Store Manager Apprentice - Maryland

Royal Farms•21202, Maryland

About The Position

The Store Leader Apprentice role is a structured learning and development position that prepares motivated employees to advance into a Store Leader role after completing the training program and mastering required skills. The program is designed to last one year, although its duration may vary based on individual performance and skill progression. Apprentices progress through defined competency levels through hands-on experience, related classroom instruction, and leadership practice under experienced Store Leaders and District Leaders. As part of Royal Farms’ state-recognized Registered Apprenticeship Program, the position provides paid on-the-job training, mentorship, and development in leadership and operational skills. The program is designed for people with little to no prior experience, though entry level may vary based on experience. All apprentices begin at the foundational level and train in the roles that report to a Store Leader. Relevant prior Royal Farms experience or training may be evaluated for credit during registration. Apprentices develop the skills to manage store operations, lead teams, and deliver strong customer service, food safety, and financial performance. Upon completing the program, they are prepared to assume the Store Leader role. The Store Leader oversees daily store operations and leads Associates in delivering an exceptional customer experience. The role exercises independent judgment and discretion over staffing, financial performance, safety, and product quality, while maintaining a positive store environment and operational excellence. The position supervises all store employees and carries accountability for customer service and community engagement, team leadership and development, operational execution and compliance, and business performance and communication. It supports a 24/7/365 business and may require work on weekends, holidays, overnights, or other non-traditional hours. The role requires open availability, local business travel, completion of leadership classroom training at the designated center in Baltimore, Maryland, or Laurel, Delaware, and the ability to obtain and maintain an ANSI-approved Food Safety Manager Certification within required timeframes. Pay range: USD $15.00–$22.00 per hour.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Must have a high school diploma or GED.
Must have at least 2 years of experience in fast food or retail management with full operational accountability, including staffing, financial performance, and overall store results.
Must consistently demonstrate strong leadership skills.
Must possess strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Must possess strong supervisory and organizational skills.
Must be able to use basic business math, accounting, and computer skills and demonstrate strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
Must have open availability to support business needs.
Must be able to stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 pounds throughout a shift.
Must be able to perform repetitive physical tasks, including squatting, stooping, and crouching for extended periods.
Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and leading a team.
Must be comfortable using business software and store technology, including back-office tools, registers, and handheld devices.
Must have or obtain an ANSI-approved Food Safety Manager Certification within required timeframes and maintain it thereafter.
Must successfully complete the required leadership classroom training curriculum at the designated training center in Baltimore, MD, or Laurel, DE.
Must be able to travel locally for business needs, including meetings, training, or temporary store assignments.
The role may require work on weekends, holidays, overnights, or other non-traditional hours to support a 24/7/365 business.

Nice To Haves

An associate’s (two-year) college degree or higher.
A current ANSI-approved Food Safety Manager Certification.

Responsibilities

Set and maintain high customer-service standards, ensuring customers are greeted, acknowledged, and assisted and that team members demonstrate product knowledge and professionalism.
Lead and develop the retail team to deliver exceptional service and hold associates accountable for performance and customer engagement.
Build relationships with the local community through outreach, events, and active engagement.
Oversee the execution of Royal Farms marketing programs, promotions, and customer-facing initiatives.
Recruit, onboard, train, and develop a high-performing retail team, and exercise discretion in hiring, promotions, and staffing decisions.
Coach and direct associates and managers to achieve operational goals, team performance, and customer satisfaction.
Evaluate store operations, business indicators, and team performance; identify issues and opportunities; and implement corrective or strategic actions.
Develop the management team through succession planning and internal promotion strategies.
Lead regular team meetings and foster open communication, feedback, and accountability.
Recognize and reward team members who uphold company standards and values, and make decisions about advancement opportunities.
Ensure compliance with applicable wage and hour laws for nonexempt associates and minors.
Resolve employee relations matters fairly while balancing associate needs and business objectives.
Enforce Royal Farms rules, policies, procedures, and systems across the store.
Maintain standards for cleanliness, food safety and quality, merchandising, and just-in-time replenishment.
Monitor store performance, business processes, and operational results to identify issues and actions that improve profitability and efficiency.
Maintain compliance in people, safety, assets, and cash management, and address violations or concerns.
Ensure internal and external vendors are checked in according to company policy and processes.
Lead safety, loss prevention, and operational compliance initiatives and hold team members accountable for standards.
Analyze store performance, operational metrics, and business indicators to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities.
Make decisions that drive sales, profitability, and operational efficiency, and provide clear direction to the store team.
Communicate priorities, initiatives, and performance expectations to associates, management, and district leadership.
Provide actionable insights and recommendations to improve store results and support company objectives.
Lead team briefings and business reviews to reinforce accountability, operational focus, and continuous improvement.
Follow Royal Farms safety, security, and operational procedures in SOPs and training materials.
Uphold company mission, core values, and brand standards through integrity, accountability, and operational excellence.
Perform other projects or duties as assigned.
Complete the required leadership classroom training curriculum at the designated training center in Baltimore, MD, or Laurel, DE.
Obtain and maintain an ANSI-approved Food Safety Manager Certification within required timeframes.
Travel locally for business needs, including meetings, training, or temporary store assignments.