Center Store Manager - Cedar Lake

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.