Career Development Associate Store Team Leader (Assistant Store Manager) CDASTL Ann Arbor Metro

Career Development Associate Store Team Leader (CDASTL)

The Career Development Associate Store Team Leader (CDASTL) is responsible for completing a structured leadership training program to prepare themselves to become an Associate Store Team Leader. As part of the program, the CDASTL will support store leadership in overseeing the daily operations of the store. Responsibilities include retail execution, attaining store financial performance, and safety & food safety performance goals, Team Member coaching, development and performance management, ensuring customer service standards are met, and completing all training required to graduate the program. CDASTLs that successfully complete the program will be promoted to an ASTL position as it becomes available.

Principal Duties

Training

• Engages fully with all aspects of the CDASTL training program including, but not limited to: weekly training assignments, CDASTL Operational Learning Path, peer cohort discussions, STL Mentor discussions, team immersions, Regional Leadership meetings, in-person and/or virtual trainings, and capstone project.
• Partners with STL Mentor to create a personal growth plan and capstone project roadmap.
• Completes all curriculum assignments and capstone project on time to remain on track with their learning journey and graduate from the program.

Store Operations

• Maintains a thorough understanding of WFM store operations and merchandising processes.
• Demonstrates understanding of regional and store business drivers and operational challenges.
• Oversees processes, programs, and initiatives including merchandising, marketing, quality assurance, training, and communications.
• Supervises daily operations and provides daily feedback to store leaders / teams regarding retail plan execution including; sales, margin, labor, merchandising, training, sanitation, marketing, and promotions.
• Drives decision-making and team focus through solid understanding of company operations and differentiation strategies.
• Working knowledge of perishable and non-perishable operations.
• Drives exceptional customer service and maintains excellent community relations.
• Ensures Standard Operating Procedures area adhered to and followed through in all departments.
• Helps maintain store equipment and ensures fixtures are in good working order.
• Regularly inspects the store for staffing, cleanliness, signage, retail standards and overall appearance.
• Ensures that opening, closing and security procedures are followed.
• Facilitates effective meetings, huddles and communications with STLs, TLs and TMs.

Retail Execution

• Engages closely with store leadership team to drive effective execution and implementation of global and regional programs and merchandising objectives in the store.
• Ensures the team understands and achieves process / program / initiative timeframes, priorities, and objectives.
• Supervisory support for existing programs and operational direction, and ensures the store follows through and uses global and regional resources.
• Executes training and education, ensuring maximum learning through repeatable, predictable systems and processes.
• Directs and advises Team Members on specific project activities.
• Monitors department out of stocks, scheduling practices, purchases and other expenses
• Analyzes, compiles and completes necessary financial reports
• Helps to coordinate, supervise and ensure accuracy of inventory process
• Upholds the highest standards for product quality and freshness

People

• Provides day-to-day leadership, clear and consistent expectations and direction to teams and area(s) of responsibility.
• Builds strong and supportive relationships with store and regional leadership.
• Ensures individual and team performance and development opportunities are effectively communicated and implemented.
• Mentors, motivates, and counsels Team Members in a manner that sustains a high-performance team and minimizes turnover; defusing tension and resolve conflicts whenever necessary.
• Provides in-the-moment feedback to correct minor gaps between execution and expectation or to praise Team Members for great work.
• Actively coaches and mentors Team Members in support of their development goals.
• Assists with counseling and corrective action when necessary.
• Ensures execution of daily store-based training for all Team Members and Team Leaders including New Member Onboarding, safety training, operational training and Career Development programs.
• Working knowledge, and effective implementation, of all current TM relations policies and procedures.
• Strives to make decisions that support an inclusive working environment.
• Assists with interviews and in making both hiring and separation decisions.
• Ensures Team Member and customer safety and handles reporting and injuries in the proper manner.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of all ATL and TL job duties.
• Provide input and participate in job dialogues of ATLs and TLs when necessary.

Planning

• Demonstrates clear understanding of WFM strategic direction and how store and regional operations contribute to company success.
• Demonstrates understanding of the interrelationships between various WFM department, operations, and functions.
• Leverages business understanding and experience to effectively prioritize team and project activity.
• Works with key functional and operational stakeholders to ensure shared understanding of Operations priorities, objectives, and anticipated outcomes. Ensures recommendations and insights are shared with the appropriate leadership decision-makers.
• Analyzes local competition to maintain WFM's competitive advantage.
• Recommends program, system, process, or other adjustments based on analysis of business changes, trends, and implications.
• Contributes to store / regional strategy development and ensures appropriate team focus and alignment.
• Supports task and project planning, including cost, schedule and resource requirements.
• Ability to effectively organize and manage time and priorities to achieve intended outcomes.

Regulatory Compliance

• Achieve and maintain comprehensive knowledge of and ensure compliance with Employment Law, Health & Safety, Food Hygiene and Weights and Measures.

Culture & Food

• Understand, communicate and lead upon WFM Core Values, Leadership Principals and Declaration of Interdependence
• Know, communicate and support our Values in Action (WPF, WKF, WCF, HSH, Quality Standards, and Green Mission) as well as our Animal Compassion programs and standards.
• Achieve and maintain comprehensive product knowledge (Good Organics, Whole Trade, etc.)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Currently or previously a high performing Team Leader or has equivalent experience with a different grocery retailer
• The ability to successfully drive results; supporting TMs and TLs to achieve the highest standards
• Well-rounded knowledge and application of all merchandising/retailing expectations
• Critical thinking with creative approach to problem solving
• Excellent judgment and decision making
• Strong communicator; ability to be precise, clear and convey enthusiasm
• Ability to train and inspire excellence
• Ability to delegate effectively
• Well organized with excellent follow through
• Proficiency with email, Microsoft Office, and all operations-related applications.
• High integrity, transparency and authenticity
• Solid understanding of and compliance with WFM policies, procedures and processes

Desired Experience

• 2+ years of experience leading a team
• Customer Service Focus
• Team Building
• Employee Relations
• Store Operations (Inventory, Labor Management, Cost Control)
• Marketing (Pricing, Merchandising)

The position requires the willingness to take a position in a different store, within 35 miles or an hour commute from home. Flexibility to move beyond the current metro is highly desirable.

This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the performance of this job. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Other duties not listed here may be assigned as necessary to ensure the proper operations of the team.

Candidates who are considering applying for the CD ASTL position should consider that in order to get the most out of this training program, we strongly recommend that participants avoid taking PTO during the program run dates. Or, participants who are unable to postpone their PTO may wish to consider applying for the next round. If there is a compelling reason that the planned PTO cannot be rescheduled, nor can the participant postpone their application until the next round, a request must be made to the Executive Level of Operations for approval.