Store Team Leader

The Store Team Leader (STL) leads and is accountable for the day-today operations of the store. The STL works closely with the Chief Operations Officer in creating and implementing operational strategy, vision and expectations based on strategy by the General Manager. The STL is directly responsible and accountable for the operational performance, standards and process for continuous improvement in sales, margin, profits, customer service, working conditions and safety of the store at all times. The STL provides leadership to all team members by representing La Montañita Food Cooperative in a professional manner in accordance to management guidelines and expectations. The STL is expected to manage, supervise, communicate and develop team members with mutual respect, inclusion, diversity and dignity.

SOME ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensures the store operates effectively and efficiently; guarantee performance standards are met and that employees consistently work towards their ideal and peak performance.
• Manages overall store conditions to ensure cleanliness, functionality, safety, security and the ability to meet operational goals are consistently met.
• Ensures performance management standards are upheld storewide.
• Under the leadership and guidance of the COO, develops, creates and implements tactical plans, goals and objectives that align with LMFC’s organizational strategy.
• Creates, develops, communicates, implements and evaluates operating standards and procedures and makes adjustments as needed to reach outcomes under the direction of the COO and General Manager.
• Meets or exceed financial targets (sales, margin, labor, expenses, profit) and respond to financial concerns in a timely manner.
• Ensures team leaders maintain consistency with the Co-op’s strategies for merchandising and product selection.
• Executes programs and events that are aligned with LMFC’s annual financial and business plan.
• Ensures direct reports are safeguarding LMFC’s assets and provide effective management of security, safety and loss prevention programs and respond to concerns promptly.
• Responds to facility and security concerns promptly and as needed.
• Holds all team members accountable or delivering outstanding customer service.
• Assist, provides input and makes hiring and separation decisions according to LMFC procedures and guidelines.
• Meets or exceed business outcomes through team member management and development by establishing clear expectations with a means to hold each other accountable; ensure expectations are met and offer support to meet expectations.
• Conducts regular performance evaluations and foster strong relationships by providing real-time feedback; continually ask for feedback and develop a strong collaborative work culture that promotes learning and growth and strives for excellence.
• Assists with the creation of training and development opportunities that enhance team members’ abilities and builds upon their skills, knowledge and talents.
• Supervises work performance and conduct of direct reports and upholds LMFC’s performance management practices of offering progressive corrective action and team member recognition in accordance with policies, procedures, labor and legal guidelines.
• Facilitates and may take part in regular, store, team or department meetings.
• Model behaviors that support the values of LMFC, encourage cooperative team building, and motivate team members to achieve goals.
• Oversees and assists in coordinating product selection, pricing and promotions in all departments.
• Establishes and maintains collaborative and productive working relationship with departmental and co-op wide leadership.
• Establishes and maintains positive and productive vendor and third party contractor relationships.
• Responsible and accountable that all federal, state, local and La Montañita Food Cooperative regulations and standards for product freshness, safety, refrigeration, sanitation and weights and measures are being met.
• Responsible for inventory control and ordering for the store; including facilitating all store inventory counts and other projects.
• At times, may assists in processing and replenishing merchandise, receiving and monitoring floor stock.
• Maintains floor presence and practices participatory management with all departments.
• Effectively maintains communication channels through all available platforms.
• Knowledgeable about cooperative values, structure and membership as a whole.
• Model behaviors that support the values of LMFC, encourage cooperative team building, and motivate team members to achieve goals.
• Maintains and updates as needed ServSafe® certification and Alcohol Server Training for department team members and self.
• Other responsibilities and tasks as required and assigned.

GENERAL ATTRIBUTES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in retail grocery environment and two (2) years leadership/management experience.
• Advance knowledge of products, buying, pricing, merchandising, and inventory management.
• Excellent interpersonal, motivational, team building, and customer relationship skills.
• Advanced knowledge of financial statements and ability to create spreadsheets.
• Focus on efficiency, productivity and ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Solution oriented and problem-solving skills.
• Capable of teaching others positively and constructively.
• Management Food safety certification and Alcohol Server Trainer certification. If not currently certified, will commit to completing certification within 1 month.
• Proficient mathematical skills for assessing financial performance, monitoring profitability, and managing inventory.
• Demonstrates decision-making ability, leadership skills, and ability to prioritize and delegate.
• Proficiency with email, Microsoft Office, and operations-related applications.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills and able to communicate with individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Excellent ability to multi-task and prioritize in a busy, fast-growth environment.
• Effectively present information in one-to-one and small group situations to customers and other employees.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Able to adhere and follow safety and wellness guidelines. Safety conscious and adhering to required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is required.
• Advanced knowledge of regulatory and safety policies and procedures.
• Able to act with integrity, ethically, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Able to deal with frequent changes, delays and unexpected events with a calm professional demeanor.
• Able to provide outstanding customer service (complete the full customer service cycle).