Front End Assistant Manager

New Leaf • Santa Cruz, CA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Front End Manager partners with the Front End Manager to oversee the department and its staff, including financial stewardship, customer service, department conditions, merchandising, food and work safety, communication, hiring, training, and performance management. This management position provides leadership in line with company values and promotes a positive, progressive work environment aligned with the company’s mission, vision, values, and policies.

The role balances department oversight and administrative work with a presence on the floor, including cashiering, bagging purchases, and carry-outs. The Assistant Front End Manager supports service standards, staff development, labor and margin goals, cash handling and register procedures, regulatory compliance, inventory practices, and effective use of department resources. The position also handles escalated customer service situations and helps maintain equipment and department conditions.

Work takes place in a grocery store. Conditions may include wet or slippery surfaces, moderate noise, temperature extremes in controlled cooler and freezer areas, outdoor work depending on location, and exposure to certain allergens or chemicals. The position works at a medium physical-demand level. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities as required by applicable law.

Requirements

• Previous customer service, food service, retail, or grocery experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of a retail Front End Department and/or prior Front-End management experience is required.
• Previous supervisory or management experience is highly preferred.
• Entry- to mid-level proficiency with MS Office.
• Working knowledge of POS, inventory, or other retail-specific software is required.
• Skills to manage financial results, including labor, sales, and profit margin.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic to intermediate math and computation skills.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow verbal and written instructions; exercise good judgment; resolve conflicts; and analyze situations to find solutions.
• Ability to speak, read, and understand English.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including frequent to continuous standing and walking; lifting and pushing or pulling items; and using arms, hands, and wrists.

Nice To Haves

• Previous customer service, food service, retail, or grocery experience.
• Previous supervisory or management experience.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the department manager to oversee all areas of the department.
• Assess, prioritize, and delegate tasks and production while cashiering, bagging purchases, and performing carry-outs.
• Support service expectations and train staff to deliver an exceptional front-end customer experience using company programs and policies.
• Maintain department appearance, cleanliness, signage, staffing, and service levels.
• Model attentive customer service, coach staff, recognize accomplishments, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Resolve escalated customer service situations and coach staff to do the same.
• Share knowledge of store products and industry trends, including culinary terminology, product labeling, and common dietary restrictions.
• Work with the department manager to meet labor and margin goals, schedule the department, and develop and execute plans when results fall short of expectations.
• Partner with the department manager to establish cash-handling, register, and return procedures and ensure compliance; assist cashiers with complex returns.
• Help ensure the department is trained in and complies with alcohol sales and other state and local regulations.
• Maintain the Front End resource guide and ensure cashier accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with company invoice, credit, transfer, and inventory procedures.
• Coach the department in maintaining appropriate, accurate, and organized inventory and back stock; handle damaged and spoiled product according to company policy.
• Maintain working knowledge of department equipment, train staff, and troubleshoot errors as needed.
• Use resources and labor efficiently without compromising quality or service standards.
• Balance administrative tasks with a presence on the floor.
• Engage customers in a friendly manner, provide product information, help locate products, and seek ways to exceed customer expectations.
• Manage time effectively, adapt priorities as department needs change, and model a flexible work style.
• Promote a collaborative team environment through recognition, leading by example, working alongside staff, open communication, and constructive feedback.
• Address staff issues and conflicts proactively and encourage staff contributions.
• Conserve company resources and follow the company mission, values, sustainability program, and work and food safety policies.
• Maintain store cleanliness and equipment, report problems to management, and follow company and department policies and guidelines.
• Perform other tasks and duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed