Food Service Manager Trainee

Hy-Vee Inc; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Hy-Vee is seeking a Food Service Manager Trainee in the Food Service department. You will work alongside the Department Manager to develop leadership skills, manage inventory, and uphold food safety standards while delivering exceptional customer service.

The role focuses on leading a team, analyzing sales, and ensuring accurate pricing and replenishment. Training and progression toward a Food Service Department Manager role are emphasized in a fast-paced store setting.

Qualifications

• Apply practical, customer-focused problem solving in daily operations.
• Maintain accuracy in cash handling and POS procedures.
• Demonstrate commitment to Hy-Vee policies and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide prompt, friendly customer service by greeting customers with a smile, learning their names, and making every interaction a positive one
• Assist with recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, disciplining, and evaluating department employees
• Assist with determining the weekly work schedule and establishing a daily work plan for the department
• Inspect signage and displays for quality and quantity of merchandise and order product for replenishment
• Assist with figuring retail pricing and ensuring correct pricing and competitive market pricing
• Extend and post invoices and assist with department bookkeeping procedures
• Assist with analyzing weekly and monthly sales and trends, comparing to actuals, preparing ad projections, and writing ads
• Conduct department inventory and assist with planning displays, promotions, and pre-orders
• Ensure proper temperatures and storage procedures are maintained to guarantee freshness and control shrink
• Understand and troubleshoot equipment and ensure maintenance is performed
• Handle and satisfy customer issues and answer the telephone promptly including taking product orders
• Fill displays, work in the sales area, unload trucks, check in delivered merchandise, and place product in appropriate storage areas
• Handle confidential information including pricing with discretion
• Attend meetings and seminars and participate in continuing education
• Assist in other areas of the store as needed and take on special projects as required
• Maintain strict adherence to personal hygiene, dress standards, and all Hy-Vee policies and store guidelines
• Report to work when scheduled and on time

Skills

Customer service

Team leadership

Inventory management

Food safety standards

Communication

Training and coaching

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Related experience preferred

Job description

Additional Considerations (if any):

- At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise “a helpful smile in every aisle” and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.

Job Title

Food Service Manager Trainee

Department

Food Service

FLSA

Hourly

Revision Date

07/2026

About Hy-Vee

At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a passion for customer service, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to being part of a team that strives to make our customers' lives easier, healthier and happier.

The Role and Why It's Important

The Food Service Manager Trainee works alongside the Food Service Department Manager to fine-tune their skills and expertise in preparation for becoming a successful Food Service Department Manager. In this role, you'll assist with all aspects of department management, from leading a team and managing inventory to analyzing sales and maintaining food safety standards, all while delivering exceptional customer service. If you are motivated, eager to grow into a leadership role, and passionate about food service, we'd love to have you on our team.

What You'll Do

• Provide prompt, friendly customer service by greeting customers with a smile, learning their names, and making every interaction a positive one
• Maintain a positive attitude and create an atmosphere of friendliness, teamwork, and accountability throughout the department
• Work alongside the Department Manager while completing an activity book focused on properly running all aspects of the department
• Assist with recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, disciplining, and evaluating department employees
• Assist with determining the weekly work schedule and establishing a daily work plan for the department
• Inspect signage and displays for quality and quantity of merchandise and order product for replenishment
• Assist with figuring retail pricing and ensuring correct pricing and competitive market pricing
• Extend and post invoices and assist with department bookkeeping procedures
• Assist with analyzing weekly and monthly sales and trends, comparing to actuals, preparing ad projections, and writing ads
• Conduct department inventory and assist with planning displays, promotions, and pre-orders
• Ensure proper temperatures and storage procedures are maintained to guarantee freshness and control shrink
• Understand and troubleshoot equipment and ensure maintenance is performed
• Handle and satisfy customer issues and answer the telephone promptly including taking product orders
• Fill displays, work in the sales area, unload trucks, check in delivered merchandise, and place product in appropriate storage areas
• Handle confidential information including pricing with discretion
• Attend meetings and seminars and participate in continuing education
• Assist in other areas of the store as needed and take on special projects as required
• Maintain strict adherence to personal hygiene, dress standards, and all Hy-Vee policies and store guidelines
• Report to work when scheduled and on time

Your Skills

• Apply logical and scientific thinking to solve problems involving abstract and concrete variables
• Perform arithmetic calculations involving fractions, decimals, and percentages accurately
• Compose original correspondence, interpret written work instructions, and follow technical manuals
• Interview job applicants and interact professionally with customers, employees, and team members
• Lead and develop a team while building a collaborative, customer-focused department culture

Reporting Relationships

Accountable and Reports to: Store Director; Store Manager; Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home; Food Service Department Manager

Direct Reports: Department Employees in the absence of the Department Manager

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent experience required. Over six months up to one year of similar or related experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand and walk throughout a shift in sales, food service, or delivery areas
• Where applicable to the role: ability to safely use sharp knives and blades for food preparation
• Where applicable to the role: exposure to heat- and burn-related hazards associated with cooking, baking, or grilling equipment
• Where applicable to the role: ability to operate a delivery vehicle in accordance with applicable DOT standards
• Perform repetitive standing, walking, reaching, and bending associated with order fulfillment, POS transactions, and cleaning/sanitation duties

Working Environment

This is a fast-paced role in a food service environment where you will be on your feet throughout your shift. You will have exposure to dirt, noise, temperature extremes, dampness, vibrations, equipment movement hazards, cleaning chemicals or solvents, and possible electrical hazards. Safety is always a priority, and training is provided to help ensure a safe and supportive work environment.

Are you ready to smile,

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.