Assistant Store Leader — Customer Experience & Operations

Kroger Co.; Katy (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Kroger Co. is seeking a Department Manager to oversee store operations and support the Store Leader in achieving performance goals. You will supervise associates, coordinate scheduling, and help maintain Kroger’s customer‑focused shopping experience.

Responsibilities include leading merchandising and operating initiatives, analyzing performance data, and developing action plans to improve sales, safety and efficiency while ensuring compliance with policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED required.
• At least 1 year of experience as department manager or equivalent.
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing associates to achieve customer service, operational, and business goals in a fast-paced retail environment.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist store manager and associates in delivering 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.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Data analysis

Communication

Team management

Education

High school diploma/GED

Job description

Kroger Co. is seeking a Department Manager to oversee store operations and support the Store Leader in achieving performance goals. You will supervise associates, coordinate scheduling, and help maintain Kroger’s customer‑focused shopping experience.

Responsibilities include leading merchandising and operating initiatives, analyzing performance data, and developing action plans to improve sales, safety and efficiency while ensuring compliance with policies.