Store Manager Apprentice

Job Purpose

STORE LEADER APPRENTICE - OVERVIEW
The Store Leader Apprentice role is a structured learning and development position that prepares motivated entry-level employees to advance into a full Store Leader role upon completion of the training program and mastery of required skills. The program is designed to be one year in length, though actual duration may vary based on individual performance and skill progression. Apprentices move through clearly defined competency levels throughout their training, combining hands-on experience, related classroom instruction, and leadership practice under the guidance of experienced Store Leaders and District Leaders.

As part of the Royal Farms Registered Apprenticeship Program, a state-recognized career pathway and training program, this role offers paid, on-the-job training, mentorship, and development in essential leadership and operational skills. The program is ideal for individuals with little to no prior experience, but who demonstrate strong motivation, a growth mindset, and a commitment to learning. Entry into the program may occur at different levels based on a candidate's experience, but all apprentices begin training at the foundational level and progress through training and experience for each role reporting to a Store Leader to ensure consistent development and skill mastery. Internal candidates may receive credit for relevant prior experience or training at Royal Farms, which will be evaluated and confirmed during the apprenticeship registration process.

Throughout the program, apprentices gain the skills needed to manage store operations, lead teams, and consistently deliver excellence in customer service, food safety, and financial performance. By the end of the program, apprentices are fully prepared to step into the Store Leader role with confidence and capability.

STORE LEADER – JOB PURPOSE
The Store Leader is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a Royal Farms store and leading a team of Associates to deliver an exceptional customer experience. This role contributes to the company's success by consistently creating a positive store environment, ensuring operational excellence, and maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction.

The Store Leader regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion in managing store functions, including staffing (hiring, training, evaluating, scheduling, and performance management), financial performance, safety, and product quality. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, dependable, and thrives in a fast-paced setting while upholding 100% total customer focus.

Essential Functions

Customer Service & Community Engagement

• • Ensure every customer receives an outstanding experience by setting and maintaining high service standards across the store, including greeting, acknowledging, and assisting customers, and ensuring team members demonstrate product knowledge and professionalism.
  • Lead and develop the retail team to consistently deliver exceptional service, holding associates accountable for performance and customer engagement.
  • Build and sustain positive relationships with the local community through outreach, events, and active engagement to strengthen brand loyalty.
  • Oversee and ensure proper execution of all Royal Farms marketing programs, promotions, and customer-facing initiatives.

Team Leadership & Employee Development

• • Build, lead, and maintain a high-performing retail team through active recruiting, onboarding, training, and ongoing development, exercising discretion in hiring, promotions, and staffing decisions.
  • Provide coaching, guidance, and direction to associates and managers to drive operational goals, team performance, and customer satisfaction.
  • Evaluate store operations, key business indicators, and team performance to identify concerns, opportunities, and areas for improvement, and implement corrective or strategic actions as needed.
  • Develop and strengthen the management team through succession planning and internal promotion strategies, ensuring the long-term success of the store.
  • Lead regular team meetings and foster an environment of open communication, feedback, and accountability.
  • Recognize and reward team members who consistently uphold company standards and values, and make decisions regarding advancement opportunities.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable wage and hour laws for nonexempt associates and minors.
  • Own employee relations matters, resolving issues fairly and effectively while balancing associate needs with business objectives.

Operational Execution & Compliance

• • Own and enforce the consistent execution of all Royal Farms rules, policies, procedures, and systems across the store.
  • Ensure operational excellence by implementing strategies that maintain high standards in cleanliness, food safety and quality, merchandising, and just-in-time replenishment.
  • Monitor store performance, business processes, and operational results to identify issues, opportunities, and corrective actions that drive profitability and efficiency.
  • Oversee and ensure proper execution of all Royal Farms marketing programs, promotions, and customer-facing initiatives.
  • Maintain accountability for compliance in all areas, including people, safety, assets, and cash management, making decisions and taking action to address violations or concerns.
  • Supervise and enforce company policy for checking in both internal and external vendors, ensuring proper processes are followed.
  • Lead safety, loss prevention, and operational compliance initiatives, holding team members accountable for adherence to standards.

Business Oversight & Communication

• • Own the analysis of store performance, operational metrics, and key business indicators to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities.
  • Make informed, proactive decisions that drive sales, profitability, and operational efficiency, providing clear direction to the store team.
  • Communicate effectively with associates, management, and district leadership to ensure alignment on priorities, initiatives, and performance expectations.
  • Provide actionable insights and strategic recommendations to continuously improve store results and support company objectives.
  • Lead regular team briefings and business reviews to reinforce accountability, operational focus, and continuous improvement across all areas of the store.

Additional Responsibilities

• Follow Royal Farms safety, security, and operational procedures as outlined in SOPs and training materials.
• Uphold the mission, core values, and brand standards of the company by ensuring all practices reflect integrity, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Performs other projects/duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises all store employees.

Qualifications

Required

• • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must have earned a high school diploma or GED.
  • Must have at least 2 years of experience in fast food or retail management with full operational accountability, including responsibility for staffing, financial performance, and overall store results.
  • Must consistently demonstrate strong leadership skills.
  • Must possess strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Must possess strong supervisory and organizational skills.
  • Must be able to utilize basic business math, accounting, computer skills, and demonstrate strong analytical and decision-making abilities.

Preferred

• • An associate's (2-year) college degree or higher.
  • A current ANSI-approved Food Safety Manager Certification.

Success Factors

• Operational Excellence – Owns store operations and drives consistent execution of company standards, including labor management, inventory control, safety, merchandising, and audits. Uses performance metrics and observations to identify opportunities, implement improvements, and achieve financial and operational goals.
• Effective Leadership – Builds and develops high-performing teams and future leaders through coaching, clear communication, accountability, and recognition. Sets expectations, monitors results, and fosters a positive, productive, and compliant store culture.
• Business Performance & Decision-Making – Uses store data, metrics, and insights to make informed decisions that drive sales, profitability, and operational efficiency. Partners with the team to implement strategies that support company objectives and continuous improvement.

Work Requirements

• This role supports a 24/7/365 business model and carries full accountability for business needs, which may require work on weekends, holidays, overnights, or other non-traditional hours.
• Must have open availability to support business needs
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 lbs throughout the shift.
• Must be able to perform repetitive physical tasks such as squatting, stooping, and crouching for extended periods.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and leading a team.
• Must be comfortable using business software and store technology, including back-office tools, registers, and handheld devices.
• Must have or obtain an ANSI approved Food Safety Manager Certification within required timeframes and maintain certification thereafter.
• Must successfully complete the required leadership classroom training curriculum at the designated training center in Baltimore, MD or Laurel, DE.
• Must be able to travel locally for business needs, including meetings, training, or temporary store assignments.