Store Manager
Potrero Hill Store - 1524 20" Street, San Francisco
Bernal Heights Store- 448 Cortland Ave, San Francisco
The Good Life Grocery is seeking a dedicated and dynamic Store Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our Potrero Hill location. This role is responsible for managing overall store performance, supporting and developing staff, ensuring exceptional customer service, maintaining high operational standards, and driving sales. The Store Manager oversees a team of 15–20 employees and works closely with Senior Management. The ideal candidate is
hands-on, detail-oriented, and motivated by a love for food, community, and people. You’re not afraid to lead from the floor—whether you’re jumping on register during a rush, helping stock produce, or assisting the deli with slicing cheese for a busy lunch. In a small neighborhood store with a tight-knit team,
no task is too small, and the Store Manager sets the tone for teamwork, professionalism, and positive energy.
You have strong leadership instincts, an eagerness to mentor and grow your team- holding them accountable when needed, motivating them to be their best, and have a genuine passion for creating a warm, welcoming experience for our customers. You take initiative, spot opportunities, and understand how to balance operational efficiency with beautiful merchandising and a well-run sales floor. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, loves to train employees and share grocery knowledge, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and believes in building community through good food and great service.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all store operations, including Front End, Grocery, Deli, and Produce departments
- Deliver exceptional customer service and foster a welcoming environment
- Train, coach, and supervise employees with a hands-on, supportive approach
- Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement through coaching, recognition, and clear communication.
- Model and reinforce high standards of cleanliness, food safety, and customer care
- Collaborate with department leads on staffing, scheduling, and task delegation
- Collaborate with leadership across both locations to share best practices, align on company standards, and support cross-store initiatives
- Monitor inventory levels and write accurate, cost-conscious orders
- Merchandise full, rotated, and visually appealing displays throughout the store
- Analyze financial reports and help control costs, labor, and waste
- Create and track department goals, focusing on sales, shrink, and quality
- Track and report on key performance indicators, including sales growth, labor percentage, shrink, and customer satisfaction
- Ensure all health, safety, and compliance standards are met
- Actively participate in remodels, layout changes, or expansion projects
- Be a strong presence on the sales floor while effectively managing office tasks
- Build strong relationships with customers, vendors, and the team
Qualifications
- 3+ years of hands-on experience in butchery or seafood handling in a retail or production environment
- Expertise in primal cuts, portion control, filleting, knife skills, and case presentation
- Strong working knowledge of food safety protocols and cold chain best practices
- Proven ability to manage shrink, track cost of goods sold, and improve department profitability
- Eye for merchandising and experience keeping cases clean, full, fresh, and inviting
- Skilled communicator and natural teacher—able to lead and train others while supporting a positive team culture
- Customer-focused and enthusiastic about sharing food knowledge and preparation advice
- Bonus: experience with sausage making, charcuterie, or house-prepared value-added items
- Bonus: experience working with natural, organic, or sustainably sourced meat and seafood
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in grocery or food retail management
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Demonstrated ability to train, motivate, and hold a team accountable
- Calm under pressure and solution-oriented—able to troubleshoot quickly
- Passionate about community, food, cooking, and sharing ideas with others
- Strong understanding of customer service expectations in independent retail
- Familiarity with store financials and how purchasing, labor, and shrink affect the bottom line
- Experience with inventory systems, order writing, and cost control
- Ensured compliance with all local health, safety, and employment regulations
- Knowledge of food safety regulations, HACCP, and current best practices
- Manager’s Food Handler’s Certification required (or ability to obtain within 30 days)
- Must be able to stand for extended periods, lift up to 40lbs, and move quickly between tasks in a busy/small environment.
- Experience with store layouts, resets, or remodels is a plus
Who You Are
- A leader and role model who people trust and want to follow
- Approachable, friendly, and always up for a good laugh
- Detail-oriented and proud of the work you do
- Excited about raising the bar for what a neighborhood grocery can be
- Passionate about teaching and helping others grow
- Efficient with your time, and able to juggle the big picture with daily tasks
- Excited to make a long-term impact at a small business with a big heart
- Leads by example with empathy and accountability
- Values collaboration and transparent communication
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary: $70,000–$85,000/year (depending on experience)
- Paid Vacation, 401k, Health Insurance
- 15% Employee Purchase Discount
- Opportunities for growth and advancement