Workforce Development Jobs in Buffalo, NY (NOW HIRING)

SkillBridge Team Leader - Store Manager
Location:  District 1 - Batavia, NY Area
Regional (Final placement aligned within designated market)

Duration: 12–16 weeks (up to 180 days)

Schedule: Training schedules will reflect real-world retail operations and may include evenings, weekends, and varied shifts as participants progress.

Type:  Full-time, on-the-job training

About Us

Crosby’s is a growing convenience retail organization committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences through quality products, clean and welcoming stores, and strong community presence. With locations across Western and Central New York, as well as Pennsylvania, Crosby’s is built on a foundation of core values including honesty, customer focus, teamwork, and entrepreneurial spirit. 

As part of its commitment to workforce development and community impact, Crosby’s is proud to support transitioning service members through the SkillBridge program by providing structured training, hands-on experience, and a clear pathway into meaningful civilian careers in retail leadership and operations.

Program Overview

The Crosby’s Store Leadership SkillBridge Program is a structured, hands-on training experience designed to prepare transitioning service members for a Team Leader (Store Manager) role.

Participants will progress through Crosby’s established training framework, beginning with foundational store operations and advancing through increasing levels of responsibility, including Shift Leader and Assistant Team Leader competencies. This approach ensures a comprehensive, ground-up understanding of store operations, team dynamics, and performance expectations.

Through a combination of job shadowing, guided learning, structured training modules, and progressively increased responsibility, participants will develop the skills required to lead store operations independently.

Upon successful completion of the SkillBridge program, participants may be considered for a full-time Team Leader (Store Manager) position at one of Crosby’s locations within the designated region, based on performance and business needs.

Training Objectives

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

• Independently lead store operations in alignment with company standards

• Coach, develop, and hold team members accountable to performance expectations

• Deliver a high-quality, consistent customer experience aligned with Crosby’s brand standards

• Manage key operational and financial performance indicators, including sales, labor, and expenses

• Ensure full compliance with safety, food service, and regulatory standards

• Demonstrate readiness to operate as a Team Leader (Store Manager) within a multi-unit retail environment

Learning & Mentorship Focus

Participants will receive structured support throughout the program, including:

• Direct mentorship from Team Leaders and District Leaders

• Hands-on, competency-based training aligned with Crosby’s internal training framework

• Completion of structured operational and compliance training modules (including online learning components)

• Progressive responsibility aligned with demonstrated skill development

• Regular feedback, coaching, and performance evaluation

• Exposure to multiple store environments within the region

This structured approach ensures participants gain both the operational expertise and leadership capability required to successfully transition into a civilian management role.

Key Training Areas

Participants will gain experience across the following core areas:

Customer Experience

• Delivering service aligned with Crosby’s key standards: Quality, Availability, Timeliness, Friendliness, Cleanliness, and Value

• Supporting brand consistency and customer engagement

Store Operations

• Execute daily store procedures in alignment with company standards

• Demonstrate proficiency in food service operations, safety, and compliance

• Manage inventory, merchandising, and product availability

• Follow established procedures for receiving, reporting, and operational execution

Financial Acumen

• Develop understanding of store-level financial performance

• Monitor and support sales, labor, and expense management

• Execute cash handling, reporting, and audit procedures accurately

Team Leadership

• Coaching and mentoring associates

• Understanding scheduling and staffing needs

• Supporting hiring and onboarding processes

Safety & Compliance

• Lead shifts and support daily team execution

• Coach, mentor, and provide feedback to associates

• Support hiring, onboarding, and training processes

• Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented culture

Location & Flexibility

Participants will be assigned to a primary home store within their designated region.

To support development, participants may also gain experience at nearby locations within a reasonable commuting distance, providing exposure to different store environments and operational needs.

Final placement will be aligned based on business needs and participant preferences within the region.

The Ideal Candidate 

Key Attributes for Success

• Leadership Mindset: Leads by example and fosters a positive, accountable team culture

• Customer Focus: Committed to delivering a high-quality, consistent customer experience

• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating changing priorities and dynamic environments

• Ownership Mentality: Takes initiative and demonstrates responsibility for outcomes

• Team-Oriented Approach: Values collaboration, communication, and mutual respect

Basic Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age

• Active-duty service member approved for DoW SkillBridge participation

• Demonstrated leadership experience in a military or civilian setting

• Strong communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment

• High level of accountability, professionalism, and integrity

• Willingness to learn, adapt, and take on increasing responsibility 

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (as applicable)

• Must meet minimum age requirements based on state regulations and position responsibilities

Preferred Experience (Not Required)

• Experience in retail, operations, logistics, food service, or other customer-facing environments

• ServeSafe Food Protection Manager Certification

• Prior experience leading teams, managing schedules, or overseeing daily operations

• Exposure to performance metrics, inventory management, or financial accountability

• Interest in pursuing a long-term career in retail, operations, or multi-unit leadership

Post SkillBridge Employment

Participants who successfully complete the SkillBridge program may be evaluated for full-time employment as a Store Manager - Team Leader with Crosby’s, based on performance, demonstrated competencies, and business needs within the designated region.

Compensation:  $62,000 - $65,500 (final offer based on experience, qualifications, and location)

Benefits:  Eligible full-time employees may have access to a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and holidays

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match (if applicable)

• Tuition reimbursement

• Employee discounts and additional company-sponsored programs

• Ongoing training and career development opportunities