Assistant Store Leader

Kroger Co.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Flexible scheduling

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Career growth

Job summary

Kroger Co. is seeking an experienced Store Operations Manager to support store performance across departments in Phoenix. You will assist the Store Manager, lead teams, and implement merchandising and operating initiatives to drive customer satisfaction and sales.

In this role you will manage daily operations in the manager's absence, analyze budgets and performance, and mentor future leaders. The position emphasizes inclusive leadership and partnership with department heads and community

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1 year of experience as department manager, service manager, or equivalent role.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and development of associates including supervisors, managers, and future leaders.
• Experience using KPIs, metrics, and data insights to identify opportunities and support decisions.
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments and drive store performance.
• Track record of improving customer service, sales, operations, and talent development.

Responsibilities

• Assist store manager and associates in delivering a favorable customer experience.
• Lead teams in planning and executing merchandising and operating initiatives.
• Communicate results and action plans to associates based on survey insights.
• Identify opportunities with department heads and create timely improvement plans.
• Model exceptional customer service and resolve issues promptly.
• Manage total store operations in the manager's absence.
• Meet or exceed sales, wage, and profit budgets and safety targets.
• Collaborate with department managers to maximize sales and minimize shrink.
• Discuss and monitor budgets related to sales, shrink, and labor costs.
• Analyze competitive landscape and adjust plans accordingly.
• Promote inclusive leadership and teamwork.
• Coordinate with field staff to achieve division goals.
• Build relationships with local communities and unions if applicable.
• Ensure staff are informed of policies and store programs.
• Serve as liaison to upper management on merchandising and operational plans.
• Support staffing, reduce turnover, and provide feedback.

Skills

Customer service leadership

Coaching & development

KPIs & data insights

Cross-department collaboration

Sales growth

Operational excellence

Talent development

Staffing & retention

Education

High school diploma/GED

Job description

Learn the operations of all departments and the duties of store management; share responsibility for store performance in all areas of operation/human resources. Perform scheduling, security, maintenance, safety, sanitation, ordering, administration and Human Resource-related duties. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Responsibilities

• Assist store manager and associates in the achievement of a favorable customer shopping experience and develop associate interest in customer service/relations to enhance Kroger's best-in-class reputation
• Assist Store Manager in leading teams in planning, implementing and executing merchandising/operating initiatives
• Assist store manager with developing action plans/communications to associates on Associate Insight survey results
• Work with department heads/store associates to identify store opportunities, develop timely solutions and create action plans to ensure plan implementation
• Role model/demand a highest level of customer service and solve associate/customer issues/concerns
• Manage total store operations in store manager's absence
• Achieve/exceed weekly, period, and annual sales, wage budgets and profit budgets, as well as other targeted goals (e.g., safety, shrink)
• Drive sales by working with department managers to produce/maximize sales and profits, reduce shrink and improve each store department’s contribution
• Assist store manager in regular store-level financial performance discussions with associates regarding developing budgets (e.g., sales, shrink, labor expenses, other expenses) and other targeted goals (e.g., safety)
• Analyze/respond to competitive landscape within district/division
• Demonstrate inclusionary leadership; expect inclusive behavior from associates
• Utilize coordinators/other field staff to ensure store departments achieve sales/profit goals and ensure implementation/execution of division merchandising plans
• Promote/support strong relationships with local community organizations in the store's surrounding area
• Assist in building proactive/productive relationships with union representatives/business agents if store is covered by collective bargaining agreement
• Communicate necessary information to associates to help them effectively carry out duties
• Serve as liaison to store/district managers and coordinators on effectiveness of division merchandising/ operational plans/programs
• Assist store manager in staffing, reducing turnover and increasing retention
• Provide timely individual/department performance feedback to department heads and associates
• Assist with labor management and supply costs on a daily basis to meet customer service/financial targets
• Ensure store compliance and associate knowledge of federal, state, and local laws/enterprise policies
• Support the Store Leader in driving adoption of current and emerging technology solutions by coaching associates and leaders to effectively utilize tools that enhance operational and business performance
• Support the Store Leader in building leadership bench strength by developing department leaders, assistants, leads, and emerging talent for future opportunities
• Supervise and coach direct reports on the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation

Qualifications

Minimum

• High school diploma/GED
• 1 year of experience as department manager, service manager, or in an equivalent role
• Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, and developing associates, including supervisors, managers, and future leaders, to achieve customer service, operational, and business goals in a fast-paced retail environment
• Demonstrated experience using KPIs, metrics, and data insights to identify opportunities, solve problems, and support business decisions
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments and influence others to drive store performance
• Proven success driving customer experience, sales growth, operational excellence, and talent development
• Experience managing competing priorities while leading teams through change and achieving business objectives
• Strong track record of independently leading strategies that delivered sustained, measurable improvements across multiple areas of store performance

Job Info

• Job Identification 243099
• Job Category Store Operations
• Posting Date 10/20/2026, 11:26 PM
• Locations 4025 E Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85032, US (On-site)

The Kroger Family of Companies offers comprehensive benefits to support your Associate Well-Being, including Physical, Emotional, Financial and more. We'll help you thrive, with access to:

• A wide range of healthcare coverage, including affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.
• Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles with paid time off, including holiday and sick pay based on eligibility and length of service.
• Emotional and financial support with free counseling through our Employee Assistance Program and free, confidential financial tools and coaching.
• Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.
• Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career, through our industry-leading Continuing Education program.
• Vast potential for growth, through an abundance of industry-leading training programs and diverse career pathways.

From one tiny Cincinnati grocery store more than a century ago, we've grown into what today is the nation’s largest grocer with nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states operating under 28 different names. As America's grocer, we take pride in bringing diverse teams with a passion for food and people together with one common purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. With a history of innovation, we work tirelessly to create amazing experiences for our customers, communities AND each other, with food at the heart of it all.
Here, people matter. That's why we strive to provide the ingredients you need to create your own recipe for success at work and in life. We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you're caring, purpose-driven and hungry to learn, your potential is unlimited.
Whether you're seeking a part-time position or a new career path, we've got a fresh opportunity for you.