Front End Manager Trainee - Portage

Front-End Manager Job Description

Job Title:  Front-End Manager

Department:    Front-End

FLSA Status:  Salary – Exempt

Location: 

Revision Date:            

Position Summary:

The Front-End Manager is responsible for the leadership and daily operation of the store’s front-end area, ensuring exceptional customer service, accurate cash handling, and efficient workflow. This exempt-level position reports to the Service Manager and directly supervises all Front-End staff and Bookkeepers. The Front-End Manager fosters a welcoming and organized environment for both customers and team members while upholding the service and operational standards of Strack & Van Til.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to: Service Manager 
• Direct Reports: All Front-End staff, Bookkeepers
• Indirect Reports: Full- and part-time associates, support staff, and in-store specialists

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Supervision

• Leads, trains, and develops the Front-End team and Bookkeepers to ensure operational efficiency and exceptional customer service.
• Oversees scheduling, staffing, and daily task execution for front-end personnel.
• Provides coaching, performance feedback, and ensures accountability across all direct reports.

Customer Experience & Service Execution

• Maintains a strong presence at the front of the store to ensure customers are greeted, assisted, and checked out promptly and professionally.
• Resolves customer service issues effectively, modeling calm and solution-focused leadership.
• Reinforces a positive and helpful attitude among all front-end team members.

Cash Management & Compliance

• Oversees all front-end cash handling procedures, including cash drawer counts, safe audits, and till reconciliation.
• Ensures accurate register functions, proper refund and void procedures, and compliance with company cash policies.
• Coordinates with Bookkeepers to ensure daily financial transactions and reporting are accurate and timely.

Pricing & Signage Oversight

• Partners with department managers to coordinate pricing audits and sale execution.
• Addresses and resolves any pricing discrepancies that affect customer trust or register accuracy.

Operational Excellence

• Monitors front-end efficiency, appearance, and cleanliness to ensure a smooth customer checkout experience.
• Implements front-end service initiatives such as express lanes, bagging standards, and customer assistance procedures.
• Conducts regular reviews of front-end processes to identify and act on areas for improvement.

Safety & Loss Prevention

• Enforces store policies related to security, safety, and loss prevention at the front end.
• Trains staff on emergency procedures, accident response, and safe equipment handling.
• Partners with management to identify risk areas and develop preventative measures.

Collaboration & Communication

• Communicates effectively with the Service Manager and other departments leads to ensure alignment and consistency in store operations.
• Assist Service manager with scheduling and provide feedback on staffing, customer trends, and front-end challenges to inform store decisions.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required; additional coursework in customer service or management preferred.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in retail or grocery store operations with supervisory responsibilities.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with a focus on service, efficiency, and accuracy.
• Proficient in cash handling, POS systems, and financial auditing processes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations.
• Attention to detail in pricing accuracy, signage, and promotional compliance.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally, stand or walk for extended periods, and perform repetitive hand movements (e.g., scanning and bagging).
• Fast-paced environment with frequent contact with customers, employees, and cash-handling equipment.

1. Fast-paced retail environment with multitasking, deadlines, and weekend/holiday availability required.
2. Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Nondisclosure & Confidentiality:

Responsibility

• Access to sensitive financial information, including register data, safe counts, and sales reports.
• Responsible for ensuring financial integrity of the front-end operations and reporting discrepancies.

Strack & Van Til is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

We are committed to creating a respectable, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.