STR MGMT/GROCERY DEPT LEADER

Kroger; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Flexible scheduling

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Kroger is seeking an Assistant Grocery Department Leader in Chicago to lead a customer‑focused team, interview and train associates, and ensure excellent store operations. The role emphasizes coaching, performance reviews, and adherence to safety and company values.

The ideal candidate will guide daily priorities, maintain high service standards, and drive the department to meet store goals while upholding Kroger’s customer promise and brand integrity.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic math and ability to handle stressful situations.
• Ability to lead other associates and supervise effectively.
• Flexibility in work schedule and willingness to adapt.
• Completion of basic and supervisory skills training or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Create uplifting, engaging environment in the Grocery Department.
• Interview, train, and evaluate associates; provide coaching and rewards.
• Plan and prioritize work activities to meet customer demand.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and company guidelines.
• Oversee department budgeting and profit-and-loss reviews.

Skills

Lead other associates

Stress management

Flexibility in schedule

Basic math

Supervisory skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Primary leadership responsibility is to create an uplifting and friendly customer experience through exceptional service by highly satisfying each customer's needs and exceeding their expectations. Responsibilities will also include interviewing, training, evaluating performance, rewarding and coaching associates. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.

Responsibilities

• Establishing an uplifting work environment that allows associates to feel valued, appreciated, and engaged
• Empower those associates to create a simple, fresh and inspired shopping experience for every customer
• Prioritizing /planning work activities by using time efficiently
• Communicate the company, department, and job-specific information to associates including information from board meetings/huddles
• Ensure new associates are properly oriented to the department and understand the benefits of working for Kroger
• Adhere to all local, state and federal laws, and company guidelines
• Oversee/manage the efficient operations of all functions and activities of the Grocery Department
• Prioritizing and planning work activities by using time efficiently
• Identifying and resolving problems in a timely manner by gathering and analyzing information skillfully and developing alternate solutions
• Motivating self/others to achieve goals
• Communicating change effectively by building commitment to overcome resistance
• Being committed to the company's customer and associate promise
• Supporting the Customer 1st team
• Delegating work assignments that match the responsibility of the associate while giving them clear direction and monitoring progress
• Consistently being on time for work and meetings and ensuring responsibilities are covered when absent
• Executing on all action plans and daily priorities including performance goals and best practices
• Adherence to all food safety regulations
• Adherence to out of stock standards by effectively utilizing Computer Assisted Ordering
• Staying current with present, future, seasonal, and special ads
• Promoting corporate brands to customers and ensuring associates are educated
• Managing the scheduling of Grocery associates to provide adequate department coverage to meet customer demand
• Providing appropriate, actionable feedback to help teams and individuals grow
• Helping associate identify how their work aligns with key store initiatives
• Monitoring/controlling supply expenses for the department to allow associates and customers to have all resources necessary
• Assisting store management in preparing the department budget and conducting profit and loss reviews
• Taking appropriate action on all financial reports
• Developing/implementing a department business plan to achieve desired results.
• Supervise/coach direct reports in the performance of their duties, complete performance reviews, provide feedback to direct reports
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations

Qualifications

Minimum

• Knowledge of basic math
• Ability to handle stressful situations
• Ability to lead other associates
• Flexibility in work schedule
• Successful completion of basic and supervisory skills
• High school diploma
• Assistant Grocery Department Leader experience

Job Info

• Job Identification 225185
• Job Category Store Operations
• Posting Date 09/01/2026, 03:39 PM
• Locations 333 E Benton Pl, Chicago, IL, 60601, US (On-site)

The Kroger Family of Companies offers comprehensive benefits to support your Associate Well-Being, including Physical, Emotional, Financial and more. We'll help you thrive, with access to:

– A wide range of healthcare coverage, including affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.
– Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles with paid time off, including holiday and sick pay based on eligibility and length of service.
– Emotional and financial support with free counseling through our Employee Assistance Program and free, confidential financial tools and coaching.
– Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.
– Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career, through our industry-leading Continuing Education program.
– Vast potential for growth, through an abundance of industry-leading training programs and diverse career pathways.

From one tiny Cincinnati grocery store more than a century ago, we’ve grown into what today is the nation’s largest grocer with nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states operating under 28 different names. As America’s grocer, we take pride in bringing diverse teams with a passion for food and people together with one common purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. With a history of innovation, we work tirelessly to create amazing experiences for our customers, communities AND each other, with food at the heart of it all.
Here, people matter. That’s why we strive to provide the ingredients you need to create your own recipe for success at work and in life. We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you’re caring, purpose-driven and hungry to learn, your potential is unlimited.
Whether you’re seeking a part-time position or a new career path, we’ve got a fresh opportunity for you.