Front End Manager Trainee - Portage

Role summary

Front End Manager Trainee - Portage is a role at Strack & Van Til in Portage, Indiana, United States (on-site). Posted 2026-08-14. Experience level: 2-5.

Job title

Front End Manager Trainee - Portage

Company

Strack & Van Til

Location

Portage, Indiana, United States

Work arrangement

on-site

Category

Frontend Development

Experience level

2-5

Date posted

2026-08-14

Job description

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.

Fast-paced retail environment with multitasking, deadlines, and weekend/holiday availability required.

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.