Operations Program Associate Jobs in Itasca, IL (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 23 locations – 19 in the Cleveland, Ohio area and 4 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.

Job Summary

At Heinen’s, our approach to wine & beer centers on creating a “wine & beer shop within a grocery store”. To accomplish this, we look for individuals who have a love for wine & beer and embrace fun, creative ways to bring that vision to life for our customers to share in and experience.

Additionally, our wine & beer leads have the autonomy to make decisions around sales, customer engagement, product procurement, merchandising, demos, events, and team development.

This is a fantastic opportunity to get a taste for the wine and beer business. You will be working alongside a passionate dedicated team and will be able to grow your experience and understanding of wine and beer. Our structured, paid training program will allow you to become certified as a WSET wine consultant. You will also have an opportunity to participate in educational trips (local and abroad).

Benefits & Programs

• Benefits and pension eligible.
• Flexible schedules – live and work in harmony!
• Closed on 7 major holidays.
• Competitive wages and regular wage increases.
• Professional development opportunities.
• 20% discount on in-store purchases (excludes alcohol)
• Semiannual bonus program.
• Associate assistance program.
• Associate recognition program.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides overall leadership to the wine & beer team. Trains, develops, motivates, and mentors team members.
• Effectively delegates to and empowers team members.
• Collaborates with team members to complete daily tasks as needed, including scanning, and recording shrink, order writing, stocking, rotating, and merchandising.
• Maintains knowledge of industry trends in wine, beer, and spirits and shares with team members.
• Collaborates with store leadership, brew partners and wine makers to organize and support product demonstrations and special events.
• Makes product mix and buying decisions.
• Participates in educational trips (local and abroad) to broaden education and knowledge.
• Utilizes product and promotional knowledge to assist customers with buying decisions.
• Responsible for day-to-day department operations; sales planning and forecasting, product merchandising, inventory management, shrink management, and labor planning.
• Complies with all personal and food safety company standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• 2-3 years’ experience in hospitality, restaurant, distributor, or grocery retail preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with email, Microsoft Office, and operations-related applications.
• Must be at least 21 years of age to dispense alcohol.
• Base knowledge about wines of the world and able to communicate with customers about product selection and appropriate food pairings.
• Passion for retail with a quality focus, customer service orientation, organizational skills, and attention to detail.

Work Environment

• Production driven - able to work continuously on repetitive tasks while standing / walking up to 6-8 hours daily.
• Able to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.
• Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching.
• Able to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends as needed.
• Occasionally exposed to extreme conditions, hot or cold.

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.