Associate Store Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

*Opportunity for promotion*

Company Overview

Established in 1929, Heinen’s is a leading, family-owned grocery retailer known for its premium-quality products and outstanding customer service. Now in its fourth generation of family leadership, Heinen’s operates 24 locations – 19 in the Cleveland, Ohio area and 5 in the Chicago, Illinois market – supported by two distribution warehouses, a food production facility, and a corporate office located in Warrensville Heights, Ohio.

Our culture is rooted in an associate-first philosophy, placing a strong emphasis on the well-being, development, and quality of life of every team member. We offer competitive compensation, professional development and leadership training programs, paid time off, and flexible scheduling designed to promote a healthy work-life balance.

Role Overview

The Store Director is accountable for the operational performance of assigned departments within the store. This role partners closely with department leaders to drive results across associate engagement, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. In addition, the Store Director supports hiring and selection, new associate orientation and onboarding, and the ongoing development of department managers and associates.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Culture

• Lead through a coaching and servant leadership approach, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Create and promote an inclusive, positive store environment where associates feel engaged and motivated.
• Actively assess and improve associate engagement through feedback, observation, and action planning.

Customer Experience

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of Overall Satisfaction (OSAT) drivers and performance metrics.
• Utilize customer scorecards and feedback to identify opportunities and drive service improvements across assigned departments.

Financial Performance

• Focus on key financial drivers within assigned departments, including sales, margin, shrink, and labor.
• Analyze performance trends and implement strategies to improve financial results.

People Management

• Actively develop associates with the belief that all team members have growth potential.
• Ensure effective hiring, selection, and promotion of associates.
• Address performance gaps through coaching, development plans, and corrective action as needed.
• Resolve associate relations issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Facilitate performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and other complex or sensitive associate conversations.

Department Execution

• Maintain a thorough understanding of operational standards and ensure compliance across assigned departments.
• Oversee all aspects of departmental performance, including associate engagement, customer service, food and personal safety, financial results, and daily operations.
• Ensure corporate initiatives are implemented consistently and effectively.
• Partner with department managers to develop effective labor schedules aligned with business needs.
• Translate financial goals into actionable plans and execute to achieve results.

Continuous Improvement & Opportunities

• Collaborate with department managers to identify and execute opportunities that improve financial performance, associate engagement, and customer satisfaction.
• Review, implement, and monitor the Store Improvement Plan (SIP) to ensure sustained progress and accountability.

Store Operations

• Own the new associate orientation process, ensuring compliance and effective onboarding.
• Support overall store operations on a daily basis.
• Ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for both associates and customers.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of store financials, customer satisfaction metrics, associate engagement data, merchandising standards, and product mix at the department level.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of retail leadership experience at the store or department level.
• Leadership development program experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead, problem-solve, communicate effectively, motivate teams, and manage conflict.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret store operations data to validate assumptions and drive recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong, collaborative relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as business needs require.

Illinois Benefits Information

1. Retirement Plan
   • Company-sponsored 401k plan for eligible full-time and part-time associates. 5% company match.
2. Healthcare Benefits
   • Medical and Pharmacy coverage for full-time associates.
   • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Account options, as well as Commuter Benefit options.
   • Company-provided Dental and Vision coverage for full-time and part-time associates.
3. Paid Time Off
   • Paid Time Off, including paid sick time.
4. Insurance
   • Company-paid life, short and long-term disability insurance.
5. Work-Life Balance
   • Flexible schedules.
   • Biweekly scheduling for better work predictability.
   • Closed on 7 major holidays.
6. Growth and Development
   • Daily professional development and growth opportunities, including leadership development for all associates.
7. Wellbeing
   • Company-provided associate assistance program.
   • Family, Parental and Personal Leave options.
8. Discounts
   • 20% discount on Heinen's products.

Heinen’s, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.