Store Director in Training - Hickory, NC
Company : Lowes Foods
Location : Hickory, NC, 28601
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 31 December 2025
Overview
After successful completion of the training program, a Store Director in Training works to ensure effective and profitable operations of the store through sales maximization and host growth. Support the company brand and instill service priorities and cultural initiatives to maximize sales.
Responsibilities
1. Implements and maintains an in-store sales-building culture that ensures growth through: execution of company merchandising programs and weekly sales plans in each department, planning and executing weekly sales themes, ensuring in-stock conditions throughout the store and conducting weekly sales meetings.
2. Provides for desired levels of guest satisfaction, courtesy and service throughout the store, with special emphasis on our front-end fast service commitment.
3. Accountable for achieving budgeted financial results.
4. Protects company assets: merchandise, cash, facilities and equipment. Conducts weekly manager audits on front-end, DSD receiving and pricing. Personally responsible for follow through on all required shrink management programs.
5. Effectively controls store variable expenses, including achieving budgeted wage percent.
6. Personally responsible for the staffing of the store, including forecasting of needs, recruitment and training. Additionally, builds a talent planning bench for store, including developing and executing development plans for all hi-potential and promotable individuals.
7. Ensures direct reports understand expectations for performance, holds them accountable to achieve budgeted results and meets with them to review performance and provide feedback (ongoing and annual performance appraisal).
8. Constant awareness and reaction to store conditions through frequent and detailed store walks.
9. Effectively trains and develops store management team, especially co-managers, to ensure Lowes Foods has the necessary bench for our sustained growth. Acts as a resource for these leaders in their roles.
10. Ensures sanitation and food safety standards are maintained throughout the store (as measured through internal and external sources).
11. Creates an atmosphere that ensures positive store morale through effective supervisory treatment and recognition. The workforce should be enthusiastic, guest focused and embedded in a selling culture.
12. Provides and facilitates effective communications to Division Director, Support Staff and store hosts.
13. Ensures stores are run in compliance with company standards (as measured by ALI audits).
14. Ensures compliance with all federal, state and local statutes, regulations and company policies.
15. Maintains a safe facility for guests and hosts.
Qualifications
The incumbent should possess the skills and knowledge generally associated with a bachelor's degree and 3 - 4 years progressive supermarket management experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Thriving as a Store Director in Training at Lowes Foods requires strong communication, team motivation, and decision-making skills. Mastery in managing store operations while fostering a positive sales culture is key to driving growth and ensuring smooth daily functions in Hickory’s competitive retail environment.
Successful completion opens doors to full Store Director roles with increased responsibilities in staff leadership and profit management. In Hickory, progressing through Lowes Foods’ program often leads to long-term career advancement within the regional grocery management sector.
Days blend hands-on store oversight with strategic planning—overseeing sales initiatives, staff coaching, and operational audits. In Hickory, this role balances fast-paced retail demands with fostering a customer-focused atmosphere, ensuring compliance and profitability.
While a bachelor’s degree is commonly expected, practical experience in supermarket management is highly valued. Certifications in food safety or retail management can strengthen candidacy, especially within Hickory’s retail market where compliance and quality standards are prioritized.
Hickory’s retail management jobs see moderate competition due to steady grocery sector demand. Candidates with proven leadership skills and local experience, especially those familiar with Lowes Foods’ culture, tend to have an advantage in securing these roles.
Managing inventory shrink, adapting to regional consumer preferences, and maintaining high service standards are common challenges. Hickory's community-driven market demands a balance of operational efficiency and personalized customer engagement.
Yes, Lowes Foods’ training focuses on local market nuances, combining corporate standards with Hickory-specific sales tactics. This hybrid approach ensures trainees understand both broad leadership principles and the community’s unique shopping behaviors.
In Hickory, Store Directors in Training typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, reflecting regional cost of living and industry norms. Compensation may include performance incentives aligned with sales targets and store profitability.
Lowes Foods emphasizes community, quality, and service excellence. Store Directors in Training are expected to embody these through team leadership, customer engagement, and upholding the company’s cultural initiatives, making the role pivotal in local brand representation.
The role demands executing weekly sales themes, maintaining product availability, and leading sales meetings. Tailoring these strategies to Hickory’s customer base ensures sales maximization and supports the company’s growth objectives.