Center Store Operations Specialist

Position Purpose

Monitor, enforce, and support execution of the division merchandising plan for assigned departments. Train, coach, develop, and guide store teams to ensure strong merchandising execution and operational excellence.

• Travel to assigned stores and work directly with Department Managers and team members to communicate and execute merchandising plans that support sales, gross profit, and labor targets.
• Counsel Department Managers and Store Directors on all aspects of product merchandising, customer service, and operational standards.
• Evaluate overall department conditions, including presentation, cleanliness, compliance, and execution against company policies and procedures.
• Measure store‑level performance through key metrics such as department sales, gross profit, and labor percentage.
• Execute merchandising and operational plans by conducting store visits, reviewing performance results, and assessing department conditions.
• Determine the success of training programs by reviewing evaluations and measuring improvement.

• Provide guidance to store associates on product knowledge, sales and marketing techniques, profit and loss fundamentals, and compliance expectations.
• Train Department Managers on the fundamentals of running their departments, including merchandising, financials, and customer service.
• Provide performance feedback and input to the Store Director regarding Department Manager effectiveness.

• Responsibility spans multiple states within the division.
• Includes support for urban, suburban, and rural store environments with varying operational needs.

• College degree or equivalent work experience.

• 5+ years of grocery retail experience with strong knowledge across all major departments, including Front End, Grocery, and Fresh operations.

• Prior experience as both a Department Manager and Store Director is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to work effectively with a wide variety of people in‑person and over the phone.
• Marketing orientation with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Solid math skills for straightforward performance and financial analysis.
• Strong leadership abilities with the capability to influence and motivate without direct supervisory authority.

• Division‑wide travel:
  up to 70%.