Center Store Manager - Merrillville

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.

 

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 ex