Job DescriptionWhat you will be doingThe
Director of Center Store is a senior market leader responsible for the strategy, financial performance, and execution of Grocery, Frozen, Dairy, NOSHE, and GM/HBC across Shaw's and Star Market stores in New England. Leading Assistant Sales Managers and Department Specialists, this role drives sales, gross profit, inventory productivity, vendor income, and customer engagement and loyalty across a large, complex, multi-banner business while delivering category strategies that strengthen competitive positioning and long-term market growth.
This leader translates Market and National Merchandising priorities into locally relevant strategies and partners with Operations, Marketing, Finance, Procurement, Distribution, and National Merchandising to influence key decisions, align priorities, and drive execution and business results.
With direct P&L accountability, the Director establishes strategic direction across Center Store categories, adapts to changing market conditions, and develops a high-performing organization focused on results, leadership development, and succession strength. This role reports to the Market Vice President of Merchandising.
Main ResponsibilitiesSales, P&L &Category Ownership- Owns the Center Store P&L, with accountability for sales, gross profit, shrink, allowances, vendor income, inventory productivity, and financial results.
- Sets category strategy, translating enterprise priorities, market trends, competitive insights, and customer needs into actionable business plans.
- Leads planning, forecasting, and resource allocation across Center Store categories to maximize financial performance and achieve business objectives.
- Leverages financial, merchandising, and consumer insights to identify opportunities, manage risk, and improve results.
Promotions, Pricing & Marketing- Establishes promotional and pricing strategies that support competitiveness, customer engagement, and financial objectives.
- Approves key pricing decisions and ensures execution of category initiatives.
- Partners with Marketing and National Merchandising to develop integrated plans and evaluate results.
Assortment, Space & Store Execution- Leads assortment, space, and presentation strategies to maximize sales, profitability, and customer relevance.
- Provides direction on schematics, store layouts, remodels, and new store designs.
- Ensures Center Store merchandising remains competitive across banners and markets.
- Partners with Operations and field leaders to drive execution, address gaps, and optimize vendor funding.
Vendor, Sourcing & Supply Chain Partnership- Leads strategic vendor relationships, negotiations, contracts, and funding programs that support category growth and business objectives.
- Establishes vendor strategies and priorities to maximize sales, profitability, innovation, and competitive positioning across Center Store categories.
- Partners with Procurement and Distribution to align sourcing, inventory, promotions, and service levels.
Cross-Functional & Enterprise Leadership- Influences national merchandising strategies and initiatives by representing market opportunities, challenges, and customer insights.
- Aligns Operations, Marketing, Finance, Procurement, Distribution, and National Merchandising to drive execution and business priorities.
- Leads cross-functional efforts to support major business initiatives, organizational change, and market growth objectives.
People & Culture Leadership- Leads, coaches, and develops Assistant Sales Managers and Department Specialists, ensuring alignment to market strategy, financial objectives, and execution priorities.
- Oversees talent assessment, succession planning, performance management, and selection while building leadership capability across the merchandising organization.
- Develops organizational bench strength and succession plans to support long-term business and leadership needs.
What we are searching for- Senior merchandising leader who can set strategy, make sound business decisions, and translate priorities into measurable results.
- Deep grocery retail expertise and financial acumen, with strong knowledge of the drivers of sales, gross profit, margin, shrink, inventory, allowances, vendor income, and customer behavior.
- Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-category, multi-banner retail businesses.
- Proven ability to influence senior leaders and build effective partnerships across Operations, Marketing, Finance, Procurement, Distribution, National Merchandising, and vendor partners.
- Strong people leader with a track record of developing talent, building accountable teams, and strengthening succession pipelines.
- Change leader who can gain alignment, drive execution, and deliver results in a complex matrix organization.
- Demonstrated business judgment, adaptability, and accountability in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Executive-level written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrates the highest standards of ethics, confidentiality, and policy compliance.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office, merchandising systems, and analytical tools.
Job Requirements - 10+ years of progressive retail merchandising or grocery retail leadership experience, preferably across multiple banners, categories, or geographies.
- Minimum of 5 years of people leadership experience, including leading leaders and developing high-performing teams.
- Extensive experience in P&L management, category management, pricing, promotions, assortment strategy, forecasting, and fiscal planning.
- Experience leading large multi-category merchandising organizations with direct accountability for business results.
- Demonstrated success negotiating vendor agreements, contracts, and funding programs at local and national levels.
- Bachelor's degree in business or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Full-time role based in the Fullerton Store Support Center, with an on-site and in-field expectation of five days per week.
- Ability to travel throughout the New England Market and work evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak business periods as needed.
We also provide a variety of benefits including:
- Competitive wages paid weekly
- Associate discounts
- Health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), and more!)
- Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick pay (eligibility requirements apply)
- Leaders invested in your training, career growth, and professional development
- An inclusive work environment with talented colleagues who reflect the communities we serve
About the TeamPay Transparency:Starting rates will be no less than the local minimum wage and may vary based on criteria such as location, experience, and qualifications.
Candidates with unique qualifications may be considered for compensation above this range. Benefits may include medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, sick pay, PTO/Vacation Pay or Flexible Time Off, paid holidays, bereavement pay, and retirement benefits (pension and/or 401k eligibility). [If applicable:] Associates in this position may be eligible for a quarterly bonus.
