Career Development Associate Store Team Leader; Assistant Store Manager - East Bay Metro

Job Overview

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. The role supports store leadership in overseeing daily operations of the store, including 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.

CDASTLs that successfully complete the program are promoted to an Associate Store Team Leader role.

The position requires the willingness to serve in different stores within a 35‑mile radius or up to an hour commute from home. Flexibility to move beyond the current metro area is highly desirable. Due to the structured training program, participants are encouraged to reschedule planned PTO outside the program run dates (July–September). Participants may miss up to three training days (tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays).

• Engage fully with all aspects of the CDASTL training program, including weekly assignments, Operational Learning Path, peer cohort discussions, STL Mentor discussions, team immersions, regional leadership meetings, in‑person and/or virtual trainings, and the capstone project.
• Partner with the STL Mentor to create a personal growth plan and capstone project roadmap.
• Complete all curriculum assignments and the capstone project on time to remain on track and graduate from the program.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of Whole Foods Market store operations and merchandising processes.
• Oversee processes, programs, and initiatives including merchandising, marketing, quality assurance, training, and communications.
• Supervise daily operations and provide daily feedback to store leaders and teams regarding retail plan execution, including sales, margin, labor, merchandising, training, sanitation, marketing, and promotions.
• Drive decision‑making and team focus through a solid understanding of company operations and differentiation strategies.
• Drive exceptional customer service and maintain excellent community relations.
• Analyze, compile, and complete necessary financial reports.
• Build strong and supportive relationships with store and regional leadership.
• Demonstrate understanding of the interrelationships between various Whole Foods Market departments, operations, and functions.
• Work with key functional and operational stakeholders to ensure shared understanding of operations priorities, objectives, and anticipated outcomes, and share recommendations and insights with appropriate leadership decision‑makers.
• Achieve and maintain comprehensive knowledge of and ensure compliance with employment law, health & safety, food hygiene, and weights and measures.
• Understand, communicate, and lead upon Whole Foods Market Core Values, Leadership Principles, and the Declaration of Interdependence.
• Know, communicate, and support our Values in Action and maintain 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 or team leader with equivalent leadership experience, preferably in retail or hospitality.
• Ability to drive results and support team members and leaders to achieve the highest standards.
• Well‑rounded knowledge and application of all merchandising/retailing expectations.
• Critical thinking with a 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…