Career Development Associate Store Team Leader (Assistant Store Manager) - East Bay Metro

Whole Foods Market IP. L.P.; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 35,955 - 59,333; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Team member discount

Job summary

Whole Foods Market IP. L.P. is seeking a Career Development Associate Store Team Leader (Assistant Store Manager) to participate in a structured leadership training program.

The role involves supporting store leadership in daily operations, ensuring customer service standards, and driving exceptional community relations. Candidates should have at least 2 years of leadership experience in retail, culinary, or hospitality sectors.

Whole Foods Market offers a competitive wage range of $26.10–$43.07 per hour, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience leading a team in a leadership role in retail or related industries.
• High-performance manager with equivalent experience in retail or hospitality.
• Strong communication skills and ability to inspire excellence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and provide feedback on retail execution.
• Drive customer service and maintain community relations.
• Complete financial reports and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership in retail

Customer service focus

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Team building

Education

2+ years of leadership experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Whole Foods Market is seeking a Career Development Associate Store Team Leader (Assistant Store Manager). The CDASTL is responsible for completing a structured leadership training program to prepare for an Associate Store Team Leader role. As part of the program, the CDASTL will support store leadership in overseeing daily operations, retail execution, financial performance, safety and food‑safety goals, coaching and development of team members, and ensuring customer service standards are met.

Program Requirements

• Engages fully with all aspects of the CDASTL training program including weekly training assignments, CDASTL Operational Learning Path, peer cohort discussions, STL Mentor discussions, team immersions, Regional Leadership meetings, in‑person and/or virtual trainings, and capstone project.
• Partners with STL Mentor to create a personal growth plan and capstone project roadmap.
• Completes all curriculum assignments and capstone project on time to remain on track with the learning journey and graduate from the program.

Responsibilities

• Maintains a thorough understanding of WFM store operations and merchandising processes.
• Oversees processes, programs, and initiatives including merchandising, marketing, quality assurance, training and communications.
• Supervises daily operations and provides daily feedback to store leaders and teams regarding retail plan execution—including sales, margin, labor, merchandising, training, sanitation, marketing and promotions.
• Drives decision‑making and team focus through solid understanding of company operations and differentiation strategies.
• Drives exceptional customer service and maintains excellent community relations.
• Analyzes, compiles and completes necessary financial reports.
• Builds strong and supportive relationships with store and regional leadership.
• Demonstrates understanding of the interrelationships between various WFM departments, operations and functions.
• Works with key functional and operational stakeholders to ensure shared understanding of operations priorities, objectives and anticipated outcomes, and shares recommendations and insights with the appropriate leadership decision‑makers.
• Achieves and maintains comprehensive knowledge of and ensures compliance with Employment Law, Health & Safety, Food Hygiene and Weights and Measures.
• Understands, communicates and leads upon WFM Core Values, Leadership Principles and Declaration of Interdependence.
• Supports WFM Core Values in Action and maintains comprehensive product knowledge (Good Organics, Whole Trade, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• 2+ years of experience leading a team in a leadership role in retail, culinary, hospitality or related industries.
• High‑performing manager or team leader with equivalent leadership experience, preferably in retail or hospitality industries.
• Ability to drive results and support team members and team leaders to achieve the highest standards.
• Well‑rounded knowledge and application of all merchandising and retailing expectations.
• Critical thinking with a creative approach to problem solving.
• Excellent judgment and decision making.
• Strong communication skills; able to be precise, clear and convey enthusiasm.
• Ability to train and inspire excellence.
• Ability to delegate effectively.
• Well organized with excellent follow‑through.
• Proficiency with email, Microsoft Office and all operations‑related applications.
• High integrity, transparency and authenticity.
• Solid understanding of and compliance with WFM policies, procedures and processes.

Desired Experience

• Customer service focus.
• Team building.
• Employee relations.
• Store operations—including inventory, labor management and cost control.
• Marketing—including pricing and merchandising.

The wage range for this position is $26.10–$43.07 hourly, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers a comprehensive benefits program to full‑time team members, including low‑premium health, dental, vision plans, life insurance, paid time off, 401(k), wellness programs, career learning and development, a Team Member Assistance Program and a 20% team member discount.

The position requires willingness to serve in different stores within 35 miles or an hour commute from home and flexibility to move beyond the current metro area is highly desirable. Participants may miss up to, but no more than, three training days, which are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Because the program is scheduled, applicants are strongly encouraged to reschedule planned PTO to fall outside of the program run dates (July–September).

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all team members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability or any other legally protected characteristic. We hire and promote individuals solely based on qualifications for the position and business needs.