Associate Store Team Leader in Training

This role will start as an Associate Store Team Leader In Training (ASTL IT) and go through approximately 6 weeks of structured training. The ASTL IT will fully engage with all aspects of the ASTL IT training program, including, but not limited to, weekly training assignments, Operational Learning Pathways, and store team immersions. The ASTL IT will also do On the Job training (OJT), participate in shadow shifts, and work independently to practice the skills learned.

Upon successful completion of the training, the ASTL IT is intended to promote to the ASTL role, moving from non-exempt to exempt. Once promoted, The Associate Store Team Leader role supports the Store Team Leader in all aspects of store operations, provides guidance to Team Leaders in areas including hiring, store profitability analysis, expense control, inventory control, buying, merchandising, regulatory compliance and special projects as assigned.

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

**Principal Duties**
- Gaining a thorough understanding of Whole Foods Market’s processes, programs, and initiatives, including store operations, merchandising, marketing, quality assurance, training, and communications.
- Learn how to drive exceptional customer service and maintain excellent community relations.
- Build solid and supportive relationships with store and regional leadership.
- Develop an understanding of the interrelationships between various Whole Foods Market departments, operations, and functions.
- Achieve and maintain comprehensive knowledge of compliance with Employment Law, Health and Safety, Food Safety, and Weights and Measures.
- Understand, communicate, and lead based upon Whole Foods Market’s Core Values, Leadership Principles, and Declaration of Interdependence
- Recognize, communicate, and support our purpose of nourishing people and the planet.
- Acquire and maintain comprehensive product knowledge.
- Support the Store Team Leader in all areas of operations including inventory, safety, merchandising, financial and physical plant issues.
- Maintain outstanding retail execution and customer service in the store.
- Train, develop, mentor, motivate, and counsel Team Members in a manner that builds and sustains a high-performance team and minimizes turnover.
- Uphold and communicate regional and store programs and standards to Team Leaders and Team Members.
- Regularly inspect the store to ensure compliance with all programs, rules and standards.
- Review and monitor scheduling, purchases, and other expenses to ensure teams and the store are within budget.
- Address customer concerns when necessary.

**Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required**
- Leadership experience, preferably in retail or hospitality industries
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks effectively
- Ability to multi-task, show excellent follow-through and see the big picture
- Excellent interpersonal, motivational, team building and leadership skills
- Basic computer skills
- High energy, enthusiastic, and displays an affinity for our products, core values, and company philosophy
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed

**Desired Experience**
- 2+ years of experience in a leadership role
- Customer service focus
- Team building
- Employee relations
- Store operations (inventory, labor management, cost control)
- Marketing (pricing, merchandising)
- Managing P&L

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.
- Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for all parts of the recruitment process._