Provide direction to Store Engineers and manage departmental processes.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Floor plan design

Project coordination

Vendor coordination

Architectural & engineering liaison

Detail orientation

Education

High school diploma

College degree or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Store Planner

Location: 5000 Kansas Avenue Kansas City, KS 66106

Department: Store Design & Equipment Services

Work Model: Hybrid

Make us your BEST Choice!

Summary

Responsible for design and construction coordination for all phases of projects for grocery store development in the assigned division. Designing and developing floor plans, and advising members in their store development and equipment needs. Work with Architects and Engineers to develop complete project working drawings. Coordinate construction and equipment installation. Strong background in Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing systems and CAD proficient. Equipment sales and installation coordination is a significant component of this position. Some travel with the State of Kansas and Missouri.

Essential Functions:

• Meet with member retailers and design fixture layouts. Recommend building and equipment components for new and existing retail facilities. Prepare bid lists and quote equipment for retail stores. Supervise all areas of building construction including selection of architects and engineers. Review construction documents for accuracy. Prepare and review project budgets.
• Visit retail locations. Coordinate equipment installation and requirements with design professionals. Develop preliminary site plans. Schedule equipment deliveries and installation. Negotiate with equipment vendors.
• Visit job sites. Resolve construction and equipment problems. Attend job site meetings with retailers, contractors and vendors. Interface with other AWG departments involved with the development of stores. Manage project budgets.
• Provide direction and training to Store Engineers. Create work processes. Prepare annual sales projections and departmental operating budgets. Manage equipment/billing department. Resolve departmental issues.

Qualifications

Any combination of education, training and experience providing the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge:

• Understanding of the retail grocery industry, vendor community and sales area(s).
• Design experience utilizing current CAD software
• Exposure to construction management techniques and job site visits
• Understanding of construction documents and specifications
• Experienced at making presentations
• Basic knowledge of refrigeration systems

Abilities:

• Exceptional attention to detail and time management skills.
• Strong technical aptitude with comfort in software navigation.
• Effective relationship building skills to create and grow professional relationships with vendors and retailers.
• Highly adaptable and able to manage various tasks while meeting multiple deadlines.

Experience, Education and Training:

• Minimum of high school diploma.
• College degree or comparable work experience preferred.
• A grocery retail background, with sales and marketing experience.
• 2-5 yrs. Grocery store design/ Store Engineering experience preferred
• 2-5 yrs Construction trade, engineering or design field experience highly desirable
• 2-5 yrs Experience managing employees

Physical Requirements:

• Perform bending, squatting, sitting, and reaching from floor level to waist level.
• Must be able to move throughout various buildings, conduct meetings at retail sites, load and unload materials and equipment.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds (copier paper boxes).
• Must be able to sit in a car for long periods of time.
• Must be able to drive both day and at night.
• Travel up to 50%

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and 3,500 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale division support centers. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2025 were $12.2 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit AWGinc.com.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time
• 401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributions
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Basic & Supplemental Life and AD&D
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Wellness Program
• Yearly Holiday Bonus