Area Management Trainee

The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is one of the world's largest grocery retailers, with fiscal 2015 sales of $109.8 billion. The Kroger Co. Family of Stores spans many states with store formats that include grocery and multi-department stores, discount, convenience stores and jewelry stores. We operate under nearly two dozen banners, all of which share the same belief in building strong local ties and brand loyalty with our customers.

This is a 17 week instructional course (12 weeks of in-store training and 5 weeks of classroom instruction) designed to acclimate the candidate to basic functions performed on a management level in a retail grocery setting. Upon successful completion of the training program, you will serve as a Co-Manager with an overall day-to-day responsibility of running all aspects of a retail grocery store. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

* Assist store manager and associates in the acheivement of a favorable customer shopping experience and associate interest in customer service/relations. * Assist in leading teams in the planning, implementation and execution of merchandising and operating initiatives. * Work with department heads and associates to identify opportunities in the store, develop timely solutions and create action plans. * Achieve/exceed weekly, period, and annual sales, wage budgets, profit budgets, and other targeted goals. * Drive sales working with department managers to maximize sales and profits, reduce shrink and improve each store department's contribution. * Assist the store manager in the regular store-level financial performance discussions. * Analyze and respond to the competitive landscape within the store, district and division. * Utilize coordinators and other field staff to ensure store departments are achieving sales and profit goals. * Promote and support strong relationships with local community organizations in the surrounding area in which the store operates. * Assist in building a proactive and productive relationship with union representatives and business agents. * Serve as liaison providing feedback to Store Manager, District Manager and Coordinators on the effectiveness of Division merchandising and operational plans/programs. * Assist the store manager in staffing, reducing turnover, increasing retention and store operations. * Provide timely feedback to department heads and associates on individual and department performance. * Assist with the management of labor and supply costs on a daily basis to meet customer service and financial targets. * Achieve a satisfactory level of technical and professional skills. * Supervise and coach direct reports on the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports. * Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

**Minimum Position Qualifications:** * Must be at least 21 years old * Earned a High School diploma or equivalent * Bring Retail Store/Assistant Management Experience **Desired Previous Job Experience:** * Earned a Bachelor's or Associate's Degree * 1-year previous retail experience preferred * Previous experience in directing the efforts of multiple individuals from diverse work groups * Previous financial responsibility including budget preparation and management