Lead Store Associate Skokie Blvd Northbrook, IL

Lead Store Associate

Type of Work: Full-Time

Shift Availability: The candidate must have open availability on weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Starting Hourly Pay Rate: $19.50 - $21.50/hr + tips

Location: 755 Skokie Blvd, Northbrook, IL 60062

As a Lead Store Associate, you'll be at the forefront of delivering exceptional experiences to our customers while guiding and inspiring your team. You'll serve as a brand ambassador, drive performance, and help shape a welcoming, compliant, and high-performing retail store environment.

• Customer Experience & People
  • Lead by example to create a warm, welcoming environment where every guest feels valued, and coach your team to deliver exceptional service with every interaction.
  • Empower associates to build meaningful customer relationships through personalized product recommendations and expert guidance.
  • Drive consultative selling on the floor by encouraging open-ended questions, active listening, and thoughtful product education.
  • Foster a culture of loyalty by guiding the team to enroll guests in our rewards program and capture customer insights that enhance future experiences.
  • Support your team in resolving customer concerns with empathy and professionalism, ensuring every challenge becomes an opportunity to build trust.
  • Promote a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplace—where positivity and teamwork fuel great customer experiences and smooth operations at checkout.

• Operational Excellence & Processes
  • Execute opening and closing duties, including daily huddles and cash reconciliation.
  • Verify customer IDs and maintain accurate POS profiles.
  • Ensure inventory integrity through precise transaction processing and order fulfillment.
  • Lead inventory counts and participate in overnight audits.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and guest-ready store environment.
  • Uphold compliance with SOPs, safety protocols, and state regulations.
  • Achieve daily KPI goals through consultative selling and upselling strategies.
  • Reinforce customer purchase decisions and highlight complementary products.
  • Stay informed on promotions and product updates to deliver a seamless shopping experience.

• Leadership & Team Development
  • Guide and support store associates in daily operations.
  • Lead by example in customer service and operational excellence.
  • Train new hires and conduct ongoing training sessions.
  • Provide real-time coaching and feedback to drive team performance.
  • Delegate tasks effectively and act as the go-to leader in the absence of store management.
  • Support conflict resolution and promote a positive workplace culture.
  • Adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment and take on additional duties as needed.

• What You’ll Bring
  • Must be 21 years of age or older.
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • A minimum of 1 year of experience in a customer-facing or sales environment.
  • A minimum of 1 year of experience using point-of-sale (POS) systems and cash handling.
  • A minimum of 6 months of leadership experience in a retail environment.
  • Minimum of 6 months of hands-on experience in retail store operations, including opening/closing procedures and cash reconciliation.
  • Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to coach and motivate others.
  • Familiarity with retail SOPs, safety protocols, and loss prevention practices.
  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a high-volume, compliance-driven setting.
  • Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overnights.
  • Multi-tasking with the ability to pivot to other tasks quickly.
  • Comfortable using technology and learning new tools to support operations and customer interactions.
  • Strong time management and organizational skills.
  • Strong de-escalation skills and the ability to redirect upset customers to a positive experience.
  • Basic proficiency in mathematics and computer applications.
  • Solution-driven mindset when dealing with upset customers.
  • Strong conflict resolution skills and the ability to handle high-stress situations.
  • Ability to support store leadership by taking initiative and a proactive approach.
  • Ability to work across all stations…