Store Manager in Training (MIT) in Lakeville, Minnesota at River Country Cooperative

General Summary: The Store Manager in Training (MIT) is a developmental leadership role designed to prepare future Store Managers through hands-on training in all aspects of convenience store operations, including customer service, merchandising, inventory management, food service, staffing, and financial performance. The MIT will work alongside experienced Store Managers across multiple locations, gaining the knowledge and leadership skills needed to successfully manage a store and provide management support where needed.

Essential Functions

• Participate in a structured Store Manager training program.
• Learn and apply company leadership principles, policies, and operational standards.
• Shadow Store Managers and assist with daily store operations.
• Develop leadership skills through coaching, mentoring, and hands-on experience.
• Demonstrate readiness to lead a store independently upon completion of training.
• Assist in managing daily store operations to ensure excellent customer service and operational efficiency.
• Learn opening and closing procedures, cash management, and money drop processes.
• Support food service operations while maintaining food safety and quality standards.
• Assist with inventory management, merchandising, receiving, stocking, and pricing accuracy.
• Monitor store appearance, cleanliness, and maintenance standards.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, and training of store associates.
• Assist with scheduling and daily work assignments.
• Coach and motivate team members to achieve operational goals.
• Foster a positive, customer-focused work environment.
• Learn store profitability drivers including labor, inventory control, shrink reduction, and cash management.
• Assist with preparing reports and monitoring key performance indicators.
• Participate in inventory counts, audits, and operational reviews.
• Learn bookkeeping and reporting procedures.
• Ensure exceptional customer experiences by addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
• Lead by example in delivering outstanding service.
• Support customer retention and community engagement initiatives.
• Travel between assigned store locations as needed for training and operational support.
• Provide management coverage during vacations, leaves of absence, staffing shortages, or new store openings.
• Adapt quickly to different teams, store environments, and business needs.

Competencies:

• Leadership Potential
• Customer Service Excellence
• Decision Making
• Communication Skills
• Team Building
• Business Acumen
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Time Management
• Accountability
• Initiative

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 1-3 years of retail, convenience store, restaurant, hospitality, or customer service leadership experience.
• Previous supervisory, shift lead, assistant manager, or team lead experience preferred.
• Basic computer proficiency, including POS systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred

• Convenience store, fuel retail, grocery, or food service management experience.
• Experience with scheduling, inventory management, and employee coaching.
• Multi-unit exposure is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

This position is classified as Medium Duty and requires:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Frequent bending, reaching, and stocking activities.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

Career Path

The Store Manager in Training role is designed as a pathway to Store Manager. Successful candidates who demonstrate leadership capability, operational proficiency, and alignment with company values may be promoted into a Store Manager position upon completion of the training program.

Work Conditions: Conditions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully and safely perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

Environment: Regular work schedules. However, overtime may be required if necessary to complete projects or specialized training. This position works majority in a climate-controlled office and rarely in extreme heat or cold. No travel is required.

Physical: This position is defined as Medium. Work involves exerting between 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally using any combination of body, hands, fingers, arms, legs, and feet to complete tasks. Walking or standing to a significant degree.

Other: None.