Assistant Store Leader

The Kroger Co. • Pickerington, OH

7h

About The Position

The Assistant Store Leader learns the operations of all departments and the duties of store management, and shares responsibility for store performance across operations and human resources. The role performs scheduling, security, maintenance, safety, sanitation, ordering, administration, and human resources-related duties. The Assistant Store Leader demonstrates the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.

The role assists the Store Manager in leading store teams, driving sales and profitability, improving customer experience, developing associates, and executing merchandising and operational plans. It manages total store operations in the Store Manager’s absence and supports compliance, staffing, labor management, technology adoption, and leadership development.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 1 year of experience as a department manager, service manager, or in an equivalent role.
• Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, and developing associates, including supervisors, managers, and future leaders, to achieve customer service, operational, and business goals in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Demonstrated experience using KPIs, metrics, and data insights to identify opportunities, solve problems, and support business decisions.
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments and influence others to drive store performance.

Nice To Haves

• Proven success driving customer experience, sales growth, operational excellence, and talent development.
• Experience managing competing priorities while leading teams through change and achieving business objectives.
• Strong track record of independently leading strategies that delivered sustained, measurable improvements across multiple areas of store performance.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Store Manager and associates in achieving a favorable customer shopping experience and develop associate interest in customer service and relations.
• Assist the Store Manager in leading teams to plan, implement, and execute merchandising and operating initiatives.
• Assist the Store Manager with developing action plans and communications to associates based on Associate Insight survey results.
• Work with department heads and store associates to identify opportunities, develop timely solutions, and create action plans to ensure implementation.
• Model and demand a high level of customer service and resolve associate and customer issues or concerns.
• Manage total store operations in the Store Manager’s absence.
• Achieve or exceed weekly, period, and annual sales, wage, and profit budgets, as well as other targeted goals such as safety and shrink.
• Drive sales by working with department managers to maximize sales and profits, reduce shrink, and improve each department’s contribution.
• Assist the Store Manager in store-level financial performance discussions with associates about budgets and targeted goals.
• Analyze and respond to the competitive landscape within the district or division.
• Demonstrate inclusionary leadership and expect inclusive behavior from associates.
• Utilize coordinators and other field staff to help departments achieve sales and profit goals and execute division merchandising plans.
• Promote and support strong relationships with local community organizations around the store.
• Assist in building productive relationships with union representatives and business agents when the store is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
• Communicate necessary information to associates so they can effectively carry out their duties.
• Serve as a liaison to store and district managers and coordinators regarding the effectiveness of division merchandising and operational plans and programs.
• Assist the Store Manager with staffing, reducing turnover, and increasing retention.
• Provide timely individual and department performance feedback to department heads and associates.
• Assist with daily labor management and supply costs to meet customer service and financial targets.
• Ensure store compliance with federal, state, and local laws and enterprise policies, and ensure associate knowledge of those requirements.
• Support the Store Leader in driving adoption of current and emerging technology by coaching associates and leaders to use tools that improve operational and business performance.
• Support the Store Leader in building leadership bench strength by developing department leaders, assistants, leads, and emerging talent.
• Supervise and coach direct reports, complete performance reviews, and provide feedback.
• Perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED