Manager, AOT Recruiting Operations
Job Category : Store Strategy & Support
Requisition Number : MANAG002965
Posted : September 4, 2025
Full-Time
Remote
Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
Description
About Grocery Outlet :
- Our Mission : Touching lives for the better
- Our Vision : Touching lives by being the first choice for bargain-minded consumers in the U.S.
- Our Values & Behaviors : Achievement, Diversity, Entrepreneurship, Family, Fun, Integrity & Service
About the team :
The Grocery Outlet Recruiting & Training team hires and develops Aspiring Operator Trainees (AOTs), the critical pipeline of Independent Store Owners. We combine rigorous sourcing, assessment, and training to ensure candidates are well prepared for the realities of store ownership. Our team collaborates closely to deliver best-in-class recruiting, while keeping our culture of fun, continuous improvement, and entrepreneurial spirit at the center.
About the role :
To optimize recruitment strategies for Grocery Outlet's Independent Operator (IO) model. This role focuses on operational excellence, process optimization, and implementing targeted tactics to attract and evaluate qualified independent operators.
This role turns recruiting operations into a high-output machine, with clean processes, clear metrics, and a steady flow of qualified owner-operator candidates. The manager will lead a small sourcing team, tighten workflows across the funnel, and use data to forecast, allocate, and improve. Success is seen in faster cycle times, higher lead quality, consistent candidate experience, and pipeline capacity that matches growth plans without missed openings.
Responsibilities Include :
Operational Strategy & Process OptimizationLead the sourcing function, including queue management, daily huddles, coaching, and performance plansProcess management : Streamline workflows to increase efficiency, reduce time-to-close, and enhance candidate experience.Run weekly operating rhythm, including pipeline reviews, KPI management and lead source productivity.Collaborate with internal teams (Training, Field Operations, Marketing) to align recruitment efforts with business objectives.Support forecasting by evaluating candidate pipeline needs based on market expansion plans and attrition.Lead Generation and Market TacticsBuild top-of-funnel through networking, events, referrals, digital campaigns, and third-party partnerships.Partner with marketing to create and execute AOT recruitment strategies, including online advertising, job boards, 3rd
party contracts, community outreach, and digital footprint.
Technology & Systems ManagementSupport optimization of current CRM, increasing accurate tracking of prospects through the recruitment process; Salesforce experience preferred.Maintain data integrity, ensuring accurate and up-to-date candidate records.Evaluate and implement tools that raise sourcing productivity, data quality, and candidate engagement processes.Data & ReportingMaintain dashboards for lead volume, quality, conversion, velocity, and pipeline coverage versus forecast.Diagnose drop-offs through cohort and stage analysis, then run A or B tests and operational fixesPresent regular performance reports to leadership and cross-functional teams.Compliance & Candidate ExperienceEnsure recruiting processes adhere to internal policies and industry regulations.Create consistency and guidelines for the candidate evaluation process.Support field leadership at key candidate milestones, including financial readiness reviews, panel interviews, and assessment debriefs.About the Pay :
Base Salary Range : $120,000 - $140,000 AnnuallyAnnual Bonus ProgramEquity401(k) Profit SharingMedical, Dental, Vision & More!Final compensation will be determined based upon experience and skills and may vary based on location.About You :
5 plus years in talent acquisition for multi-site or high-volume selection, including owner-operator, franchise, small-business, or complex pathway roles.2 plus years leading sourcing or recruiting teams, including coaching, performance management, and workload planningProven record improving funnel conversion and cycle time through process design, enablement, and automationStrong data literacy, including KPI analysis, and translating insight into operational changeHands-on with ATS and CRM systems, Salesforce experience a plusComfortable partnering with marketing on campaigns, landing pages, and lead quality controls.Clear communicator, able to align field leaders and cross-functional partners on priorities and trade-offsNice to have experience with financial readiness screening, behavioral or cognitive assessments, and multi-stage panel interviewsEqual Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
