Job Description

Center Store Director

Location: Nashville

Department: Center Store

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Center Store Director to lead our Grocery, Frozen & Dairy (GFD), AWG Brands, and Advertising functions in the Nashville Division. This key leadership role is responsible for driving retail sales performance, managing category execution, and partnering with internal teams and member-retailers to deliver exceptional value and service.

This position requires a blend of strategic thinking, operational oversight, and member-focused leadership to ensure the successful execution of programs and initiatives that support growth, profitability, and member satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Division and AWG Support Centers to develop and achieve department sales, gross margin, promotional spending, and expense control goals.
• Monitor department performance and report variances to the Vice President / Division Manager.
• Oversee procurement to support budgeted service levels, inventory turnover, gain targets, and overall inventory health.
• Provide directions to category management on product selection, purchasing, and pricing across Grocery, Frozen & Dairy (GFD), and AWG Brands.
• Maintain relationships with key regional suppliers to support sales and promotional efforts.
• Collaborate with the Retail Pricing Manager to maintain competitive and effective pricing strategies.
• Support new member boarding, store conversions, remodels, and expansions in partnership with the Member Services Director and District Sales Managers.
• Guide implementation of merchandising and marketing programs to drive member store sales.
• Lead planning and execution of division food shows and other Center Store promotional events.
• Conduct regular visits to member store groups and individual retailers to strengthen relationships and provide in-field support.
• Work with the AWG Team to grow sales and help private brands penetrate with members.
• Work with the AIM Specialist to grow sales through in-house ad groups and promotional programs.
• Promote and support AWG’s company philosophy in all interactions with associates, members, and trade partners.

Qualifications:

Any combination of education, training, and experience providing the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Skills and Competencies:

• Proven leadership experience managing people, budgets, and retail programs.
• Strong understanding of independent grocery operations and Center Store dynamics is highly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the retail grocery industry
• Strong analytical and mathematical abilities to manage complex financial and operational metrics.
• A proactive, hands-on approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in retail pricing models, merchandising strategies, and promotional execution.
• Planning experience as it pertains to item mix, pricing, promotion, frequency, etc.
• Category Management Experience
• Strong Business Acumen
• Managing and developing people
• Strategic agility
• Abilities:
• Highly adaptable and able to manage various tasks while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Ability to build cross-functional relationships and influence outcomes.
• Ability to develop a budget and Category Execution plans
• Proficient with PowerPoint, Excel, and Word

Experience, Education, and Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or a related field preferred; minimum 7 years in the Grocery/Retail Industry

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and more than 3,400 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale divisions. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2024 exceeded $12.0 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit AWGinc.com .

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time
• 401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributions
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Basic & Supplemental Life and AD&D
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Wellness Program
• Yearly Holiday Bonus

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