Assistant Store Leader

The Kroger Co. • Richmond, VA

7h

About The Position

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

The Assistant Store Leader supports the Store Manager in delivering a favorable customer shopping experience, leading teams, achieving sales and profit goals, and executing merchandising and operational plans. The role manages total store operations when the Store Manager is absent, develops associates and department leaders, supports staffing and retention, and helps ensure compliance with applicable laws and company policies. The position also supports adoption of technology and builds relationships with community organizations and, where applicable, union representatives.

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 developing associate interest in customer service and relations.
• Assist the Store Manager in leading teams to plan, implement, and execute merchandising and operating initiatives.
• Help develop action plans and communicate Associate Insight survey results to associates.
• Work with department heads and store associates to identify opportunities, develop timely solutions, and create action plans for implementation.
• Model and expect the highest 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.
• Work with department managers to drive sales and profits, reduce shrink, and improve each department’s contribution.
• Assist the Store Manager with store-level financial performance discussions, budget development, 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 relationships with local community organizations around the store.
• Help build proactive and productive relationships with union representatives or business agents when the store is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
• Communicate necessary information to associates so they can carry out their duties effectively.
• Serve as a liaison with store and district managers and coordinators regarding the effectiveness of division merchandising and operational plans or programs.
• Assist the Store Manager with staffing, reducing turnover, and increasing retention.
• Provide timely individual and departmental 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, and associate knowledge of, federal, state, and local laws and enterprise policies.
• Support the Store Leader in encouraging 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 developing department leaders, assistants, leads, and emerging talent for future opportunities.
• Supervise and coach direct reports, complete performance reviews, and provide feedback.
• Perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

• Healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.
• Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles.
• Paid time off, including holiday and sick pay, based on eligibility and length of service.
• Free counseling through the Employee Assistance Program.
• Free, confidential financial tools and coaching through Goldman Sachs Ayco.
• Associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, and technology.
• Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over the course of a career through the Continuing Education program.
• Training programs and diverse career pathways.

What This Job Offers

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