Store Operations Intern

Our Seasonal Store Operations Intern will serve as the on-site leader for our Rock Falls location during the summer season. This role is responsible for ensuring smooth daily operations by supporting staff, maintaining high standards, and delivering an excellent customer experience.

This position focuses on leadership, communication, coordination, and accountability. The intern trains and supports team members in store procedures, reinforces operational expectations, and helps maintain cleanliness, cash-handling accuracy, and customer service standards.

A key part of this role is proactive communication with business owners, Rock Falls staff, and the main store team to support supply needs, operational consistency, and problem-solving.

This internship provides hands-on experience in managing a small business location, with an emphasis on team leadership, customer experience, communication, and operational execution.

Key Responsibilities

Store Leadership & Oversight

• Serve as the primary on-site leadership support during assigned shifts
• Help ensure the store operates smoothly, efficiently, and consistently
• Maintain a clean, organized, and customer-ready environment at all times
• Monitor that operational standards are followed across shifts

Team Training & Support

• Train staff on opening and closing procedures and daily expectations
• Reinforce accountability for completing opening and closing tasks accurately
• Support team members during shifts and provide guidance as needed
• Model strong work habits, reliability, and professionalism

Customer Experience

• Ensure a friendly, welcoming, and efficient experience for all customers
• Support staff in handling customer questions and resolving routine issues
• Model positive customer interactions and maintain an engaging store atmosphere

Communication & Team Coordination

• Communicate regularly with business owners regarding operations, questions, and store needs
• Coordinate with Rock Falls staff to support smooth daily workflows
• Communicate inventory and supply needs with main store team members
• Share updates proactively to support efficient problem-solving

Cash Handling & Accountability

• Oversee register activity and support accurate transaction handling
• Reinforce proper cash-handling procedures with team members
• Support accuracy and accountability in daily financial processes

Light Inventory Awareness

• Monitor product levels and communicate restocking needs
• Assist with basic restocking and product rotation as needed

Learning Objectives

By the end of this internship, the intern will:

• Gain experience leading daily retail operations
• Develop leadership, communication, and team accountability skills
• Strengthen customer service and problem-solving abilities
• Build confidence in operational decision-making
• Learn how communication supports successful multi-location business operations

Qualifications

• Strong reliability and ability to take ownership of responsibilities
• Comfortable leading peers and providing direction when needed
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Basic math skills (cash handling, estimating totals, accuracy)
• Organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in solving problems
• Positive attitude and ability to stay engaged during both busy and slower periods

Preferred Background

• Previous retail, food service, or customer service experience
• Experience working with or guiding a team
• Interest in business, management, or entrepreneurship

Schedule

• Seasonal internship (spring through early fall)
• Weekend availability required; additional hours during peak season
• Schedule will include leadership shifts with responsibility for supporting store operations

Supervision & Mentorship

The intern will work closely with business owners, receiving guidance, feedback, and mentorship while building real-world experience in managing a retail location.

What Success Looks Like

• Staff confidently and correctly complete opening and closing procedures
• The store remains clean, organized, and operating smoothly
• Customers consistently have a positive experience
• Team members feel supported and clear on expectations
• Supply needs are communicated in a timely manner
• Cash handling and operational standards are followed accurately