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

Whole Foods Market is seeking a Career Development Associate Store Team Leader (Assistant Store Manager). The Career Development Associate Store Team Leader (CDASTL) is responsible for completing a structured leadership training program to prepare themselves to become an Associate Store Team Leader. As part of the program, the CDASTL role will support store leadership in overseeing the daily operations of the store.

Responsibilities include retail execution, attaining store financial performance, and safety & food safety performance goals, Team Member coaching, development, and performance management, ensuring customer service standards are met, and completing all training required to graduate the program. Successful completion of the program leads to promotion to an Associate Store Team Leader role. The position requires willingness to serve in stores within a 35-mile radius or an hour commute and flexibility to move beyond the current metro.

• 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/virtual trainings, and 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 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 including sales, margin, labor, merchandising, training, sanitation, marketing, and 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 the interrelationships between various WFM departments, operations, and functions.
• Works with key functional and operational stakeholders to ensure shared understanding of Operations priorities, objectives, and anticipated outcomes. Ensures recommendations and insights are shared with the appropriate leadership decision‑makers.
• Achieves and maintains comprehensive knowledge of and ensures 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.
• Knows, communicates and supports our Values in Action. Achieves and maintains comprehensive product knowledge (Good Organics, Whole Trade, etc.).

• 2+ years of experience leading a team in a leadership role in Retail/Culinary/Hospitality or related industries.
• High performing manager/team leader or equivalent experience, preferably in retail or hospitality industries.
• Ability to successfully drive results; supporting TMs and TLs to achieve the highest standards.
• Well‑rounded knowledge and application of all merchandising/retailing expectations.
• Critical thinking with creative approach to problem solving.
• Excellent judgment and decision making.
• Strong communicator; 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).

This job description is intended to describe the…