Retail Store Leadership Intern - Summer 2027

Hy-Vee, Inc.; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Hy-Vee Inc in West Des Moines, IA is seeking a Store Leadership Intern to learn retail operations under a mentor across departments such as perishables, store operations, and human resources. You will learn day-to-day store functions, merchandising, pricing decisions, and scheduling while supporting weekly promotions.

This role provides hands-on practice in a fast-paced retail environment, building foundational leadership skills, customer service excellence, and the ability to contribute to

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; a degree in an applicable field preferred.
• Ability to solve practical problems and interpret instructions across varied situations.
• Good arithmetic and numerical skills for pricing, scheduling, and reports.
• Excellent customer service and teamwork in a fast-paced retail environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide prompt, friendly customer service with a smile and greet customers by name.
• Support store operations across departments to learn merchandising and scheduling.
• Assist in pricing decisions and promotional displays to maximize profitability.
• Help in managing inventory, shelf placement, and product quality to meet customer demand.

Skills

Practical problem solving

Arithmetic

Interviewing

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Degree in applicable field

Tools

POS terminals

Job description

Job Title:

Store Leadership Intern

Department:

General

FLSA:

Hourly

Revision Date:

09/2026

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 Store Leadership Intern trains with an assigned mentor at a designated store, gaining hands-on experience across a variety of departments — including perishables, store operations, and human resources. You'll learn the day-to-day functions of a retail store, such as merchandising, cash accountability procedures, food safety guidelines, and scheduling. While also help coordinate weekly promotions to achieve sales goals. This is a great opportunity to learn how a high-performing retail operation runs from the inside, apply your coursework in a real-world setting, and build the foundational skills that will launch your retail career. If you are eager to learn, bring a strong work ethic, and are ready to make a real contribution, 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 store
• Assist management in determining specific pricing and blends for maximum departmental profitability
• Assist with establishing the location of ad and promotional displays and ensure product quality and quantities meet customer and store demands
• Assist in ensuring store standards for customer service, employee relations, and overall departmental profitability are met
• Use and understand the hardware and software technology in the store
• Assist in forecasting and reviewing the store labor schedule within the Store Director's guidelines
• Assist with replenishing shelf product and designing and constructing displays
• Recommend additions, deletions, and shelf allocation of merchandise to be sold in any department
• Work with cash registers and assist in all areas of the store as needed
• Handle confidential information including pricing, sales reports, profit and loss reports, and wages with discretion
• Adhere to all Hy-Vee policies and store guidelines
• Report to work when scheduled and work the expected number of hours

You'll receive direction and support from: Store Director, Store Manager, Assistant Manager of Store Operations, and Assistant Manager of Perishables

Your Skills

• Solve practical problems and interpret instructions across a variety of situations with limited standardization
• Perform arithmetic calculations involving fractions, decimals, and percentages accurately
• Interview to obtain basic information, guide and direct people clearly, and follow technical manuals
• Work effectively with customers, employees, and store leadership in a fast-paced retail environment

Reporting Relationships

Accountable and Reports to: Store Director; Store Manager; Assistant Manager of Store Operations; Assistant Manager of Perishables

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent experience required; a degree in an applicable field required

Physical Requirements

This job is hands-on and keeps you moving throughout your shift. You'll need to be comfortable with:

• Frequently standing and walking 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 retail store environment where you will be active throughout the store. You will have exposure to dust, noise, and temperature extremes, with possible equipment movement hazards and occasional exposure to cleaning chemicals or solvents. Safety is always a priority, and training is provided to help ensure a safe and supportive work environment.

Additional Considerations

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.

Are you ready to smile, apply today. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.