District Leader In Training (Charleston)

Parker's Kitchen•Charleston, SC

About The Position

The District Leader in Training (DLIT) is a developmental leadership position designed to prepare high-potential leaders for future District Leader opportunities in the convenience store industry. Through structured training, hands-on operational experience, and leadership development, the DLIT builds the knowledge and skills needed to develop store leadership teams, drive business performance, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. The role begins with an intensive training program focused on front-end and kitchen (food service) operations, people leadership, and business management. After initial training, the DLIT operates a store while continuing to develop the competencies required to oversee store operations successfully. The position requires a flexible schedule, regular travel throughout the assigned market, and work in a retail convenience store environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent experience.
Minimum of 3–5 years of leadership experience in retail, convenience store, restaurant, hospitality, or multi-unit operations.
Demonstrated experience leading teams and delivering business results.
Demonstrated ability to motivate, coach, develop, and hold team members accountable for performance and growth.
Strong customer service orientation and commitment to exceptional customer experiences.
Business acumen and ability to analyze operational and financial metrics, identify trends, and make informed decisions to improve performance.
Foundational knowledge of retail operations, including front-end and kitchen operations, food preparation, merchandising, inventory management, labor planning, and expense control.
Effective problem-solving, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills in a fast-paced, multi-unit retail environment.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across organizational levels.
Strong organizational, time management, and attention-to-detail skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, reporting requirements, and compliance standards.
Adaptability, resilience, and willingness to embrace change in a dynamic retail environment.
High integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, reporting tools, and retail management systems.
Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours, to support training objectives and business needs.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Ability to travel regularly throughout the assigned market.
Ability to work in a retail convenience store environment, including exposure to varying temperatures and standing for extended periods.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a related field; or equivalent leadership experience.
Experience in the convenience store, fuel retail, grocery, restaurant, or multi-unit retail industry.
ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification or equivalent.
Experience in kitchen operations and training, including food preparation, food safety, and training team members on kitchen procedures.
Prior experience as a Store Manager, General Manager, or similar leader.
Experience recruiting, hiring, and developing frontline and leadership talent.
Demonstrated success driving sales growth, operational performance, and employee engagement.
Experience managing profit and loss performance, labor budgets, and key business metrics.
Proven ability to lead through change and influence results across multiple teams or locations.

Responsibilities

Complete a structured District Leader in Training program to develop leadership, operational, and financial competencies for future multi-unit leadership responsibilities.
Partner with District Leaders to drive consistent execution of merchandising, food service, safety, and customer experience standards across multiple locations.
Lead daily store operations across front-end and kitchen functions during development rotations, ensuring customer service, food service, merchandising, safety, and company standards.
Analyze operational and financial performance metrics, identify trends, make informed business decisions, and develop action plans to improve results.
Develop proficiency in financial reporting, labor management, inventory control, expense management, and profitability analysis.
Support action plans that drive sales growth, operating performance, and profitability.
Partner with Talent Acquisition, District Leaders, and Store Leaders on recruiting, candidate interviews, selection decisions, and building high-performing store teams.
Develop Store Leaders and store teams through coaching, performance management, recognition, and development planning.
Participate in district business reviews, store assessments, and strategic planning initiatives.
Ensure compliance with company policies, operating standards, asset protection initiatives, safety expectations, and regulatory requirements.
Foster accountability, engagement, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Model company values, leadership expectations, and exceptional customer service.