Career Development Associate Store Team Leader (Assistant Store Manager) - Chicago

Career Development Associate Store Team Leader

Whole Foods Market is seeking a Career Development Associate Store Team Leader (Assistant Store Manager). The Career Development Associate Store Team Leader (CDASTL) is responsible for completing a structured leadership training program to prepare themselves to become an Associate Store Team Leader. As part of the program, the CDASTL role will support store leadership in overseeing the daily operations of the store. Responsibilities include retail execution, attaining store financial performance, and safety & food safety performance goals, Team Member coaching, development, and performance management, ensuring customer service standards are met, and completing all training required to graduate the program. CDASTLs that successfully complete the program will be promoted to an Associate Store Team Leader role. The position requires the willingness to take a position in different stores, within 35 miles or an hour commute from home. Flexibility to move beyond the current metro is highly desirable. Due to this being a set scheduled training program, we strongly recommend that participants make every effort to reschedule planned PTO to fall outside of the program run dates, January through March 2026. Participants can miss up to, but no more than, three training days which are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Whole Foods Market offers a comprehensive benefits program to Full Time Team Members including low premium health, dental and vision plans life insurance plans, paid time off plan, 401k plan, wellness programs, career learning & development, Team Member Assistance Program and a 20% Team Member discount. We offer competitive wages and a great work / life balance!

Principal Duties

Program Requirements :

• Engages fully with all aspects of the CDASTL training program including, but not limited to : weekly training assignments, CDASTL Operational Learning Path, peer cohort discussions, STL Mentor discussions, team immersions, Regional Leadership meetings, in-person and / or virtual trainings, and capstone project.
• Partners with STL Mentor to create a personal growth plan and capstone project roadmap.
• Completes all curriculum assignments and capstone project on time to remain on track with their learning journey and graduate from the program.

Responsibilities :

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

2+ years of experience leading a team in a Leadership role in Retail / Culinary / Hospitality or related industries

High performing Manager / Team Leader or has equivalent leadership experience, preferably in retail or hospitality industries

The ability to successfully drive results; supporting TMs and TLs to achieve the highest standards

Well-rounded knowledge and application of all merchandising / retailing expectations

Critical thinking with creative approach to problem solving

Excellent judgment and decision making

Strong communicator; ability to be precise, clear and convey enthusiasm

Ability to train and inspire excellence

Ability to delegate effectively

Well organized with excellent follow through

Proficiency with email, Microsoft Office, and all operations-related applications.

High integrity, transparency and authenticity

Solid understanding of and compliance with WFM policies, procedures and processes

Desired Experience

This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the performance of this job. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Other duties not listed here may be assigned as necessary to ensure the proper operations of the team.