Store Operations Leader — Elevate Customer Experience & Growth

The Kroger Co.; Montrose (CO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kroger Co. is seeking an experienced department manager to help run day-to-day store operations in Montrose, CO. You will support the store manager, coach associates, and own initiatives that improve customer service, sales, and efficiency.

Responsibilities include leading merchandising efforts, implementing action plans from insights, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulations. This role demands strong leadership, analytical thinking, and a customer-first mindset.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, and developing associates, including supervisors, managers, and future leaders, to achieve customer service, operational, and business goals in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Demonstrated experience using KPIs, metrics, and data insights to identify opportunities, solve problems, and support business decisions
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments and influence others to drive store performance

Responsibilities

• Assist store manager and associates in delivering a favorable customer shopping experience and develop associate interest in customer service to enhance Kroger's reputation.
• Lead teams in planning, implementing and executing merchandising and operating initiatives.
• Communicate action plans to associates based on survey results and store insights.
• Identify store opportunities with department heads and develop timely solutions and action plans.
• Model exceptional customer service and resolve associate and customer issues.
• Manage total store operations in the store manager's absence.
• Assist in achieving weekly, period, and annual sales and labor budgets, plus safety, shrink, and other targets.
• Drive sales with department managers to maximize profits and minimize shrink.
• Participate in regular financial performance discussions and budgeting with store leadership.
• Analyse competitive landscape and react with strategic adjustments.
• Promote inclusive leadership and ensure compliance with policies.
• Coordinate with field staff to meet division merchandising plans and performance goals.
• Build community relationships and support union negotiations if applicable.
• Provide timely feedback to staff and assist in labor and supply cost management.

Skills

People leadership

Coaching

Data-driven decisions

KPIs & metrics

Cross-functional collaboration

Associate development

Education

High school diploma/GED

Job description

The Kroger Co. is seeking an experienced department manager to help run day-to-day store operations in Montrose, CO. You will support the store manager, coach associates, and own initiatives that improve customer service, sales, and efficiency.

Responsibilities include leading merchandising efforts, implementing action plans from insights, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulations. This role demands strong leadership, analytical thinking, and a customer-first mindset.