Center Store Operations Specialist

The Center Store Operations Specialist is responsible for supporting monitoring and driving execution of division merchandising strategies across assigned stores. This position partners with Store Directors Department Managers and store leadership teams to improve merchandising standards operational execution sales performance gross profit labor efficiency and customer satisfaction. The Center Store Operations Specialist provides coaching training and guidance to develop store teams and ensure consistent execution of company programs and initiatives across the division.

• Monitor and support execution of division merchandising plans within assigned stores.
• Partner with Department Managers and Store Directors to implement merchandising strategies and operational initiatives.
• Evaluate department presentation product merchandising cleanliness compliance and program execution.
• Ensure company policies procedures and merchandising standards are consistently followed.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and store execution.

• Travel to assigned stores to provide operational guidance and support.
• Work closely with Department Managers and Store Directors to achieve sales gross profit and labor objectives.
• Assess store-level performance and develop improvement plans where needed.
• Review department conditions and implement corrective actions to improve results.
• Support execution of company initiatives and performance improvement programs.

• Train and develop Department Managers and store teams on merchandising operations and business fundamentals.
• Provide coaching in product knowledge customer service sales techniques and operational processes.
• Help leaders understand financial performance labor management and profitability drivers.
• Measure the effectiveness of training programs and development efforts.
• Support succession planning and leadership development initiatives.

• Evaluate store performance through sales gross profit labor percentage and operational metrics.
• Analyze trends and identify opportunities to improve business results.
• Conduct store visits and assess execution against established goals and standards.
• Provide recommendations to improve productivity profitability and customer satisfaction.
• Provide performance feedback and developmental input regarding Department Managers to Store Directors.

• Build effective working relationships with Store Directors Department Managers and district leadership teams.
• Influence business results through coaching mentoring and collaborative leadership.
• Promote accountability and consistent execution across multiple locations.
• Support a culture focused on customer service operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for assigned departments and merchandising programs.

• College degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of grocery retail experience with a strong understanding of Front End Grocery and Fresh Operations.
• Previous Department Manager and Store Director experience required.
• Strong knowledge of merchandising retail operations labor management and profitability.
• Excellent communication coaching and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical problem-solving and organizational abilities.
• Ability to influence and motivate others without direct supervisory authority.
• Proficiency in financial analysis reporting and business performance measurement.

• Ability to travel extensively throughout the division.
• Division-wide travel up to 70% including overnight travel as needed.
• Ability to work in retail store environments as well as office settings.
• Prolonged periods of sitting standing walking driving and computer use.
• Must possess reliable transportation and be available for multi-state travel.

• Leadership & Influence
• Merchandising Excellence
• Operational Excellence
• Financial Acumen
• Team Development
• Coaching & Training
• Strategic Thinking
• Customer Focus
• Communication
• Business Analysis
• Collaboration
• Problem Solving
• Accountability
• Results Orientation

The Center Store Operations Specialist plays a critical role in driving operational consistency merchandising execution leadership development and financial performance across multiple stores. Through coaching training business analysis and store support this position helps ensure stores achieve company objectives while delivering an exceptional customer experience.