Center Store Brand Director

We are a high-quality, experience-driven food retailer committed to delivering an elevated, curated shopping experience. The Center Store Brand Director is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the overall strategy, performance, and brand integrity of Center Store categories, including Grocery, Frozen, Dairy, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Wellness, and General Merchandise/Housewares. This leader will oversee merchandising, pricing, assortment, vendor partnerships, and in-store execution to deliver a differentiated, high-quality customer experience aligned with a premium grocery retail brand.

This role partners closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to elevate private label offerings, optimize category performance, and ensure operational excellence across all locations.

What You’ll Do

Set the Vision

• Define and lead a compelling Center Store strategy that reflects a premium, quality-first brand
• Curate assortments that balance artisan, local, exclusive, and national brands
• Anticipate trends and bring innovation to life in a way that inspires customers

Elevate the Product Experience

• Oversee all aspects of category management, including assortment, pricing, and merchandising
• Create engaging, story-driven merchandising programs that enhance the in-store experience
• Lead seasonal, promotional, and cross-merchandising strategies that drive discovery and basket growth

Drive Financial Excellence

• Own category performance across sales, margin, inventory turns, and profitability
• Develop thoughtful pricing strategies that align with brand positioning while delivering results
• Use data and insights to continuously refine and elevate performance

Build Meaningful Partnerships

• Establish strong, strategic relationships with vendors, makers, and distributors
• Negotiate with a focus on quality, exclusivity, and long-term value
• Champion the development of distinctive private label and proprietary products

Lead & Inspire

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing merchandising team
• Foster a culture of curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Partner closely with store and operational leaders to ensure flawless execution

Who You Are

• A seasoned retail or merchandising leader with 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in grocery retail, including multi-unit or enterprise-level responsibility for category management, merchandising, and P&L performance
• A strong merchant with a refined eye for product, quality, and presentation
• Financially savvy, with experience owning and driving P&L performance
• A collaborative leader who thrives in cross-functional environments
• Passionate about food, wellness, and creating exceptional customer experiences
• Equally comfortable thinking strategically and rolling up your sleeves to execute

Why Join Us

• Be part of a brand that prioritizes quality, guest experience, and community
• Lead with autonomy and influence at a strategic level
• Work alongside a passionate, values-driven team
• Competitive compensation up to $170K base salary
• Outstanding comprehensive benefits package, including fully funded Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Life Insurance, and AD&D; 401K with 4% match, Medical, Dental, Vision with very strong company contribution, and PTO/Vacation accrual starting Day 1.
• Opportunities for long-term growth and impact