ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER/DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Assistant Store Manager/Director
Reports To: Store Director

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Assistant Store Manager/Director is a key leader responsible for supporting the overall operation of our independent grocery store. This role requires a hands-on, detail-oriented individual with extensive knowledge and passion for the perishable departments, including Produce, Meat, Deli, Bakery, and Dairy. The successful candidate will act as a “Perishable Champion,” ensuring that quality standards, merchandising excellence, and profitability goals are met. This position serves as the second-in-command, stepping in to manage the entire store in the absence of the Store Director/Owner.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of management experience in a grocery retail environment, with a significant portion of that time spent in a supervisory role.
• Perishable Expertise: In-depth, hands-on knowledge of perishable products is non-negotiable. The ideal candidate will have direct experience managing or working closely with Produce, Meat, Deli, or Seafood departments.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse team. Must be a strong communicator with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Financial Acumen: Basic understanding of retail financial metrics, including sales, labor costs, inventory management, and shrink.
• Customer-Centric: A passion for delivering an outstanding customer experience and a strong understanding of what drives customer loyalty in a competitive market.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, walk the sales floor, and lift up to 50 lbs.

• Perishable Department Oversight (Primary Emphasis):
• Serve as the expert resource for all perishable operations, setting the standard for quality, freshness, and presentation.
• Work directly with department managers to optimize ordering, inventory management, and display merchandising to minimize shrink and maximize sales.
• Monitor product quality and rotation daily, ensuring all items meet our high standards.
• Ensure strict compliance with all local, state, and federal food safety regulations, including sanitation, temperature controls, and product handling.
• Lead the development of creative and attractive displays that highlight seasonal and specialty perishable items.
• Operational Leadership:
• Oversee daily store operations, ensuring a smooth and efficient flow from backroom receiving to the front-end.
• Support the Store Director in managing labor budgets, scheduling, and overall store performance metrics.
• Address and resolve customer complaints and operational issues in a professional and timely manner.
• Maintain the highest standards of store cleanliness, organization, and safety for both customers and employees.
• Team Development & Management:
• Act as a visible and approachable leader on the sales floor, coaching and motivating team members across all departments.
• Assist in the recruitment, hiring, training, and ongoing development of new and existing staff.
• Conduct regular check-ins with department managers to review performance and provide constructive feedback.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment where every employee feels valued and empowered.
• Merchandising & Sales:
• Collaborate with the Store Director to develop and execute store-wide merchandising plans and promotional strategies.
• Analyze sales data and customer feedback to identify opportunities to improve product assortment and sales.
• Ensure all displays and promotional materials are current, accurate, and appealing to customers.