Ace Assistant Manager

K-VA-T Food Stores•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

The Assistant Store Manager upholds the Core Values set by the management team and is responsible for the store’s complete day-to-day operation when the Store Manager is absent. The role focuses on maximizing sales and profitability, minimizing expenses, and ensuring the store is appropriately stocked and merchandised while delivering “Amaze Every Customer Every Time.” The Assistant Store Manager also supports the growth and development of the management team and store associates. Responsibilities include hiring, training, coaching, and developing staff; coordinating store operations and merchandising; managing schedules and payroll within established budgets; supporting staffing decisions; and developing in-store marketing plans. The role promotes customer service through observation, coaching, team communication, and review of service measurement reports. It also maintains inventory accuracy, oversees associate training, enforces safety and store-environment procedures, conducts preventative safety and fire inspections, and may operate a forklift safely to stock and store products.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least one year of leadership experience in a retail or customer service setting.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to motivate and lead store associates fairly and impartially.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to delegate and work independently.
Strong organizational, time-management, and project-management skills.
Technical proficiency with basic retail computer systems and related software.
Ability to develop and maintain client relationships and strategic partnerships.
Dress according to company policy.
Valid in-state driver's license and an acceptable driving record under the company's insurance carrier standards.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred.
Bilingual Spanish verbal and written communication skills strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Hire, train, and develop store staff; provide performance feedback and recognize accomplishments.
Review store evaluations with the management team and staff, identify opportunities, and correct issues promptly.
Supervise staff to meet sales performance goals and follow company procedures.
Delegate work to meet merchandising and visual presentation standards.
Participate in associate evaluations and provide feedback, recognition, and growth opportunities.
Complete merchandising updates according to company standards and work with vendors on merchandising strategies and plan-o-gram updates.
Forecast staffing needs, create work schedules, monitor payroll against budgets, and take corrective measures as needed.
Review staffing needs and personnel opportunities with the Store Manager and HR/Ops Directors before additions, promotions, or terminations.
Develop and implement in-store marketing strategies, including promotions, events, and seasonal merchandising.
Promote customer service as the top priority by observing, monitoring, and coaching associate performance and customer interactions.
Model and teach “Amaze Every Customer Every Time,” including through huddles, communication boards, and store meetings.
Ensure customers are acknowledged, their needs are met, and their concerns are resolved promptly.
Review customer service measurement reports and work with the team to sustain or improve service levels.
Document at least one observation per associate each month and provide coaching for consistent service.
Maintain inventory accuracy through on-hand integrity, receiving, transfers, store communication, product mix and flow, and adherence to company practices, metrics, and deadlines.
Use inventory reports to reduce shrinkage, maintain appropriate stock levels, and maximize inventory accuracy.
Pursue professional development through leadership training and other learning opportunities.
Identify appropriate training for associates and oversee required training, including new-hire orientation, on-the-job training, and vendor training.
Enforce safety policies and procedures and model safe practices.
Enforce store-environment procedures and maintain store appearance.
Conduct preventative safety and fire inspections and take appropriate corrective action.
Operate a forklift safely as needed to stock and store product.