Job Description

Assistant Store Manager – Chocolate & Ice Cream Retail

Location: Petoskey, MI (1050 Bay View)

Schedule: Full-time | Flexibility required, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Compensation: Starting at $50,000 annually + benefits

Lead the Team That Creates the Memories Our Guests Take Home

At Kilwins, we're more than handcrafted chocolates, creamy ice cream, and world-famous fudge. We're in the business of creating memories. From celebrating birthdays and vacations to helping someone choose the perfect gift, every interaction is an opportunity to brighten someone's day.

We're looking for an experienced retail leader who enjoys developing people, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and leading by example. If you're energized by working alongside your team—not behind a desk—you may be exactly who we're looking for.

What You'll Do

As Assistant Store Manager, you'll partner with the Store Manager to lead daily operations while creating an environment where both guests and team members thrive. This is a working leadership role. You'll spend most of your day on the sales floor—serving guests, coaching team members, solving problems, and helping wherever needed.

Your Responsibilities

• Deliver an exceptional Kilwins guest experience every day.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members through encouragement, accountability, and hands-on training.
• Help oversee daily store operations, merchandising, inventory, and product quality.
• Support scheduling, labor management, and operational excellence.
• Ensure the store is clean, organized, stocked, and guest ready.
• Assist with business-to-business sales opportunities, community partnerships, and special orders as needed.
• Step confidently into the Store Manager role when needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and elevate the guest experience.
• Foster a positive, fun, and respectful team culture.

Who Thrives Here?

• Enjoy leading by example and working alongside your team.
• Believe every guest interaction matters.
• Like coaching people and celebrating their growth.
• Stay calm, positive, and solution-focused when things get busy.
• Jump in wherever you're needed.
• Take pride in creating an organized, welcoming environment.
• Want to build a career—not simply manage a shift.

What Makes You Successful

• Leadership experience in retail, hospitality, food service, or another customer-focused environment.
• A passion for coaching and developing others.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• The ability to lift up to 50 pounds and remain on your feet throughout the day.

Why Kilwins?

• Competitive salary: Starting at $50,000 annually
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k), HSA, and disability coverage
• 50% employee discount at Kilwins Company Stores
• Paid training in Kilwins systems and production processes
• Opportunities to grow your leadership skills
• The opportunity to make someone's day—every single shift.

The Sweet Truth & Hurdles

This onsite role requires availability based on business needs, including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, opening and closing shifts, and seasonal peaks. You must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods, bend and reach frequently, work near food-production and refrigeration equipment, and lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. ServSafe Manager certification is required. If you do not already hold it, Kilwins will pay for you to obtain it within the required timeframe.

Ready to Lead Something Sweet?

If you're looking for more than "just another retail management job" and want to build a team, create memorable guest experiences, and grow your leadership career, we'd love to meet you. Apply today and discover why generations of guests—and team members—have fallen in love with Kilwins.

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