ASSISTANT STORE DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Perishable freshness failures and checkout pricing errors cost grocery stores measurable margin every week. The Assistant Store Director is the operational layer that catches both before they compound, owning floor standards, department-manager accountability, and compliance with food safety regulations and state liquor control requirements when the Store Director is absent or unavailable. Grocery retail runs on thin margins. That pressure makes this role demanding and consequential in equal measure.

As the Assistant Store Director, you share full operational and financial accountability for a grocery store location, stepping into the Store Director seat when needed and sustaining sales, shrink, and payroll performance in every department daily. You work directly alongside the Store Director and a team of department managers, with scope spanning front-end operations, perishable and dry-goods merchandising, staff scheduling, and P&L execution.

Career Impact: Demonstrated P&L accountability and multi-department management experience at this level positions candidates directly for Store Director roles in the regional grocery market.

Business Impact: The accuracy of your pricing audits, freshness oversight, and labor scheduling decisions determines whether weekly margin targets are met or missed for every department under your watch.

Growth Opportunity: Managing both the perishable and center-store sides of a high-volume store builds the full operational fluency that regional grocery operators require before promoting into Store Director or multi-unit roles.

• Lead daily store operations across all departments in the Store Director's absence, maintaining company standards for safety, sanitation, and service.
• Oversee department managers in executing merchandising plans, promotional displays, and weekly ad compliance to maximize sales and inventory turns.
• Monitor perishable departments, dairy, deli, bakery, produce, and meat, for freshness, rotation compliance, and pricing accuracy.
• Enforce food safety regulations, state liquor control procedures, and OSHA requirements, ensuring all associates maintain current certifications.
• Manage labor scheduling and payroll expense by analyzing projected sales volume and adjusting coverage across departments accordingly.
• Control shrink through receiving procedure enforcement, shelf price audits, and regular inventory-level reviews within budget guidelines.
• Coach and develop department managers and hourly associates, conducting performance feedback, new-hire orientation, and ongoing training.
• Review P&L statements with the Store Director and implement corrective plans when sales, gross profit, or controllable expenses fall outside targets.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• 3 or more years of grocery or supermarket management experience, with direct oversight of multiple departments including at least one perishable category.
• Demonstrated ability to read and act on P&L statements, including gross margin, shrink, and labor cost lines.
• Working knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and state liquor control compliance requirements.
• Strong scheduling and labor management skills, including experience writing weekly schedules indexed to projected sales volume.
• Effective communication skills for directing department managers, addressing customer complaints, and coordinating with corporate business partners.
• Proven ability to enforce receiving procedures, conduct shelf price audits, and manage inventory levels to minimize out-of-stocks and overstock conditions.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software for reporting, scheduling, and timekeeping management.

• Current Food Safety Certification or ServSafe Manager credential, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Direct experience managing a bakery, deli, or meat department, in addition to dry-grocery and front-end operations.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, particularly in markets with a high proportion of Spanish-speaking associates and customers.
• Prior experience interpreting and acting on department-level merchandising schematics and corporate promotional calendars.

• Shrink rate by department, reflecting how effectively receiving, rotation, and inventory controls are enforced.
• Labor cost as a percentage of sales, measuring how accurately schedules are written relative to projected volume.
• Shelf pricing accuracy rate across weekly price-audit cycles, tracking compliance with the store's Master Pricing Guide.
• Out-of-stock frequency in perishable departments, indicating freshness rotation and reorder discipline.
• Food safety and sanitation audit scores, reflecting consistency of standards across all departments.
• Typical tools: timekeeping and scheduling platforms (commonly Kronos or similar workforce management systems); office productivity software (commonly Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook).

• Base Salary Range: $65,000–$90,000 annually, depending on store volume and market
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus tied to store P&L and operational audit results
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level in grocery retail
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; eligibility typically begins within 30–60 days
• PTO: 2–3 weeks annually; increases with tenure
• Common Perks: Employee store discount, paid training and certification support, flexible scheduling consideration

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States; employment is contingent on verified work authorization. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and employment upon request. A background check, which may include a review of criminal history and reference verification, is required as a condition of employment.

The Assistant Store Director owns daily personnel management and store operations across departments, ensuring merchandising standards, safety compliance, and customer service quality are consistently met. Working alongside department teams and reporting to the Store Director, this role builds a profitable store environment by overseeing scheduling, receiving, and product freshness monitoring.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage store personnel to ensure effective daily performance.
• Assist with training and development of all employees across departments.
• Greet all customers and remain observant while working on the floor.
• Handle customer complaints in a prompt and professional manner.
• Identify pricing discrepancies and inform the appropriate personnel.
• Check ads and ensure proper displays are in place.
• Implement and maintain all safety standards as directed by Loss Prevention and Risk Management.
• Oversee the sanitation program, housekeeping, and equipment maintenance.
• Assist in contributing to a profitable store operation.
• Enforce receiving procedures according to established policies.
• Prepare a weekly schedule based on projected sales volume and workload in the absence of the Store Director.
• Assist in planning merchandise displays to obtain maximum sales and profits.
• Monitor dairy, bread, frozen, and grocery shelves and displays for freshness, quality, and pricing accuracy.
• Conduct daily refrigeration checks and assist in any department as needed.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma required; college education is helpful but not required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in the supermarket industry with successful participation in management programs.
• Working knowledge of store operations required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for interacting with customers, employees, and vendors.
• Basic math skills to calculate discounts, gross margins, markup, percentages, proportions, ratios, and volume.
• Ability to verify vendor invoice charges and counts and complete required accounting reports, including inventory and receiving.
• Strong organizational and follow-through skills.

Embedded within store operations, the Assistant Store Director delivers consistently excellent customer experiences while working alongside the Store Director and department coordinators to grow the business and lead staff. Working closely with department teams and the Store Operations Committee, this role advances a culture grounded in mutual trust, respect, and accountability across all operational and scheduling functions.

Core Functions

• Provide leadership within the store and serve as a member of the Store Operations Committee.
• Create and nurture an environment that delivers a consistently excellent customer service experience.
• Work with the Store Director to set and maintain the highest standards for store conditions.
• Assist with hiring, training, evaluating, and supporting staff.
• Coach, develop, and hold staff accountable to performance standards.
• Develop strong schedule-writing skills and contribute to the budgeting process and payroll management.
• Oversee all health and safety programs and procedures to provide a safe work environment for staff.
• Engage with the community through personal and staff involvement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of management experience in a multi-department retail store.
• Food service, grocery, or related management experience required.
• Experience writing schedules, managing payroll, and developing and achieving budgets.
• In-depth management of at least two relevant departments strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop staff.
• Innovative thinker with a demonstrated ability to develop creative solutions.
• Strong communication skills required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Flexible schedule required, including availability to travel to any assigned location.

Reporting to the Store Director, the Assistant Store Director shapes store financial performance by forecasting business results, directing merchandising campaigns, and leading the management team in expense control and talent development. Partnering with department managers and corporate partners, this role drives sustainable store traffic growth through community engagement and consistent operational standards.

Primary Duties

• Forecast and reforecast business performance, focusing on productivity to meet sales goals, including leading the management team in controlling expenses and developing plans to correct financial deficiencies.
• Identify opportunities to drive store traffic through community events and strong customer service.
• Identify training needs and provide ongoing training opportunities to support professional development and retention.
• Oversee hiring needs and actively recruit to ensure open positions are filled promptly.
• Ensure company standards are met for store and associate appearance at all times.
• Direct the management team in facility operations and communicate with management and associates about operations, merchandising, and company direction.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute all merchandise calendar direction, campaigns, and sales promotions, ensuring all pricing, signage, and displays are correct at all times.
• Control inventory stock levels and reorder as necessary within budget.

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience as an Assistant Store Director or General Manager of a high-volume grocery store.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong project management capabilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate with confidence with both internal and external customers.
• Availability to work at any assigned location required.

Sitting at the intersection of customer service excellence and operational compliance, the Assistant Store Director leads store activities in full alignment with company policies, supporting and deputizing for the Store Director to maintain financial performance and staff accountability. Operating across front-end supervision, inventory management, and employee development, this role ensures every customer interaction and store process meets the highest standards of accuracy and courtesy.

Duties

• Maintain a positive, service-oriented attitude toward all customers, employees, and the store.
• Observe and enforce all store rules, company policies, and applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Maintain good communication with employees and customers at all times.
• Observe and enforce company grooming standards and dress regulations.
• Support the Store Director in planning, organizing, directing, and controlling store activities and operations.
• Develop familiarity with and the ability to perform all functions of the Store Director position.
• Ensure all employees adhere to ID-checking procedures in all applicable transactions, including sales of alcoholic beverages.
• Ensure all store personnel are courteous to customers and that requests, refunds, and complaints are handled promptly and courteously.
• Maintain prompt and accurate checkout service through proper supervision of front-end personnel.
• Ensure all personnel contribute to controlling the excessive use of utilities and water, and participate in sound conservation practices.
• Greet all customers and provide prompt, courteous service and assistance.
• Handle customer special orders and complaints accurately and with care.
• Contribute to the profitable operation of the store and perform all Store Director duties in their absence.
• Assist in training and demonstrating tasks to new employees as directed.
• Assist coworkers as needed to maintain high productivity throughout the store.
• Participate in company investigations and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma required; some college background preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the supermarket industry.
• Analytical skills, including the ability to identify improvements in store processes and procedures.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and plan and organize tasks to meet deadlines accurately.
• Ability to operate all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Proficient in spreadsheet, word processing, database, and other applicable software programs.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to communicate effectively with customers and coworkers.
• Sufficient visual acuity to verify invoices and other written documents.
• Must successfully complete math testing, cashier training, office clerk training, and liquor control card certification after hire.

A key member of the store leadership team, the Assistant Store Director leads all phases of store operations to maximize sales, control labor and overhead costs, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements. Collaborating across department managers, vendor representatives, and the Store Director, this role maintains merchandise freshness, pricing integrity, and efficient inventory management to meet the store's targeted financial goals.

Functions

• Maintain the store's culture by leading by example and holding others accountable.
• Assist the Store Director with all aspects of store operations.
• Observe and enforce all store policies and suggest or implement changes to correct deficiencies where applicable.
• Observe all local, state, and federal laws and regulations, and ensure all associates are appropriately trained and in full compliance at all times.
• Ensure all associates adhere to ID-checking procedures for all applicable transactions, including sales of alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
• Make effective and objective decisions regarding operational choices in work procedures.
• Assist with informing, training, and motivating associates, and implement disciplinary actions when required to address policy violations.
• Assist with controlling associate schedules and managing labor and overhead costs to ensure operating expenses remain within target.
• Ensure all invoice documents are accurately recorded on the applicable receiving log, stored in designated secured areas, and forwarded to the office according to policy.
• Maintain optimum merchandise freshness and merchandising standards to achieve maximum sales and profits, including proper stock rotation.
• Ensure all merchandise is properly priced in accordance with the Pricing Guide through regular shelf audits, and conduct periodic competitive shopping to verify key items are competitively priced.
• Implement all price changes promptly across all store systems, including shelf tags, signs, and item price markings.
• Assist with inventory control to minimize overstocks and understocks, and maximize inventory turns and return on investment.
• Interface with manufacturers and sales representatives, and evaluate vendor promotions to select products that increase sales, inventory turnover, and customer traffic.
• Enforce policies for cash register levels, check acceptance, receiving area security, and invoice storage.

Experience & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Five to seven years of leadership experience preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of the retail food business and perishable department operations, including strong merchandising skills.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with customers and all personnel.
• Strong organizational skills with a full understanding of operational systems and bookkeeping procedures.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to manage a diverse team in a high-pressure environment.
• Thorough understanding of all safety requirements and the ability to recognize and respond to potential safety hazards on store premises.
• Knowledge and ability to operate equipment, including hand jack, bailer, forklift, cutter, hand truck, and trash compactor, using proper techniques.

Consistent store performance, from P&L outcomes to food safety compliance, depends on the Assistant Store Director, who oversees all department management teams, executes corporate merchandising strategies, and builds a high-performing, customer-focused store culture. Based within a full-service retail grocery environment and reporting to the Store Director, this role manages the complete operational cycle including budgeting, scheduling, inventory, and new hire orientation.

Accountabilities

• Assist with controlling the store's operating budget, including payroll, scheduling, and productivity.
• Enforce programs that comply with city codes, health regulations, and weights and measures requirements.
• Assist with controlling labor costs across all departments and guide department managers to comply with company policies and procedures.
• Conduct new hire orientation in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Assist the Store Director with timekeeping management, including entering schedules and approving and editing timecards in the Store Director's absence.
• Maintain a safe and clean store environment by following and communicating evacuation routes, and spearhead safety initiatives to ensure claims are filed promptly.
• Provide oversight of all department management teams by setting accountabilities, aligning the team, achieving execution, and providing feedback.
• Work closely with the Store Director to implement corporate and merchandising strategies, manage store facilities, ensure quality control, and oversee budget and overall profit and loss.
• Maintain inventory levels by checking merchandise, anticipating customer demand, and preparing and analyzing inventory reports.
• Proactively prevent and resolve customer service complaints, and develop methods to build customer loyalty and expand the customer base.
• Train and develop store employees using established orientation practices and company policies and procedures.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with the corporate team, employees, and peers, and motivate the team to reach high performance and deliver outstanding customer service.

Technical Qualifications

• High school diploma, associate degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of management experience over salaried and hourly personnel.
• Direct experience managing bakery, deli, meat, grocery, produce, and front-end departments required.
• Ability to effectively communicate information to employees, vendors, and customers.
• Self-motivated with strong initiative.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.
• Proficient in basic MS Office applications.
• Ability to perform data entry accurately across multiple systems.
• Ability to apply math operations using whole numbers and decimals across all units of measure.

As the Assistant Store Director, this role leads all store associates and department managers in executing merchandising, scheduling, cost control, and customer service programs that maximize store profitability. The store operations team relies on this work to meet budgeted sales and profit goals, maintain pricing integrity, and sustain compliance with safety, sanitation, and wage and hour regulations.

Activities

• Promote a customer-focused approach to growth by creating an atmosphere of enthusiastic, personalized customer service.
• Resolve customer relations issues in the absence of the Store Director.
• Provide leadership and direction to all store associates and maintain positive community relations.
• Train and supervise all department managers and store associates in all store activities, policies, and procedures.
• Interview and select individuals to fill grocery and drug positions.
• Oversee store profitability through aggressive cost control for all in-store operating, maintenance, and supply costs.
• Ensure individual departments effectively schedule work hours and control overtime expenditures.
• Follow proper administrative procedures and complete all required reports.
• Ensure proper merchandising of product by following schematics and the weekly merchandising newsletter.
• Implement company and regional merchandising, operating, and advertising policies and procedures.
• Meet regularly with department managers to review ads, sales plans, store conditions, and promotions.
• Review and analyze profit and loss statements, develop and implement plans to reduce shrink, and work to attain budgeted sales and profit goals.
• Determine labor coverage needs based on current and projected sales and market conditions, and schedule associates accordingly.
• Determine proper inventory levels and establish procedures to eliminate out-of-stock conditions.
• Coordinate all communication to vendors on product amounts and placement, and supervise the receipt of stock.
• Monitor and comply with government and company safety, sanitation, and wage and hour regulations.
• Manage pricing integrity by supporting the scanning department and ensuring proper signing standards.

Position Requirements

• College degree preferred.
• Department manager and fresh department experience preferred.
• Strong management, leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Thorough understanding of store operations, company practices, policies, and procedures, including the ability to interpret profit and loss statements.
• Knowledge and ability to implement emergency procedures in the event of equipment or software malfunctions.
• Ability to work varying shifts and days of the week, including evenings, weekends, and early morning or late shifts.
• Ability to stand, walk, reach, lift, stack, and maneuver objects up to approximately 55 lbs.
• Ability to push and pull fully loaded hand trucks and pallet jacks.
• Manual dexterity and good eye-hand coordination required.
• Proficient in using calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment.

Assistant Store Director manages food service operations across the bakery, deli, and food service departments of Broadway Albertsons Store 199, reporting to the Store Director. The work directly supports a culture of food exploration, innovation, and education by ensuring food safety compliance, fresh merchandise rotation, and continuous training of food service salesclerks.

Operational Focus

• Enforce all food safety and sanitation guidelines, ensuring the food service department is properly cleaned on a regular schedule and all food waste is disposed of on time.
• Work with department managers to ensure daily team huddles are conducted during each shift to communicate sales goals and reinforce customer service expectations with all food service salesclerks.
• Ensure proper rotation of merchandise is completed and all food service products consistently meet the freshness guarantee.
• Cultivate a team-oriented work environment by sharing work knowledge and supporting department managers and employees.
• Develop, implement, and track the training process for all new employees through their probationary period, including completion of onboarding activities and department-specific training.
• Create a culture of food exploration, innovation, and education for customers and employees.
• Train and monitor the work performance of food service salesclerks, ensuring they follow established task schedules, packaging, and labeling guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Culinary arts or hospitality management degree preferred.
• Current state food handler's permit required and must be maintained.
• Food safety certification required.
• Minimum of 1 to 3 years of retail leadership and people management experience.
• Knowledge of fundamental management concepts, practices, and procedures related to food service and restaurant operations.
• Availability to work varying shifts and days of the week, including holidays, evenings, weekends, and early morning or late shifts.

The Assistant Store Director leads day-to-day store operations with a strong focus on guest service, visual merchandising, and team development to maximize retail potential and deliver memorable guest experiences. Working alongside the Store Director and reporting through the retail leadership structure, this role shapes a high-performing store culture by holding team members accountable to performance standards and ensuring consistent execution of presentation and service programs.

Key Deliverables

• Support the store's core values and uphold the company culture that shapes the ultimate team member and guest experience.
• Assist the Store Director with the recruitment, retention, supervision, and development of a talented team.
• Perform day-to-day store operations with a strong focus on guest service, visual merchandising, scheduling, and team management.
• Ensure merchandise is set according to the presentation plan and analyze merchandising trends.
• Ensure the highest level of customer service is provided at all times.
• Hold self and others accountable to high performance standards while providing guests with memorable experiences.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a retail leadership role.
• Strong retail sales background with strong merchandising abilities, an entrepreneurial spirit, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to show dynamic leadership, hire and train staff, and motivate staff to promote maximum performance.
• Ability to understand and follow all guest service programs.
• Open availability for a flexible work schedule, including evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• Proven ability to create a positive work environment.