Center Store Manager Job Description
Job Title: Center Store Manager
Department: Center Store (Grocery, Dairy, Frozen, Nonfoods, Receiving and Pricing)
FLSA Status: Salary - Exempt
Position Summary:
The Center Store Manager is responsible for overseeing the Center Store Department's overall performance, including product merchandising, inventory management, and team leadership. This exempt-level position reports directly to the Assistant Store Director and/or Store Director, supervises the Dairy Manager, Frozen Manager, Night Crew Manager, all Center Store Associates, Receivers and Pricing Coordinators. The Center Store Manager ensures operational excellence, product availability, and a clean, safe shopping environment, all while delivering exceptional customer service in alignment with Strack & Van Til's mission, vision, and values.
Reporting Structure:
- Reports to: Store Director and/or Assistant Store Director
- Direct Reports: Night Crew Manager, Receiving, Pricing, Dairy, Frozen, Nonfoods and all center store clerks
- Indirect Reports: Full- and part-time associates, support staff, and in-store specialists
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Department Oversight
- Directs all activities within the Center Store Department and Pricing Department, ensuring effective execution of daily operations and adherence to company policies and procedures.
- Supervises, trains, and evaluates Dairy Manager, Frozen Manager, Night Crew Manager, Receiving Clerk and Pricing Manager providing leadership, coaching, and performance feedback.
- Schedules and coordinates department staffing to ensure adequate coverage and labor efficiency, including during overnight shifts.
Customer Experience & Merchandising
- Maintains fully stocked, clean, and well-merchandised Center Store departments (Grocery, Dairy, Frozen, Nonfoods) that are visually appealing and aligned with seasonal and promotional plans.
- Ensures friendly, prompt service from all Center Store staff and resolves customer concerns effectively and professionally.
- Works closely with vendors and internal buyers to ensure proper product assortment and in-stock position.
Inventory & Financial Accountability
- Manages all Center Store inventory levels, ordering processes, and shrink reduction strategies to meet budgeted targets.
- Reviews and analyzes sales and performance reports to make data-driven decisions and improve department profitability.
- Maintains price accuracy, proper signage, and compliance with company and regulatory standards.
Compliance & Safety
- Ensures compliance with all food safety regulations, sanitation procedures, and company policies.
- Conducts regular audits and walks to verify cleanliness, proper storage, and safety protocols are consistently followed.
- Trains team members on safe work practices, emergency procedures, and equipment handling
Collaboration & Communication
- Partners with the Store Director and/or Assistant Store Director and other department managers to coordinate store-wide initiatives and operational goals.
- Attends store management meetings and participates in planning and strategy sessions.
- Communicates department needs, successes, and challenges clearly and proactively.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience
- High School diploma or equivalent required; additional training or coursework in business, retail, or leadership preferred.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of grocery or retail management experience, including team supervision and ordering responsibilities.
- Certified in food safety.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage teams.
- Knowledge of all Center Store products, merchandising techniques, and inventory control practices.
- Proficient in analyzing reports and making business decisions to improve performance.
- Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and customer service skills.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to frequently lift up to 40 pounds, perform physical tasks such as bending, lifting, and reaching, and stand for extended periods.
- Work environment includes refrigerated and dry stock areas with varying temperature conditions.
- Fast-paced retail environment with exposure to standard store equipment and cleaning chemicals.
Nondisclosure & Confidentiality:
Responsibility
- Access to sensitive operational data, including sales performance, shrink reports, and staffing schedules.
- Authorized to make departmental expenditures and suggest operational improvements within budgeted guidelines upon approval by Store Director.
Strack & Van Til is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
We are committed to creating a respectable, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.