Grocery stores are filled with a wide variety of products, many of which are not edible. Assistant managers within this environment assume control of the entire store instead of the store manager or leader. Assistant managers are responsible for all aspects of store operation, from administrative roles to handling customer complaints and queries.

Personnel Management

Assistant managers directly supervise department managers and other employees. They might handle hiring, firing and disciplinary aspects, as well as performing routine scheduled performance reviews. Assistant managers advise employees on appearance, store policies and general procedural issues, such as cash register operation. These leaders are often scheduled to open and close stores on a rotating basis with other assistants when the general manager cannot.

Merchandising and Maintenance

Grocery store assistant managers, as in other retail establishments, handle the neat and accurate stocking and merchandising of products. They will often delegate these duties to department supervisors and employees, following company-directed planograms. Assistants also coordinate with maintenance personnel to ensure that lighting is functional, floors and shelves remain clean and the correct price tags are in place.

Operations

Retail environments must handle and process cash, checks and credit card receipts. Grocery stores are no different. Assistant managers handle the daily reconciliation of cash drawers, submit deposits and prepare them for pickup. These duties extend to proper operation of lottery ticket machines, issuance of gift cards and general customer service issues, such as fielding complaints and returns and keying in register overrides. A key element of operations is also in ensuring all materials are in adequate supply and readily available, such as receipt paper and bags.

Stocking and Supply

Assistant managers often handle stock orders in environments that do not feature an automated system. This also includes making any changes to prices of items on the shelves, ensuring the two do not conflict. Assistant managers are often found refilling produce and bakery sections, bringing items from the warehouse to the sales floor, and packaging items for display or delivery.