Assistant Store Manager - Cordata

WHO WE ARE

We’re a community-owned natural foods grocery store passionate about high-quality food, sustainability, and the cooperative business model. Our mission is rooted in serving our community while creating a workplace that is inclusive, engaging, and supportive. We strive to set a high standard for employment practices by fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and growth. We’re looking for positive, self-motivated people who take pride in delivering excellent customer service, value the quality of their work, show up reliably for their team, and enjoy working together to make a meaningful impact every day.

Reports to: Store Manager; also takes direction from CEO/General Manager 

Location: Cordata - 315 Westerly Rd Bellingham, WA

Status: Non-Exempt, Full Time 

Wage Range: $33.00 to $38.00

Schedule: Includes at least one weekend shift, with a mix of mid and closing shifts

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Store Manager (ASM) supports all areas of store operations and plays a key leadership role in ensuring a smooth, efficient, and customer-focused retail environment. Working closely with the Store Manager, this position helps foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture, upholds store standards, and enhances the customer experience across all departments.

The ASM leads by example on the floor and serves as Manager-on-Duty during evenings, weekends, and other designated shifts. They provide staff support, participate in hiring and onboarding efforts, and take part in collaborative leadership initiatives. The ASM also plays a key role in operational readiness, employee engagement, and store leadership succession.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Store Operations & Leadership

• Support the Store Manager in daily store operations and long-range planning.
• Serve as the Manager-on-Duty and provide consistent leadership presence during key shifts.
• Conduct regular store walk-throughs to ensure store readiness, merchandising standards, and customer service quality.
• Respond to operational issues, customer concerns, or staffing needs in real time.
• Collaborate with department managers to maintain communication and address cross-department needs.
• Identify and report facilities or equipment issues and safety concerns to appropriate teams.

Staff Development & Culture

• Model cooperative leadership and support a respectful, inclusive, and service-focused workplace.
• Lead and support hiring for customer service roles, including screening, interview coordination, and onboarding participation.
• Serve as a welcoming presence for new employees and provide early-stage guidance and orientation.
• Coach and support department managers in staff development, documentation, and performance conversations.
• Foster positive morale by recognizing team achievements and supporting staff retention efforts.

Collaboration & Communication

• Maintain ongoing communication with the Store Manager, CEO/General Manager, and other Leadership Team members.
• Participate in store-wide planning, project implementation, and organizational initiatives.
• Ensure store teams are informed and engaged with updates and expectations from store support teams.
• Represent store leadership in a consistent, professional, and union-supportive manner.

Additional Contributions

• Contribute to loss prevention efforts through documentation and coordination with store leadership.
• Step into frontline roles, including register and department support, when needed to ensure operational continuity.
• Support compliance with Co-op policies, legal and regulatory standards, and cooperative principles.
• Participate in strategic projects or process improvements as assigned.

• Minimum two (2) years of supervisory or leadership experience in a retail or grocery setting.
• Strong knowledge of retail operations and customer service standards.
• Proven ability to lead with empathy, integrity, and accountability.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Effective problem-solving, decision-making, and time management abilities.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and point-of-sale systems.
• Familiarity with the cooperative business model and union environment preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in environments with moderate to loud noise levels, including paging systems, phones, music, customer traffic, and machinery 
• Able to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift 
• Regularly required to bend, twist, reach, push/pull carts, use repetitive hand and wrist motions, and lift and carry 10–40 lbs 
• Occasionally required to climb ladders or step stools 
• Ability to safely operate all equipment necessary to perform the job in a retail grocery setting

BENEFITS AT THE CO-OP

• Up to 25% staff discount & access to wholesale orders 
• Great medical/dental/vision and supplemental insurance options
• 401(k) w/match
• Paid time off
• Pay on Demand 
• Potential year-end bonus 
• Access to employee assistance program

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: The Community Food Co-op is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Employees are expected to act in the best interest of the Co-op, even if doing so requires actions or responsibilities not listed in the above job description. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned which are not considered essential and may not be listed here.