Senior Trainee Manager

Main Purpose of the Job

The Senior Trainee Manager role is designed for an experienced retail professional who is preparing to progress into a management position. The role involves gaining in-depth experience across all areas of the store while taking increased responsibility for department performance, team leadership, and operational standards. The successful candidate will actively seek development opportunities and support the Store Manager in driving sales, standards, and people performance.

Qualifications

• Experience working with fresh food departments
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong delegation and people-management skills
• Highly driven with a strong work ethic
• Passion for grocery retail
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure customer satisfaction is always the top priority by delivering consistent, high-quality service and role-modelling I-CARE Service Excellence behaviours.
• Lead by example on the shop floor, supporting the team to deliver exceptional customer experiences.

Store & Department Operations

• Take responsibility for the day-to-day management of assigned departments, ensuring standards, availability, and performance targets are met.
• Ensure merchandising and presentation across the store is of the highest standard and aligned with planograms and store guidelines.
• Implement operational efficiencies using tools such as Gold reports and scanning information.
• Gain full competence in supply chain procedures including ordering, deliveries, stock rotation, and stock control.

Performance & Commercial Awareness

• Support the Store Manager in achieving Retail Excellence standards and overall store targets.
• Set, monitor, and achieve sales targets in assigned areas, including gross margin, net margin, waste, and other agreed KPIs.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of margin achievement across all departments.

Training & Development

• Support the Store Manager in coaching, training, and developing team members to meet SuperValu Retail Excellence and I-CARE Service Excellence standards.
• Assist in onboarding and mentoring new employees where required.

Compliance & Standards

• Ensure HACCP best practices are implemented and maintained across the store.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of relevant legislation including Food Safety, Health & Safety, sale of alcohol, and employment legislation.
• Ensure all employees present a professional appearance, wearing full uniform and name badges at all times.
• Ensure store compliance with all relevant legislation and internal procedures.

Leadership & Responsibility

• Take responsibility for opening and closing procedures when required, ensuring efficiency and compliance across all departments.
• Act as a key support to the Store Manager, assuming additional responsibility in their absence when required.
• Engage positively with new initiatives and embrace new ways of working.
• Actively live and promote SuperValu brand values: Genuine, Passion for Food, Vibrant, Committed, Innovative, and Imaginative.
• Bike to work scheme
• Company pension
• Employee assistance program