In-Store Retail Operations Intern

At SpartanNash, we deliver the ingredients for a better life through customer-focused innovation. We do this for our supply chain customers and U.S. military commissaries, retail store guests and, most importantly, our Associates. In fact, we see a day when each will say, “I can’t live without them.”

Our SpartanNash family of Associates is 20,000 strong, ranging from bakery managers to order selectors; from IT developers to vice presidents of finance; from HR Business Partners to export specialists. Each of them plays an integral role in SpartanNash’s People First culture, Operational Excellence and Insights that Drive Solutions. Ready to contribute to the success of our food solutions company? Apply now!

Location:

6480 28th Ave. - Hudsonville, Michigan 49426

Job Description:

Our Internship Program: SpartanNash offers paid internships to active students interested in careers within the grocery industry, in areas such as accounting/finance, graphic services, human resources, corporate affairs and communications, information technology, management, marketing and merchandising, supply chain, engineering, and more.

As an In-Store Retail Operations Intern  you will be part of SpartanNash’s Internship Program. At SpartanNash, our Internship Program is designed to give exposure to the grocery and distribution industry, be engaging in real-world problem-solving, and be immersive in social and educational opportunities with other interns. The internship is a paid, full-time summer opportunity from May 19th, 2025– August 8th, 2025.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Store Management with daily tasks including, but not limited to:
  • Provide focused and effective leadership to store associates that develops a positive, high performing, customer focused store culture.
  • Responsible for department management including staffing, training,
    performance management and career development of associates, and
    developing and monitoring department goals.   
  • Develop and monitor department budget as required. Prepares quarterly and yearly budgets with assistance.
  • Responsible for the overall profit and loss financial performance of the store to including budgeted sales, gross profit and controllable expenses.
  • Maintain constant follow-up to ensure budgeted sales, gross profit and
    controllable expense goals are being achieved.
  • Coordinates store activities to ensure successful operations and compliance as measured by various checks and audits (Safety/Food Safety, Human Resources, Merchandising, Loss Prevention, Department of Labor, OSHA, etc.).
  • Oversee that the corporate Merchandising and Inventory programs are
    followed by the departments and partner with corporate business partners as needed to ensure that operations and merchandising standards are fully communication and followed.
  • Implement and maintain work schedules, labor control and store payroll
    expense control programs for the location.
  • Interact with the local neighborhood or community to positively position
    the Company’s presence.   
  • Maintain current knowledge of industry or local trends and best practices; make recommendations to improve current programs and processes.  
• To collaborate with cross functional teams to contribute to its objectives
• Responsible to complete or participate in at least one strategic project (Capstone Project) during the internship and possibly give a short presentation to the executive team that showcases the project
• Participate in learning opportunities that may include tours of our warehouses and retail stores, a community service event (such as SpartanNash Expo, Helping Hands, or Special Olympics)
• Attend weekly professional development workshops for developing skills, team building, etc.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing an Associate or bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting, Hospitality Management, or any Business related field
• Be an active student through the summer
• Graduate December 2025 or later
• Be willing to attend mandatory, in-person events (2-3 events in Grand Rapids, Michigan including but not limited to orientation and/or intern gatherings)
• GPA of 3.0 or greater (Preferred)
• Relevant work experience such as a prior internship or campus experience (Preferred)
• Microsoft Office proficiency (Required)
• Retail Experience (Required)
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities
• Effective communication skills
• Thrives in ambiguous situations
• Resilient to overcome obstacles
• Driv