Store Manager Apprentice - Delaware

Royal Farms•Fenwick Island, DE

About The Position

The Store Leader Apprentice role is a structured, paid learning and development position that prepares entry-level 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, classroom instruction, and leadership practice under experienced Store Leaders and District Leaders. The role is part of Royal Farms’ state-recognized Registered Apprenticeship Program and is intended for motivated individuals who demonstrate a growth mindset and commitment to learning. Training begins at the foundational level, and internal candidates may receive credit for relevant prior Royal Farms experience or training, subject to evaluation during registration. During the program, apprentices develop the capabilities needed to manage store operations, lead teams, and deliver strong customer service, food safety, and financial performance. The position prepares apprentices to take on the Store Leader role upon completion of training and skill mastery. The Store Leader is responsible for daily store operations and leading associates to provide an exceptional customer experience, maintain operational excellence, and support customer satisfaction. This role exercises independent judgment in areas such as staffing, financial performance, safety, and product quality. The apprentice’s training and eventual Store Leader responsibilities include customer service and community engagement; recruiting, training, coaching, and developing employees; operational execution and compliance; store performance analysis and business decision-making; and communication with associates and district leadership. The role supervises store employees and supports a business that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. Work may include weekends, holidays, overnight, and other non-traditional hours. The position requires open availability, local business travel, physical activity including lifting up to 50 pounds, and completion of leadership classroom training in Baltimore, Maryland, or Laurel, Delaware.

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, including possible weekends, holidays, overnights, or other non-traditional hours.
Must be able to stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 pounds throughout the shift.
Must be able to perform repetitive physical tasks such as 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 certification thereafter.
Must successfully complete the required leadership classroom training curriculum at the designated training center in Baltimore, Maryland, or Laurel, Delaware.
Must be able to travel locally for business needs, including meetings, training, or temporary store assignments.

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, including greeting, acknowledging, and assisting customers and ensuring associates demonstrate product knowledge and professionalism.
Lead, develop, and hold the retail team accountable for customer engagement and performance.
Build and maintain positive relationships with the local community through outreach, events, and engagement.
Ensure proper execution of Royal Farms marketing programs, promotions, and customer-facing initiatives.
Recruit, onboard, train, and develop associates and managers, and exercise discretion in hiring, promotions, and staffing decisions.
Coach and direct associates and managers to support operational goals, team performance, and customer satisfaction.
Evaluate store operations, business indicators, and team performance; identify improvement opportunities and implement corrective or strategic actions.
Develop the management team through succession planning and internal promotion strategies.
Lead team meetings and briefings that encourage communication, feedback, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Recognize team members who uphold company standards and values and make decisions regarding advancement opportunities.
Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws for nonexempt associates and minors.
Manage employee relations matters and resolve issues fairly and effectively.
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, processes, and results and take action to improve profitability and efficiency.
Maintain accountability for compliance involving people, safety, assets, and cash management, and address violations or concerns.
Ensure company procedures are followed when checking in internal and external vendors.
Lead safety, loss prevention, and operational compliance initiatives and hold team members accountable to standards.
Analyze store performance, operational metrics, and business indicators to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities.
Make proactive decisions and provide clear direction to drive sales, profitability, and operational efficiency.
Communicate priorities, initiatives, and performance expectations with associates, management, and district leadership.
Provide actionable insights and strategic recommendations to improve store results and support company objectives.
Follow Royal Farms safety, security, and operational procedures and uphold the company mission, values, and brand standards.
Perform other projects and duties as assigned.
Complete the required leadership classroom training curriculum at the designated training center in Baltimore, Maryland, or Laurel, Delaware.