Full-Time
Meat Assistant Department Manager
Updated on 9/15/2026
Festival Foods
1,001-5,000 employees
Wisconsin grocer delivering community-focused service
No salary listed
La Crosse, WI, USA
In Person
 Retail (1) |
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- High school education or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 3 years of leadership experience, including at least 1 year as a manager, in retail, food service, fast food, or restaurant settings.
- A Wisconsin Certified Food Manager License; Festival Foods will reimburse the cost if obtained while employed.
- Ability to lead, coach, and motivate a team.
- Proficiency with technology and computer systems.
- A solid understanding of warehouse stock management and inventory control in a retail or grocery setting.
- Commitment to maintaining high food safety and quality standards.
- Ability to stand in place for extended periods, walk the store, and bend, stoop, and kneel regularly.
- Fine-finger and broad manual dexterity and eye-hand-foot coordination to operate equipment.
- Ability to perform a full range of upper-body motion and occasionally lift stock.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks for prolonged periods.
- Functional sensory abilities to visually monitor the store, create attractive displays, and operate equipment.
- Ability to lift up to 60 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to work in conditions involving occasional exposure to extreme temperatures.
- Regular, timely attendance in compliance with the work schedule, with adequate notice for occasional absences.
- Availability to work mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Support the Meat Department Manager by leading daily operations in the manager’s absence and stepping in as needed.
- Create a positive work environment by training, mentoring, and developing associates.
- Collaborate with the Meat Department Manager to write and conduct performance reviews and conduct corrective action as appropriate.
- Maintain proper stock levels and ensure accurate pricing and merchandising.
- Provide outstanding customer service by helping guests find products, advising them on meat selection and preparation, and resolving concerns.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe workspace in compliance with company standards.
- Monitor sales and inventory to maximize department profitability.
- Collaborate with the Store Director, Meat Director, Training and Execution Specialists, and other department managers to exceed expectations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Leadership experience in retail, food service, fast food, or restaurant settings.
- Experience as a meat cutter, in fast food, restaurants, or food service.
Festival Foods is a Wisconsin-based grocer with 40+ full-service supermarkets. It provides groceries and everyday essentials with a focus on strong customer service and value, supported by extensive associate benefits and programs that aim to empower staff. The stores stock a wide range of products in a traditional grocery format, including fresh departments, household items, and personal care, and they emphasize community involvement in their operations. Unlike many competitors, Festival Foods differentiates itself through its commitment to giving back to Wisconsin communities and treating guests and associates as top priorities. The company’s goal is to serve Wisconsin communities with reliable, friendly service and good value while supporting its employees and local programs.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
De Pere, Wisconsin
Founded
1946
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- 1939 Group expanded to 164 stores and 19,000 workers, strengthening purchasing power.
- Schnucks said Festival Foods will keep current brands, staff, wages, and benefits.
- The 2025 closure removed succession uncertainty and gave Festival Foods a deeper capital backer.
What critics are saying
- The February 2026 FLSA collective action targets overtime misclassification across Wisconsin department managers.
- Todd Schnuck replaced Mark Skogen in October 2025, risking culture loss and store-level disruption.
- A 1939 Group integration failure could erase Festival Foods' local identity and drive customer defections.
What makes Festival Foods unique
- Festival Foods kept all 42 Wisconsin stores and headquarters after the October 2025 Schnucks deal.
- Its community-giving brand and local banners survived the 1939 Group takeover.
- The chain still serves 8,000 employees under separate sister-company operations.
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Benefits
Employee Discounts
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Parental Leave
Wellness Program
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Company News
Schnuck Markets, Inc. has acquired 100% of the shares of Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers, Inc. through the 1939 Group, Inc., owned by the Schnuck family. The acquisition includes shares from CEO Mark Skogen and the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The 1939 Group will maintain the existing store banners and corporate headquarters, with Todd Schnuck as Chairman and CEO. The transaction is expected to close in October, subject to customary approvals.