Independent Operator - Store Manager

Grocery Outlet Inc.; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & mentorship

Corporate support

Flexible scheduling

Uncapped earning potential

Job summary

Grocery Outlet is seeking an Independent Operator to own and run a Grocery Outlet store, a hands-on, entrepreneurial opportunity rather than a franchise, with autonomy and corporate-backed resources.

As the store leader, you will oversee operations, hire and develop staff, and optimize merchandising to fit local demand while engaging with the community and driving profitability. Comprehensive training and ongoing corporate support are provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years’ retail store management or multi-unit restaurant management experience.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with passion for retail and customer service.
• Strong leadership and team development abilities.
• Willingness to relocate and commit to full training.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily store operations, inventory, compliance, and profitability.
• Recruit, hire, and train a high-performing team.
• Manage buying and merchandising to meet local customer preferences.
• Engage with the community and support local causes.
• Communicate with Corporate for marketing and support.

Skills

Retail management

Entrepreneurial mindset

Leadership

Customer service

Job description

Grocery Outlet is a rapidly growing, family-oriented retailer dedicated to providing customers with high-quality, deeply discounted products. With commitment to our communities and a strong network of independent operators, we offer a unique business model that empowers entrepreneurs to run their own stores. Our mission is to deliver exceptional value to customers while fostering a culture of independence, integrity, and community impact.

Founded in 1946, Grocery Outlet has a rich history of providing exceptional bargains to customers while supporting local entrepreneurs. Over the decades, we have expanded to more than 500 locations across the United States, maintaining our reputation as the leading extreme-value grocery retailer. Our continued growth and success are driven by our commitment to innovation, strong supplier relationships, and our independent operator model, which has helped countless business owners achieve financial and personal success.

The Independent Operator Role

The Independent Operator (IO) is a hands-on, entrepreneurial role where individuals take ownership of their Grocery Outlet store. This is a unique business opportunity, not a franchise, giving operators the autonomy to run their business while benefiting from the support and resources of an established retail brand.

Key Responsibilities:

• Store Operations: Oversee daily store functions, including inventory management, compliance, and financial oversight to ensure profitability and growth.
• Leadership & Team Development: Recruit, hire, and train a high-performing team to deliver outstanding customer service and operational excellence.
• Buying & Merchandising: leveraging Grocery Outlet’s unique buying model. Order the variety and quantity of products to meet the unique preferences of your local community.
• Community Engagement: Support local organizations and causes you are passionate about, aligning with our mission of "Touching lives for the better”.
• Financial & Business Acumen: Manage financial performance, including sales, margins, expenses, and overall profitability.
• Customer Experience: Create an inviting shopping experience by maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked store.
• Operational Autonomy: Run your store the way you think is best for your community, employees, and business.
• Uncapped Earning Potential: There is no limit to what you can earn; the more your store sells, the higher your commission payment will be.
• Control Your Schedule: While a full-time commitment is required, you have the flexibility to choose your working hours and manage your own schedule.
• Corporate Support: Receive training, mentorship, and support from marketing, finance, and business professionals to assist with any questions or issues that arise.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 4 years’ retail store Management or multi-unit restaurant management experience.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for retail and customer service.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to build and develop a team.
• Business acumen, including financial and operational management experience.
• Willingness to relocate and commit to the full training and onboarding process.
• A drive for success and the ability to work independently while leveraging the support of the Grocery Outlet network.

This is not the right opportunity for you if you…

• Are looking for a passive investment or absentee ownership.
• Are interested in selling property or real estate to Grocery Outlet.
• Are expecting Grocery Outlet to build a store in a specific location at your request.

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