Sunflower Market in Woodstock, NY is looking to hire a Front End Manager. Sunflower has been serving our communities since 1978 with products that support whole body health. The staff we have has worked with the company anywhere from less than a year, to more than 30 years. Having high skill and proficiency in creative problem solving, excellent organizational skills, and with people management are the top three characteristics needed for this role. Requiring a large amount of independence, the Front End Manager is responsible for maintaining a clean and welcoming front end, and for performance oversight of Front End staff. The role requires a 5 day work week, a minimum of 37.5 hours each week, and flexibility with scheduling. This includes evenings and weekends. Further information can be found in the attached job description below.
All new hires complete a 90-day introductory period, after which performance, consistency and role mastery are reviewed. A wage increase may be considered at that time, based on performance. We believe in growth, accountability and earning forward momentum.
Front End Manager Job Description:
General Purpose:
To provide overall leadership to the Front End Department. Supervise and engage in scheduling, customer service, and money handling by Front End Department staff to meet departmental objectives for accuracy, timeliness, and store representation. Provide prompt, friendly, courteous customer service while processing customer transactions and otherwise assisting customers. Ensure staffing is adequate for job tasks and essential retail times. All Sunflower Market jobs require ensuring a positive company image by providing courteous, friendly, and consistently efficient service to customers and employees. All positions must strive to support Sunflower Market’s core values and goals, promote store programs and initiatives, and ensure adherence to all applicable health and safety regulations including Food Safety and regulatory duties required in the department. This role is responsible for providing effective leadership, communication, goal setting, and planning to the team. This role plays a critical part in achieving sales targets, maintaining product presentation, and fostering a customer-centric environment.
Essential Job Functions:
· Accountable for accuracy, vigilance, and efficient customer flow to ensure customer satisfaction and minimal loss.
· Alert Manager on Duty (MOD), Store Manager (SM), and Asst. Store Manager (ASM), or Security staff to potential shoplifters, disorderly customers, or other emergencies if assistance is needed.
· Bag items and assist customers when needed.
· Call for back-up as needed for customer service efficiency.
· Count cash office, cash tills, complete cashier reconciliations, and bank deposit daily.
· Efficiently and accurately process transactions and returns at the register following established procedures.
· Ensure expired products are removed from Front End displays and report to appropriate Department Managers.
· Ensure promotional materials and information about specials and donation programs are available and provided to customers during checkout process.
· Ensure refused/returned items are handled promptly and report to appropriate department manager as necessary.
· Ensure the department is clean, orderly, and clear from obstructions and clutter to ensure smooth customer traffic.
· Ensure the department is stocked at all registers and in cash office with essential tools for the job, such as register tape, pens, money markers, etc.
· Customer Service and Staff Accountability:
· Address customer inquiries and concerns promptly and effectively.
· Answer customer questions about loyalty programs, discounts, donations, and return policies.
· Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and implement disciplinary actions.
· Delegate tasks and set clear expectations to maximize employee performance.
· Develop and maintain employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours and adhere to any budgetary requirements.
· Ensure exceptional customer service by setting, exemplifying, and maintaining high standards for the sales team.
· Greet all customers with a smile and eye contact.
· Hold employees accountable for work performance, work morale, and attendance.
· Hold self and staff accountable for a high level of performance and exceptional customer service.
· Offer prompt, friendly customer service in person and on the phone, route phone calls and take messages as needed.
· Provide ongoing training to the team to enhance product knowledge, understanding of procedures, and customer engagement.
· Report on customer suggestions, comments, and complaints to appropriate manager.
· Work with Management team to resolve issues among department staff and document when necessary.
Leadership and Professionalism:
· Assist and guide Cashiers and Assistant Department Manager (ADM) when not operating a register.
· Demonstrate a high level of leadership and professionalism, ensuring staff follow codes of conduct.
· Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations on the sales floor.
· Ensure staff are informed about price changes, specials, events, and policy updates.
· Familiarity with store policies and enforce disciplinary actions with ADM, SM, ASM, and MODs as required.
· Foster a positive and collaborative work environment to maximize team productivity through means of encouragement, support, and excitement.
· Interview, hire, and train qualified applicants according to policy.
· Organize department meetings and attend management and storewide meetings.
· Perform Manager-on-Duty shifts when needed.
· Promptly respond to emails and messages when on the clock and follow up when necessary.
· Stay informed of the latest developments and trends in department products.
· Support Sunflower Market by fronting and assisting in other departments as requested by SM, ASM, and MOD.
· Sustain an exceptional level of knowledge and awareness of relevant competitors and industry trends.
Requirements:
· Ability to perform repetitive physical movements such as reaching, bending, squatting, and twisting with or without reasonable accommodation.
· Ability to have a schedule that reflects the needs of the business, which includes the following:
o A minimum of one closing shift a week.
o A minimum of one weekend shift a week.
o A minimum of 37.5 hours over the course of 5 days.
o Shifts leading up to holidays.
· Ability to manage multiple demands, prioritize effectively, and remain calm under pressure.
· Ability to perform repetitive tasks, such as scanning items, handling money and operating the cash register.
· Ability to project an outgoing, friendly personality.
· Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.
· Ability to work in a fast paced and crowded environment, especially during peak hours.
· Ability to work in cold and wet conditions.
· Consistently lift and move up to 30 pounds.
· Demonstrated decision making ability, leadership skills, and the ability to prioritize and delegate.
· Excellent organizational, time management and problem-solving abilities.
· Experience developing systems and procedures.
· Knowledge and understanding of product standards.
· Knowledge of organic, natural, non-GMO, and dietary needs.
· Minimum of 1 year’s experience on the Front End in a retail store.
· Minimum of 6 months’ experience in a management role.
· Proficient mathematical skills for money handling and assessing financial performance of the store.
· Regular, predictable attendance.
· Reliable and committed to follow-through.
· Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
· Strong communication skills with vendors.
· Strong knowledge of natural and organic grocery products, including current market trends and sustainability practices.
· Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to educate customers and staff.
· Willingness to adapt to evolving job demands.
Qualifications:
· Ability to read financial statements, including a firm grasp of margin and pricing.
· Minimum of 1 year’s experience working in a retail store.
· Proficient in Microsoft Suite (word, outlook, excel).
· Proficient in using point-of-sale systems and inventory management software.
· Supervisory experience in hiring, training, directing, evaluating, coaching, and disciplining.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general responsibilities of this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required for this position. It is understood that they are subject to change based on the needs of the business and at the employer’s discretion.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person