The Job in a nutshell:

The Front End Manager is responsible for the successful operation and profitability of front-end operations, with a focus on world class customer service.  This position will be responsible for the success of their own department through direction and supervision of all department functions; including coordinating displays, training and developing cashiers, directing and monitoring all department staff. This position will also be required to fulfill the duties of the Manager on Duty (MOD) at your store.

Main Ingredients:

World Class Customer Service:   Providing world class customer service is our number one priority.  As Front End Manager, this position will be training and managing the majority of Crew who have direct interactions with our customers. One of our biggest differentiators is the customer service our amazing Crew members deliver!  Front End Manager’s focus will be to identify opportunities in the Front End department to improve the customer experience by:

1. Overseeing the Front End department, running a register and training new cashiers
2. Handling overrides at the front end and getting cash drawers for cashiers
3. Directing other cashiers to tasks when not busy at the register
4. Providing World Class Customer Service and training others to do so
5. Creating a positive lasting impression on customers by improving front end sets.

Achieving Operational Excellence:   Operational Excellence is the key to delivering a world class customer experience. This role will partner with the management team to ensure all processes and tasks, from A - Z, are managed effectively and efficiently. Critical areas of focus include:  overall customer satisfaction, overseeing front end operations, achieving store financial targets, policy compliance, product signage and merchandising, meeting quality standards, managing cleanliness and sanitation, and ensuring Crew safety. You will impact these areas by:

1. Ensuring the Daily Sales Report (DSR) is completed per company standards.
2. Monitoring customer wait time and training Crew to request additional cashier help as needed.
3. Drive an increase in the average sale.
4. Analyzing and improving customer service from a full store view.
5. Managing the special order process.

Leadership & Professionalism - At Natural Grocers we believe Leadership starts with this position! Leadership is about integrity, intent, capabilities, results and a commitment to CARE- Communicate, Assist, Respect, and Empower.  This includes always communicating in an ethical, respectful and professional manner, inspiring others to be passionate about our 5 Founding Principles and achieving our strategic objectives, and most importantly, treating your fellow Crew, customers, vendors in a civil and respectful manner.  In this role, you will:

1. Train and direct Crew to achieve operational excellence at the Front End.
2. Partner with fellow store leaders to successfully drive execution of store objectives and be a champion in supporting an ever-changing environment.
3. Assign staff duties as needed to support the needs of the store.
4. Lead by example, adhering to company policies, procedures and standards.
5. Train new good4U Customer Care on company policies, procedures and standards.
6. Drive World Class Customer Service by increasing good4U Customer Care product knowledge.
7. Be professional at all times and provide appropriate leadership for the staff and the store.

Rolling Up Your Sleeves:  This position will be overseeing the Front End, giving the role the valuable perspective on how to maximize the customer experience. 

1. All department managers are expected to serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) and work with other department managers to cross-train staff to accomplish all tasks necessary for successful store operation.
2. Take initiative and demonstrate how to be a team player. There may even be times where this position will be required to perform a little scrubbing, dusting and shining as needed!

Getting the Job Done:   Able to work weekends, holidays, attend store meetings and work a flexible work schedule – five 8 hour shifts per week.

Moving on Up:  We want you to grow with us!  Take time to continually increase your product knowledge through store resources.  This position offers insight into the overall perspective of successful department operations and the opportunity to inspire and lead others; preparing you for advancement opportunities both in the stores as well as the store support center.

Although this is a general outline of job responsibilities all employees are expected to be “hands on” and do whatever it takes to get the job done and make the company thrive.

Recipe for Success:

1. Ability and desire to provide World Class Customer Service as a number one priority by initiating customer contact, conversations about products, events and services, and following through
2. High school diploma or GED preferred
3. 1-2 years of experience in retail experience in a grocery or retail environment preferred; natural foods background is a plus
4. Ability to pass food safety training courses and/or certifications as required by law and maintain compliance by keeping certifications up to date and registered if applicable
5. 1-2 years of experience in front-end supervision
6. 1-2 years of experience supervising others, preferred
7. Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to train and develop others
8. Ability to manage changing priorities and to stay focused with the task at hand with a sense of urgency in the completion of tasks
9. Highly organized with great attention to detail
10. Ability to take direction and follow through
11. Must be cashier trained and able to count currency
12. Proficient in MS Word, Excel and Outlook
13. Full schedule availability

This job description is not an employment contract.  It does not guarantee a job or that the above listed duties are the limit of responsibilities.  The job and job description are subject to change with and without notice.  Employees are required to accomplish any and all tasks assigned to him/her by their Manager and/or other Store Support Center manager that may not be listed in this job description.

Here’s an overview of the benefits we offer our good4u Crew to help ensure the health and wellbeing of you and your family, now and well into the future:

All Crew Members

• Birthday Bonus Pay 
• Vitamin Bucks (up to $2,080 earned as store credit annually) 
• Holiday Pay for 5 Holidays – Stores Closed
• Paid Time Off (sick days and vacation) that Increases with Tenure 
• Paid Nutrition Education 
• good4u Crew Member Discount  
• {N}power Program (customer appreciation and rewards program) 
• Regular, Scheduled Pay Increases  
• Advancement Opportunities and Career Development 
• Health and Wellness Program  
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)   
• Employee Referral Program

Full-Time Crew Members (30+ hours/week)

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance 
• Paid Parental Leave  
• Paid Medical Leave (through company paid short-term disability insurance) 
• Company Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance  
• Company Paid Life Insurance 
• Voluntary Benefits Including Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Term Life Insurance   
• Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with discretionary Company Match  
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)  
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match 

Diversity Statement

At the heart of Natural Grocers' commitment to our community and crew is this belief: All people should be empowered to experience health and wellbeing! We cannot be true to this conviction without honoring diversity and cultivating inclusion throughout every aspect of our organization.

At Natural Grocers, we honor our differences, embrace diversity, and cultivate inclusion because both individual and societal health are rooted in these principles. Our Crew is diverse not only in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, abilities, and age but also in cultural backgrounds, thoughts, and ideas. Celebrating our diversity refreshes, expands, and shapes our perspective, energizing our mission of equitable access to health and wellness for all. We welcome everyone who would like to join us in this mission, with gratitude for the unique life experience each person brings to the table. We’re committed to nurturing an ecosystem of diversity and inclusion in which our Crew can continue to thrive.

Physical Capabilities and Environmental Demands:

N = Never

O = Occasional; 1-33% of time

F = Frequent; 34-66% of time

C = Constant; 67-100% of time

Physical Requirements:

• Must have the ability to constantly lift or carry up to 10 lbs., frequently lift or carry 11-20 lbs., and occasionally lift or carry 21-50 lbs. Must also have the ability to occasionally lift or carry 51-100 lbs. with a team lift.
• Must have the ability to frequently push or pull up to 15 lbs. and occasionally push or pull 16-100 lbs.
• Must be able to occasionally use the computer for data entry and use of mouse.
• Must be able to constantly walk, stand, use fine motor manipulations, grip, bend, twist, turn, and reach outward for the duration of the work shift.
• Must be able to frequently to reach above chest.
• Must be able to occasionally sit, squat, kneel, and climb as needed.

Environmental Requirements:

• Must be able to frequently work with sharp tools and equipment, dust, fumes, and congested worksite.
• Must be able to occasionally work with noise, cold, heat, wet, humid, outside, heights, and contact stress.