SMART Manager Leadership Trainee

Natural Grocers•Denver, CO

4d•$64,000

About The Position

The SMART Program is a comprehensive and intense training program that offers highly motivated good4u Crew members the opportunity to be trained, mentored, and gain experience in successful store leadership with the goal of becoming a Store Manager through the successful completion of the program. The SMART program is 7 month training program that requires relocation to the Denver area. Once selected for the program, trainees will first attend a four-week training program at the Store Management Training Hub located in Denver and will be required to successfully complete this program first before continuing to the remainder of the SMART program. Trainees will continue their training and development during the next 6 months working as part of the store leadership team at the Colorado and Evans store learning to provide the best-in-class customer experience by ensuring they set Crew up for success, wow our customers, and run a financially successful store. Additionally, trainees will be trained and mentored in leadership the Natural Grocers way, managing a successful Crew experience, and how to become an effective trainer. Applications are accepted by the date below, which may be updated if the hiring timeline is extended. 02/19/2026

Requirements

Minimum 6 months in a Natural Grocers Department Manager position.
Strong leadership skills – ability to inspire others and gain trust and credibility with team members
Proven success in one or more Department Manager positions.
Mush have a minimum of 3 months of passing department self-inspections completed and logged.
Ability to work effectively under pressure - staying calm in challenging situations and in all interactions with other employees and customers.
Respond positively to feedback and coaching.
Ability to exhibit patience and understanding when working with others, adapting to various learning styles.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Must be self-motivated and capable of working independently.
Driven to succeed in meeting all deadlines in a timely manner.
Schedule must be flexible and must be willing to work evenings and weekends.
Demonstrated success in training individuals and groups on various topics.
Strong verbal and written communication skills – to provide clear direction and training and manage emails and other inquiries.
Must have full store hours availability.
Able to manage changing priorities.
Proven analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.
Excellent customer service skills and a passion for the Natural foods industry.
Show interest in natural/organic foods and supplements.
Proficient in MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
Ability to temporarily cover at stores outside of their home area for up to 3 months.
Recommendation from current Store Manager and Regional Manager.

Nice To Haves

Staff management experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Achieve operational excellence
During your training, you will learn the Flow of Operations so that you can successfully manage all store operations so that you may ensure a great customer experience. You will also be trained and expected to train others in the program on store operations so that you gain experience becoming an effective trainer.
Throughout your training you will practice store management processes. This includes but is not limited to: Conducting Store operations inspections Scheduling and labor management Controllable cost management SAP operations checklist Recruiting and hiring Training and developing store Crew Performance reviews Human Resources training Facilities management
As a SMART trainee you will develop a strong understanding of the customer experience and will be trained in how to successfully manage within company expectations. This includes: Conducting Customer Experience Inspections Being a champion of World Class Customer Service and setting and/or resetting the expectations if Crew in store fall short. Taking the lead in the planning, promotion and execution of company initiatives and events. Coaching/training Crew in all departments on how they can make a positive impact on the customer experience.
The SMART Program is where Crew with outstanding leadership potential go to hone their abilities. Experience gained and practiced in the program are: Ability to embody all four aspects of CARE. (Communicate, assist, respect, empower) Verbal and written communication skills Capacity for identifying process breakdowns and implementing solutions. Crew development including training, coaching, redirecting and succession planning. Crew management and delegation including the ability to lead the Crew to achieve daily, weekly and monthly objectives.
Investing in your own development by taking initiative to learn or practice processes you are unfamiliar or not comfortable with. Establishing yourself as a leader and integrating into the management team. Continually work to set others up for success. Taking ownership of your training and be the advocate for your own success. Developing store morale though a good attitude and positive outlook
Full schedule availability is required including evenings and weekends. Normally 50 hours / week required to complete job tasks.
The SMART Trainee position offers insight and practice in successful store operations and offers opportunities to inspire and lead others. Successful completion of the program will prepare you for advancement into a Store Manager position. If you are promoted to a Store Manager position that requires relocation, a relocation allowance will be provided. There may be some time between the completion of your training and an open position becoming available. In these cases, you may be assigned to temporarily cover as a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager where needed. Although this is a general outline of job responsibilities all employees are expected to be “hands on” and do whatever it takes to get the job done and make the company thrive.

Benefits

Birthday Bonus Pay
Vitamin Bucks (up to $2,080 earned as store credit annually)
Holiday Pay for 5 Holidays – Stores Closed
Paid Time Off (sick days and vacation) that Increases with Tenure
Paid Nutrition Education
good4u Crew Member Discount
N}power Program (customer appreciation and rewards program)
Regular, Scheduled Pay Increases
Advancement Opportunities and Career Development
Health and Wellness Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Referral Program
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Paid Parental Leave
Paid Medical Leave (through company paid short-term disability insurance)
Company Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
Company Paid Life Insurance
Voluntary Benefits Including Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Term Life Insurance
Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with discretionary Company Match
Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match