Career Development Associate Store Team Leader; Assistant Store Manager - Nor Cal Stores

Important:
Part of the application process includes a recorded video interview. Applicants have 48 hours from the time they receive the prompt to complete and submit the video interview. Please ensure your video and audio functions are available before you begin. Do not start this interview unless you are prepared to complete and submit the video questions in one sitting. Once started, applicants will not be able to pause or return to the questions later, and the application will remain incomplete if the video interview is not submitted within the 48‑hour window.

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 will support store leadership in overseeing daily operations, including retail execution, attaining store financial performance, safety and food safety goals, team member coaching, development, performance management, ensuring customer service standards are met, and completing all training required to graduate the program.

Upon successful completion of the program, CDASTLs will be promoted to an Associate Store Team Leader role. The position requires willingness to work at different stores within 35 miles or up to an hour commute from home, and flexibility to move beyond the current metro if desired. Participants should reschedule planned PTO to fall outside the program run dates (July–September). Participants may miss up to three training days (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays) but no more.

Whole Foods Market offers a comprehensive benefits program to full‑time team members, including low premium health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off; 401k; wellness programs; career learning and development; team member assistance; and a 20% team member discount.

• 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 capstone project.
• Partners with an STL mentor to create a personal growth plan and capstone project roadmap.
• Completes all curriculum assignments and capstone project on time to stay 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 and teams regarding retail plan execution (sales, margin, labor, merchandising, training, sanitation, marketing, promotions).
• Drives decision‑making and team focus through a 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, and shares recommendations and insights with appropriate leadership decision‑makers.
• Achieves and maintains comprehensive knowledge and ensures compliance with employment law, health & safety, food hygiene, and weights & measures.
• Understands, communicates, and leads upon WFM core values, leadership principles, and declaration of interdependence.
• Understands, communicates, and supports our values in action. Achieves 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 industry.
• High‑p…