Store Manager in Training

HFG Store Manager In Training

Job Description

Job Title

Store Manager In Training

Reports To

Regional Manager

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt


Department

Grocery


Employment Status

Full-Time

Store Manager In Training

Position Summary

The Store Manager In Training participates in a structured training program designed to prepare the individual for a future Store Manager position. Under the direction of the Store Manager and District Leadership, the Store Manager In Training learns all aspects of store operations, including customer service, merchandising, inventory control, employee supervision, financial performance, safety, and compliance.

This position provides hands-on experience in leadership, operations, and business management while developing the skills necessary to successfully manage a retail grocery store. The Store Manager In Training gradually assumes increasing responsibility and leadership duties as training milestones are achieved.

Key Responsibilities

Training & Development

• Participate in all assigned training programs and development activities.
• Learn and demonstrate proficiency in all store departments and operational functions.
• Develop knowledge of company policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Complete assigned training modules, leadership development activities, and performance evaluations.
• Seek coaching and feedback from Store Managers and District Leadership to support professional growth.
• Prepare for advancement into a Store Manager role by demonstrating leadership and operational competency.

Leadership & Team Development

• Assist the Store Manager with supervising department managers, supervisors, and store associates.
• Learn effective recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance management practices.
• Provide leadership support and direction to associates during assigned shifts.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and customer-focused service.
• Assist in communicating company goals, policies, and operational expectations to store personnel.
• Lead by example through professionalism, integrity, and positive workplace behavior.

Customer Service

• Deliver exceptional customer service and model company service standards.
• Assist in resolving customer concerns, complaints, and service issues.
• Promote a clean, organized, and welcoming shopping environment.
• Ensure associates maintain professional and courteous customer interactions.
• Support customer satisfaction initiatives and store service goals.

Store Operations

• Learn daily store operations including opening, closing, cash handling, scheduling, and reporting procedures.
• Assist with labor planning, scheduling, and productivity management.
• Monitor store conditions and support operational excellence throughout all departments.
• Learn how to analyze operational reports and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support implementation of company programs, initiatives, and operational directives.

Merchandising & Inventory Control

• Assist with ordering, receiving, stocking, pricing, rotating, and merchandising products.
• Learn inventory management processes, shrink reduction strategies, and stock control procedures.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist in preventing out-of-stocks and overstocks.
• Support execution of promotional displays and merchandising programs.
• Participate in physical inventories and inventory reconciliation activities.

Financial Performance

• Learn key store financial metrics including sales, gross profit, labor, and shrink.
• Assist in monitoring department and store performance.
• Gain experience reviewing reports, budgets, forecasts, and productivity measurements.
• Support initiatives designed to improve profitability and operational efficiency.

Safety, Security & Compliance

• Follow and help enforce company safety, sanitation, health, and security standards.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.
• Assist with incident reporting, investigations, and corrective actions when necessary.
• Learn store security procedures including cash controls, alarm systems, and loss prevention practices.
• Promote workplace safety awareness among all associates.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist with payroll processing, scheduling, attendance tracking, and required store documentation.
• Learn reporting procedures and office accounting functions.
• Support completion of required company forms, reports, and records.
• Assist with timecard review and other administrative functions as assigned.

Store Standards & Facility Maintenance

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and organization throughout the store.
• Assist in ensuring all store equipment, fixtures, and facilities are maintained properly.
• Monitor sales floor, stockroom, and exterior conditions.
• Support efforts to maintain a safe and attractive shopping environment.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Management, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• Previous grocery, retail, customer service, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership potential and desire to advance into retail management.
• Experience working in a fast-paced customer-focused environment preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to learn and apply retail operational processes.
• Effective communication and leadership potential.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Basic math, cash handling, and computer skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general computer systems preferred.
• Ability to multitask and adapt to changing business needs.

Core Competencies

• Leadership Potential
• Customer Focus
• Communication
• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Learning Agility
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability
• Initiative
• Time Management
• Organization
• Integrity
• Reliability
• Coaching & Development

Training & Travel Requirements

This position participates in a structured training program that may require travel to various store locations, training facilities, meetings, and company events. Travel may be necessary to gain exposure to different store operations, leadership teams, and business practices. The Store Manager In Training must be willing and able to travel as needed throughout the training period. Mileage reimbursement and travel accommodations will be provided in accordance with company policy when applicable.

Advancement Opportunity

Successful completion of the Store Manager In Training program may result in promotion to a Store Manager position based on business needs, demonstrated performance, leadership capability, and completion of required training objectives.

Physical Requirements

• Physical Abilities Lift /Carry
• Stand F (Frequently) 10 lbs or less C (Constantly)
• Walk F (Frequently) 11-20 lbs C (Constantly)
• Sit O (Occasionally) 21-50 lbs F (Frequently)
• Handling / Fingering C (Constantly) 51-100 lbs F (Frequently)
• Reach Outward F (Frequently) Over 100 lbs O (Occasionally)
• Reach Above Shoulder F (Frequently)
• Climb O (Occasionally)
• Crawl O (Occasionally)
• Squat or Kneel F (Frequently)
• Bend F (Frequently)
• Push / Pull
• 12 lbs or less F (Frequently)
• 13-25 lbs F (Frequently)
• 26-40 lbs F (Frequently)
• 41-100 lbs O (Occasionally)

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this occupation.

O (Occasionally) Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+

hrs/day)

F (Frequently) Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 -

5.5+ hrs/day)

C (Constantly) Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+

hrs/day)

Work Environment

This position operates in a retail grocery environment with frequent exposure to varying temperatures, equipment, and customer traffic. The Store Manager must maintain professionalism and composure in a fast-paced setting.

Additional Information

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as business needs dictate.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Houchen Food Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Notice of AI Use in Job Application Review

As part of our commitment in creating a fair, efficient, and consistent hiring process we may use artificial intelligence (AI) to help our recruiting teams organize, summarize, and analyze information provided by candidates, including resumes, application responses, and other materials submitted during the application process.AI may be used to identify patterns, highlight relevant skills, and experience, and assist in comparing a candidate's qualifications with the requirement of a specific role. These tools are to improve efficiency and consistency while supporting more informed hiring decisions, which will ultimately be made by the hiring team.