Center Store Team Lead at New Pioneer Food Co-op in Coralville, IA

New Pioneer Food Co-op is a community owned, value driven local food marketplace rooted in cooperation, sustainability, and shared success. We exist to strengthen the local food system while creating welcoming spaces for staff, members, and partners to thrive. Our stores are where our mission becomes real through food, connection, and meaningful work.

About the Role

The Center Store Team Leader is responsible for leading daily operations within the Center Store Department, ensuring strong product availability, merchandising excellence, financial stewardship, team development, and an exceptional shopper experience.

This is a hands-on leadership role that blends operational execution, people leadership, safety oversight, and customer engagement. The Grocery Team Leader works closely with store leadership and cross functional partners to deliver reliable performance and maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked department.

What You Will Do

• Lead ordering, inventory management, and merchandising execution across the Grocery Department.
• Maintain strong in stock conditions, pricing accuracy, and disciplined shrink control.
• Align staffing and scheduling with traffic patterns, delivery cycles, and seasonal demand.
• Ensure aisles, entrances, and displays remain clean, safe, organized, and uncluttered.
• Proactively identify and address operational and safety risks.
• Coach and develop team members, reinforcing accountability and clear expectations.
• Manage shopper concerns and resolve conflict with professionalism and composure.
• Partner with Marketing, Production, and Category teams to execute promotions, support product flow, and implement assortment and display strategies consistently.

What Success Looks Like

• A consistently well stocked, clean, organized, and safe Grocery Department.
• Strong product availability and clear, accurate pricing across the floor.
• Welcoming shopper interactions and effective service recovery when concerns arise.
• Reliable daily execution with minimal disruption and steady operational flow.
• Disciplined labor management and shrink control that support financial performance.
• Clear communication across shifts and effective scheduling practices.
• An engaged and accountable team culture with visible coaching and development.
• Consistent execution of promotions, seasonal programs, and merchandising standards in partnership with enterprise teams.

What You’ll Bring

• 3+ years of grocery retail experience, including leadership or supervisory responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management, merchandising execution, and in stock control.
• Experience managing scheduling and aligning labor to traffic patterns and sales volume.
• Ability to coach, develop, and hold team members accountable.
• Confidence managing shopper concerns and resolving conflict with professionalism.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to lead with clarity and composure.
• Comfort working in a fast paced, high volume retail environment.
• Knowledge of natural, organic, and conventional grocery products is preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary aligned with market benchmarks for similar cooperative roles, plus a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, paid time off, staff discounts, and retirement plan options.

Why Join New Pioneer

Join a mission driven cooperative committed to quality food and strong community relationships. This role offers the opportunity to lead within a dynamic retail environment, develop high performing teams, and directly influence shopper experience, financial performance, and store level success.