Store Leader: Flexible Scheduling & Growth Path

Kroger Co.; Ottawa (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Kroger Co. is seeking a Store Manager in Ottawa, IL, to oversee all departments, drive sales, and uphold Kroger’s trusted customer experience. You will supervise daily operations, collaborate with department heads, and coach associates to deliver strong performance in a fast-paced retail environment.

The role focuses on achieving budget targets, optimizing labor costs, and maintaining safety and compliance while leading initiatives that improve profitability and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Experience leading, coaching, and developing associates toward goals in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Proven ability to use KPIs and data insights to identify opportunities and drive decisions.
• Strong collaboration across departments to improve store performance.
• Proven success driving customer experience, sales growth, and operational excellence.
• Ability to manage competing priorities while guiding teams through change.
• History of independently leading strategies that improved multiple store areas.
• Experience in labor management and budget considerations.

Responsibilities

• Assist store manager and associates in achieving 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

People leadership

KPIs and data-driven decisions

Customer service excellence

Cross-functional collaboration

Change management

Budget awareness

Store operations knowledge

Education

High school diploma/GED

Job description

Kroger Co. is seeking a Store Manager in Ottawa, IL, to oversee all departments, drive sales, and uphold Kroger’s trusted customer experience. You will supervise daily operations, collaborate with department heads, and coach associates to deliver strong performance in a fast-paced retail environment.

The role focuses on achieving budget targets, optimizing labor costs, and maintaining safety and compliance while leading initiatives that improve profitability and customer satisfaction.