Career Development Associate Store Team Leader

Job DescriptionPosition reports to the Store Team Leader. Responsible, in conjunction with the Store Team Leader, for overall leadership and supervision of the store including Team Leader and Team Member hiring, development, corrective actions and terminations. Responsible for team profitability, expense control, buying/merchandising properly, regularity compliance facility repair/maintenance, supporting all national and regional buying programs and special projects as assigned. This position is for individuals training to become a Store Team Leader. Principle Duties and Responsibilities: Team Member Development Consistently communicate and model Whole Foods Market's vision and goals. Interview, select, train, develop and counsel Team Members and Team Leaders in a manner which builds and sustains a high performing team and minimizes turn over. Establish and maintain a positive work environment, which sustains an exceptionally high level of Team Member morale. Select and develop Team Leaders as potential Associate Store Team Leaders. Provide timely, thorough and thoughtful performance evaluations. Work collaboratively with Team Member Services on team member relations including investigations and corrective action. Make termination decisions with guidance of Team Member Services and Store Team Leader; complete proper corrective action documentation and termination paperwork. Communicate and maintain Team Member safety and security standards. Spend the majority of time on the sales floor, helping out all teams on a daily basis. Act as Store Team Leader in their absence and perform Shift Leader shifts regularly. Merchandising/Marketing Leadership Work with teams to develop and maintain creative store layout and product merchandising; participate in store merchandising plans. Sustain exceptional level of knowledge/awareness of relevant competitors and industry trends. Support regional vision and execute all regional directives and programs. Set and achieve the highest standards in retail execution. Financial Leadership Assist with inventory, help ensure regional price files are accurately maintained and assist with achieving gross profit margin targets. Help project annual sales and expenses and prepare annual operating budget. Assist with achieving budgeted expense levels and store profit contribution targets. Maintain awareness of new products, and regularly incorporate new products into overall product mix. Manage the buying/ordering process to meet Whole Foods Market quality standards, maintain competitive pricing and achieve targeted sales. Communication Establish and maintain collaborative and productive working relationship with Regional Leadership, Coordinators, Store Leadership, Team Leaders and Team Members. Arrive to work station on time, appropriately groomed, dressed and ready to work, attend regularly scheduled store operations and regional meetings; in Store Team Leader's absence attend SALN and Store Team Leader conference calls. Communicate all store objectives, coordinator information and relevant information clearly to Team Members and Team Leaders in a timely manner (team meetings, bulletin boards, newsletters, logbooks, etc.). Assist with providing accurate, complete information in daily, weekly, monthly, annual and "ad hoc" management reports. Provide excellent customer service; actively model the South Customer Service Standards. Model and cultivate effective inter-store communication. Establish and maintain positive and productive vendor relationships. Regulatory Compliance Maintain comprehensive knowledge of, and ensure compliance with relevant regularity rules and standards, including: * Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) * Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) * Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) * Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) * Department of Labor * Health and Sanitation * Federal Drug Administration (FDA) * Department of Agriculture * Weights and Measures * DSHEA * Sarbanes-Oxley Knowledge, skills and abilities required: Two years relevant experience as a Team Leader, or equivalent. Proven to be a successful leader. Willing to transfer to another location as an Associate Store Team Leader for further professional development and to assist the region. Once ready for a Store Team Leader position will apply for Store Team Leader positions. Knowledge of natural foods' industry and Whole Foods Market quality goals. Thorough knowledge of products, buying, pricing, merchandising and inventory management. Understanding of Whole Foods Market policies and standards. Excellent communication skills both oral and written and willingness to work as part of a team. Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. Food safety certification. If not currently certified, will commit to completing certification within 6 months. 40+ hour availability. Able to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays as required and in accordance with the South retail schedule requirements. Physical Working conditions: Must be able to lift 50 pounds. In an 8 hour work day: standing/walking 6-8 hours. Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling. Requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching. Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals. Exposure to temperatures: <32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), >90 degrees Fahrenheit. At Whole Foods Market we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all team members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the position to be filled.