Freelance Retail Management Training Program Jobs in Illinois

ALDI is looking for passionate and driven individuals to join our Store Manager Trainee program. In this role, you will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead your own store, delivering outstanding customer service and creating a positive work environment for your team. You will collaborate with experienced leaders to ensure operational excellence and drive sales growth. As ALDI continues to expand rapidly across the United States, this is an exciting opportunity to grow your career in retail management with a company that values simplicity, consistency, and responsibility. Join ALDI and benefit from comprehensive training and a supportive culture that empowers you to thrive. 

Position Type: Full-Time
Estimated Hours: 45 hours per week
Store Manager Trainee Starting Wage: $29.50 per hour
Estimated Store Manager Earning Potential Year 1: Up to $105,000 (inclusive of salary and bonus when applicable)
*Estimate may vary by location

Duties and Responsibilities:
Must be able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Communicates job responsibilities and performance expectations to direct reports to ensure desired results; leads and develops store personnel. 
• Develops and implements action plans using company provided resources to improve operating results.  
• Oversees the appropriate resolution of employee and customer concerns, aligning with the district manager, as needed.  
• Interviews candidates for store positions and provides recommendations to the district manager. 
• Manages personnel, including recommending personnel for advancement and termination as appropriate.  
• Communicates, cooperates, and interacts effectively with all levels of ALDI personnel, customers, third-party vendors and business partners.  
• Collaborates in the resolution of any issues that arise within the store to minimize potential liability for the division and the company. 
• Leads, develops, and supervises the team to develop sales, engage our teams, satisfy our customers and achieve consistent high performance. 
• Understands and oversees the execution of the overarching company strategy while communicating and modeling the core values of the organization.   
• Fosters a positive and collaborative working environment and promotes teamwork among employees. 
• Oversees and manages compliance with policies and procedures within the store, as well as applicable federal, state, and local regulations. 
• Trains and develops store personnel to achieve their maximum professional potential, using appropriate training materials. 
• Observes and evaluates employees’ work performance and provides feedback and coaching as appropriate.  
• Ensures store personnel comply with the company customer services guidelines and demonstrate appropriate interactions with customers and co-workers.  
• Resolve concerns from store personnel and customers independently and/or escalates concerns to the district manager as necessary. 
• Models, communicates and supervises compliance with company policies and procedures. 
• Ensures a safe working environment by identifying and rectifying hazards, promoting proper ergonomics, and maintaining equipment in proper working order. 
• Prepares, manages and revises weekly schedules to ensure accuracy. 
• Ensures store personnel adhere to expense guidelines, inventory procedures, product handling, and cash handling policies to minimize losses.   
• Ensures store personnel maintain store zone standards and merchandising standards at all times. 
• Acts to improve operational results and implements personnel and operational plans to achieve store KPI goals and budgets. 
• Attends and participates in meetings such as district weekly operations calls, monthly one-to-ones and training sessions.  
• Plans and conducts meetings such as store team meetings, monthly management team meetings, training sessions, and other company-related events or meetings. 

Physical Demands:

• Required to sit, reach, grasp, stand, and move from one area to another. 
• Required to place products weighing up to 45 pounds on shelves at various heights.  
• Required operation of equipment such as electric and manual hand jacks, floor scrubber and cardboard baler. 
• Ability to work in varying temperatures, hot and cold (including outdoor temperatures and refrigerator/freezer environments). 

Job Qualifications:

• Ability to develop rapport, trust, and open communication that enhances the performance of direct reports.  
• Ability to work independently and within a team to provide effective leadership of store personnel and achieve planned results.  
• Ability to understand and apply management principles to achieve the store's goals and compliance expectations.  
• Ability to perform leadership and administrative duties.  
• Ability to provide prompt and courteous customer service.  
• Ability to operate all store equipment such as cash registers, floor scrubber, cardboard baler, pallet jacks, handheld devices, computers, etc., and to perform all operational tasks effectively and efficiently to the standard.  
• Ability to facilitate group involvement when conducting meetings.    
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with internal and external parties.  
• Ability to interpret and apply ALDI operating policies and procedures.  
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.  
• Ability to organize, prioritize and complete activities to maximize the total time available.  
• Ability to establish and successfully execute plans and goals.  
• Ability to use ALDI-provided technology as required. 
• May be required to handle and sell alcoholic beverages and meet any state and local requirements for handling and selling of alcoholic beverages. 
• May be required to obtain a ServSafe certification or other applicable state/local certifications to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. 

Education and Experience:

• At least 18 years old required. 
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred. 
• Prior experience in a retail environment and prior management experience. 

Travel:

• Full-Time Store Manager Trainees will train at multiple locations and must have flexibility to travel within divisional requirements.  

ALDI offers competitive wages and benefits, to all employees including:

• 401(k) Plan
• Company 401(k) Matching Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• PerkSpot National Discount Program

In addition, full-time employees are offered:

• Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Generous Vacation Time & 7 Paid Holidays
• Up to 6 Weeks Paid Parental Leave at 100% of pay
• Up to 2 Weeks Paid Caregiver Leave at 100% of pay
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life, Dependent Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance

*Full-time employees average 30 or more hours per week within an annual lookback period

**Benefits offered to full-time and part-time employees may vary by state

Click here to learn more about the benefits ALDI has to offer

ALDI is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. As a proud Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), we do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual stereotyping, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), or any other protected characteristic. Employment may be contingent upon ALDI's receipt of an acceptable and job-related drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.