Why choose us?
Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Join us for an exciting opportunity at Albertsons Companies, where innovation and customer service go hand-in-hand!
At Albertsons Companies, we are looking for someone who’s not just seeking a job, but someone who wants to make an impact. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to lead, innovate, and contribute to the growth of a company that values great service and lasting customer relationships. This position offers the chance to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that’s constantly evolving.
About the company
Albertsons Companies is at the forefront of the revolution in retail. With a fixation on raising the bar with innovation and building belonging through our culture, our team is rallying our company around a unique purpose: to create joy around each table and inspire a healthier tomorrow for every community.
We have served Southern California for over 100 years since 1906. Today, we operate 329 retail stores under the Albertsons, VONS, and PAVILIONS (AVP) banners. Since our early beginnings, we have catered to best serve our customers and benefit the communities in which we serve. We remain innovators today, providing curbside pickup services and micro-fulfillment centers to deliver high-quality, fresh products in a faster and more convenient way. We are the largest buyer of California produce in the state with deep roots in the community going back decades with local growers. We remain committed to helping nourish our neighbors in need through food banks and hunger relief organizations.
The Southern California (SoCal) Division is part of the Albertsons Companies family of stores. At SoCal AVP, we believe in the power of people. Our mission is to be the leader in cultivating an inclusive workplace where every associate (employee) feels safe, valued, and inspired to unleash their full potential both personally and professionally.
Bring your flavor
Building the future of food and well-being starts with you. Join our team and bring your best self to the table.
What you will be doing
We are seeking a strategic, results-oriented Assistant Sales Manager (ASM) to join our Southern California Division Merchandising team. This role is instrumental in driving sales growth, enhancing the customer experience, and expanding market share across 329 stores under two banners.
As ASM for Grocery, you will collaborate closely with Division Sales Managers to manage assigned categories such as Grocery, General Merchandise, or Liquor by developing and executing pricing, promotion, assortment, and shelf strategies. Your work will directly impact sales performance, gross profit, and market competitiveness. The ASM will report to the Director of Center Store and will be based in Fullerton, CA.
Main Responsibilities
Category Management & Strategy
Develop annual business plans for assigned categories based on historical performance, market trends, and consumer insights. Create and maintain pricing strategies by zone and category to drive profitability. Design and implement promotional calendars aligned with division merchandising goals; evaluate performance post-promotion. Determine optimal product assortment; authorize new items and discontinue underperforming SKUs. Design schematics and recommend adjacencies to support category roles and improve customer navigation.Performance & Analysis
Maintain weekly, quarterly, and annual scorecards to track category sales, gross profit, and market share. Conduct in-depth post-promotional and category-level performance analysis. Forecast sales and gross profit at the category level, contributing to department and division projections. Spot trends early and build action plans to capitalize on demand shifts.Vendor & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the primary contact for vendors within assigned categories; lead regular business reviews and deal negotiations. Partner with Procurement to ensure inventory alignment with promotional and category plans. Coordinate with stores, merchandising, and other departments to ensure seamless execution of programs. Attend vendor planning meetings and collaborate with corporate merchandising to implement initiatives. Collaborate with Corporate Merchandising to localize national initiatives for the division.Leadership & Communication
Support total store customer service initiatives across the division. Provide direct supervision to office support staff and dotted-line guidance to Buyers. Visit stores to assess execution and gather feedback on merchandising programs. Champion corporate initiatives and ensure alignment with division goals.What we are searching for
We believe the successful candidate has these qualifications and experience:
A creator: You can see creative solutions to serve our customers. A networker: You can develop and build extensive relationships. A collaborator: You can work across levels and functions to get results. A problem-solver: You find ways to get things done. A diplomat: you work well with people with different backgrounds. A constant customer champion: You know the customers and are committed to improving their lives. A restless curiosity: You are always looking for a better way, seeking to understand where the consumer is headed. A deep conviction: You have a passion for developing and increasing the value of this growing category. Proven ability to influence people, processes, and outcomes across functions. Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on innovation, simplification, and efficiency. Strong financial acumen, including P&L understanding and the ability to analyze performance drivers. Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with a proactive, decisive approach. Effective planning, organization, and project leadership from concept through execution. Strong written and verbal communication skills that build relationships at all levels. Knowledge of Category Business Planning principles. Familiarity with procurement, logistics, and inventory management processes. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and merchandising systems; quick to learn new technologies. Continuous improvement mindset with a positive, adaptable approach to change. Self‑motivated and able to deliver strong results independently. Skilled in presenting to diverse audiences and influencing key decisions.Job Requirements
5 years in retail store management, buying, or merchandising roles. Prior store operations specialist or category management experience required. Experience demonstrating a strong understanding of operations and merchandising approaches. Strong experience in developing strategy and leading department operations. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing or related field or equivalent combination experience. RMC Graduate a plus. Background in financial analysis, mathematical, statistics, marketing, merchandising, or consumer research a plus. Availability to work a retail schedule, including 5 days on-site/infield, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Ability to travel across the Southern California Division geography.Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.
*Must meet the minimum requirements to be considered*
Our Values – Click below to view video: ACI Values
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 (accrued based on hours worked), PTO/Vacation Pay (accrued based on hours worked) or Flexible Time Off, paid holidays (8-9 days annually), bereavement pay, and retirement benefits (pension and/or 401k eligibility). Associates in this position may be eligible for a quarterly bonus.
A copy of the full job description can be made available to you.