Career Development Associate Store Team Leader; Assistant Store Manager - San Jose Metro

Position Overview

Whole Foods Market is seeking a Career Development Associate Store Team Leader (Assistant Store Manager). The CDASTL role will complete a structured leadership training program to prepare for the Associate Store Team Leader position. This role will support store leadership in overseeing daily operations, retail execution, store financial performance, safety & food safety, team member coaching, development, performance management, customer service standards, and completion of all required training to graduate the program.

• Engages fully with all aspects of the CDASTL training program, including weekly training assignments, CDASTL Operational Learning Path, peer cohort discussions, STL Mentor discussions, team immersions, Regional Leadership meetings, in-person and/or virtual trainings, and the capstone project.
• Partners with STL Mentor to create a personal growth plan and capstone project roadmap.
• Completes all curriculum assignments and capstone project on time to remain on track with learning journey and graduate from the program.

• Maintains a thorough understanding of WFM store operations and merchandising processes.
• Oversees processes, programs, and initiatives including merchandising, marketing, quality assurance, training, and communications.
• Supervises daily operations and provides daily feedback to store leaders/teams regarding retail plan execution (sales, margin, labor, merchandising, training, sanitation, marketing, promotions).
• Drives decision‑making and team focus through solid understanding of company operations and differentiation strategies.
• Drives exceptional customer service and maintains excellent community relations.
• Analyzes, compiles, and completes necessary financial reports.
• Builds strong and supportive relationships with store and regional leadership.
• Demonstrates understanding of interrelationships between WFM departments, operations, and functions.
• Works with key functional and operational stakeholders to ensure shared understanding of Operations priorities, objectives, and anticipated outcomes; shares recommendations and insights with appropriate leadership decision‑makers.
• Achieves and maintains comprehensive knowledge of and compliance with Employment Law, Health & Safety, Food Hygiene, and Weights and Measures.
• Understands, communicates and leads upon WFM Core Values, Leadership Principles and Declaration of Interdependence.
• Supports and maintains comprehensive product knowledge (Good Organics, Whole Trade, etc.) and our Values in Action.
• Willingness to work at different stores within 35 miles or an hour commute; flexibility to move beyond the current metro is highly desirable.

• 2+ years of experience leading a team in a leadership role in Retail/Culinary/Hospitality or related industries.
• High-performing Manager/Team Leader with equivalent leadership experience, preferably in retail or hospitality.
• Ability to successfully drive results; support team members and leaders to achieve the highest standards.
• Well-rounded knowledge and application of all merchandising/retailing expectations.
• Critical thinking with creative problem-solving.
• Excellent judgment and decision making.
• Strong communication skills; ability to be precise, clear, and convey enthusiasm.
• Ability to train and inspire excellence.
• Ability to delegate effectively.
• Well organized with excellent follow-through.
• Proficiency with email, Microsoft Office, and all operations-related applications.
• High integrity, transparency, and authenticity.
• Solid understanding of and compliance with WFM policies, procedures, and processes.

• Customer Service Focus.
• Team Building.
• Employee Relations.
• Store Operations (Inventory, Labor Management, Cost Control).
• Marketing (Pricing, Merchandising).

The wage range for this position is $25.10-$42.50 hourly, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits", a comprehensive benefits program for full-time and part-time team members, including eligibility for a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness, health & wellness support programs, and access to other team member perks. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person's date of hire and may vary based on work location, length of service, and job type.

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, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.