Assistant Store Director

Piazza's Fine Foods; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Piazza's Fine Foods is seeking an experienced Assistant Store Director to support daily store operations and drive sales while delivering exceptional customer service. The ASD will stand in for the Store Director when needed and lead with accountability, focusing on perishables and overall store performance.

Key responsibilities include managing KPIs, merchandising programs, labor planning, and compliance with California labor laws.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of grocery retail management experience.
• Previous department/assistant manager or store leadership experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of perishable department operations (produce, meat, seafood, deli, bakery).
• Leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of California labor laws preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive store performance: support sales, profit, and expense targets; monitor KPIs; execute merchandising and promotions; ensure in-stock conditions and strong perishable presentation.
• Lead store operations: oversee day-to-day execution of standards; ensure quality, freshness, rotation, and shrink control; maintain clean, food-safe environment; manage inventory and loss prevention.
• Enhance customer experience: model outstanding service; ensure fresh products are available; address customer concerns promptly.
• People leadership & development: supervise and coach department managers and staff; support hiring, onboarding, training, performance management; foster inclusive, accountable culture.
• Labor management & compliance: assist with scheduling and labor planning; ensure compliance with CA labor laws, policies, and health/safety regulations.
• Store leadership: act as Store Director in absence; lead initiatives and community events.

Skills

Grocery retail management

People leadership

Customer service

Operations leadership

Job description

Assistant Store Director (ASD)

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Assistant Store Director (ASD) to support the Store Director in leading daily store operations. This role plays a critical part in driving sales performance, delivering an exceptional customer experience, and developing high-performing teams in a fast-paced grocery retail environment. The ASD functions as the Store Director in their absence and is expected to lead with accountability, operational excellence, and a strong people-first approach, including strong oversight of perishable departments.

Key Responsibilities

Drive Store Performance

• Support achievement of sales, profit, and expense targets
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement action plans
• Execute company merchandising, pricing, and promotional programs
• Ensure strong in-stock conditions and product presentation across all departments, with focused attention on perishable categories (produce, meat, seafood, deli, kitchen, bakery)

Lead Store Operations

• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring execution of company standards
• Ensure perishable departments meet all quality, freshness, rotation (FIFO), and shrink control standards
• Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe store environment
• Manage inventory, shrink, and loss prevention initiatives

Customer Experience

• Model and promote outstanding customer service at all times
• Ensure fresh, high-quality products are consistently available, especially in perishable areas
• Address and resolve customer concerns promptly and professionally

People Leadership & Development

• Supervise, coach, and develop department managers and store associates
• Provide leadership and support to perishable department managers to drive sales, margin, and execution
• Support hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management
• Foster an inclusive, team-oriented, and accountability-driven culture

Labor Management & Compliance

• Assist with scheduling and labor planning to meet operational needs and budgets
• Ensure compliance with all California labor laws, company policies, and union requirements (if applicable)
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations, particularly in perishable departments

Store Leadership

• Act as Store Director in their absence
• Lead store initiatives, seasonal programs, and company rollouts
• Support community engagement and store-level events

Qualifications

• 5+ years of grocery retail management experience required
• Previous department manager, assistant manager, or store leadership experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of perishable department operations(produce, meat, seafood, deli, bakery), including merchandising, shrink control, and food safety standards
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Working knowledge of retail financials, merchandising, and operations
• Ability to multi-task and lead in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of California labor laws preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Why Join Us?

At Piazza’s, we are committed to creating a workplace where associates feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. Join a team that is passionate about serving our community and delivering quality products with exceptional service.