How to start a career at Kroger
Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding career with a leading grocery store chain? Do you want to work for a company that is committed to its customers, employees, and shareholders? If so, then a career at Kroger may be right for you.
As one of the world’s largest grocery retailers, Kroger offers career growth and development opportunities. This article will provide an overview of Kroger careers, including the most popular career paths and the skills and qualifications you will need to be successful in each role.
What is Kroger?
Kroger is a leading grocery store chain in the United States. The company operates over 2,700 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 35 states under various local banner names, including Kroger, Ralphs, Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer, and King Soopers. Kroger also operates food processing plants and manufactures private label products. Additionally, Kroger has nearly 1,400 convenience stores, 350 fine jewelry stores, and over 1,450 supermarket fuel centers.
Kroger is committed to providing its customers with affordable and convenient shopping experiences. The company offers a wide variety of grocery items, including fresh produce, meat, and seafood. Kroger also has a wide selection of non-grocery items, such as health and beauty products, home goods, and electronics.
The Kroger Company was founded in 1883 by Bernard Kroger in Cincinnati, Ohio. The company has been led by several generations of the Kroger family and is currently headed by CEO Rodney McMullen. This organization serves nearly 9 million customers daily and employs more than 343,000 people. Kroger is a publicly traded company with almost $136 billion in annual revenue.
The company offers a variety of career paths for its employees, including management, store operations, merchandising, and administration. Kroger also strongly commits to corporate social responsibility, including environmental sustainability, hunger relief, and diversity and inclusion. With the company’s strong focus on its customers, employees, and shareholders, Kroger is an excellent place to start or further your career.
Popular jobs and career paths at Kroger
With the wide variety of positions available at Kroger, there is sure to be a role that is perfect for you. The most popular roles include cashiers, grocery clerks, stockers, pharmacy technicians, and managers. Let's look at these Kroger roles in more detail.
Cashiers
This is a wonderful entry-level position for those who are interested in a career in customer service. Cashiers are responsible for handling customer transactions, including operating the cash register and scanning merchandise. They may also be responsible for bagging groceries and assisting customers with questions or concerns.
Working as a cashier can be a great way to gain customer service experience. This role also provides a great opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a grocery store. Cashiers typically work part-time hours, which can be perfect for people who attend school or have other commitments outside of work.
Deli clerks
Deli clerks work in the store’s deli department and are responsible for preparing and serving food. This may include making sandwiches, salads, and other hot foods. Deli clerks must follow food safety procedures to ensure that the food they serve is safe to eat. They also must be able to work efficiently under pressure, as the deli can be a busy place during peak hours.
Working as a deli clerk is a great way to gain experience in the food service industry. This role also provides a chance to learn about food preparation and safety. Working in the deli may require training to use knives and other kitchen equipment.
Pharmacy technicians
Pharmacy technicians work in the store’s pharmacy and are responsible for assisting the pharmacist with tasks such as filling prescriptions, answering customer questions, and stocking shelves. They must be able to interpret and follow complex instructions. Pharmacy technicians must also have excellent customer service skills, as they interact with customers regularly.
Working as a pharmacy technician is a perfect way to gain experience in the health care industry. It is a position that requires a great deal of responsibility and accuracy. Pharmacy technicians must complete a training program before they can begin working.
Fuel attendants
Fuel attendants work in the store’s fuel center and are responsible for assisting customers with fueling their vehicles. They must be able to operate the fuel pumps and provide excellent customer service. Fuel attendants may also be responsible for cleaning the fuel center and conducting basic maintenance on the pumps.
Working as a fuel attendant is a great way to gain customer service experience. It is also a position that requires a great deal of responsibility. Fuel attendants must be able to safely operate the fuel pumps and have excellent communication skills.
Bakery clerks
Bakery clerks work in the store’s bakery and are responsible for preparing and selling baked goods. This may include making cakes, cookies, and other pastries. Bakery clerks must be able to follow recipes and have excellent customer service skills. They may also be responsible for cleaning the bakery and keeping it stocked with supplies.
Working as a bakery clerk is a great way to gain experience in the food service industry. Additionally, this role provides an opportunity to learn about baking and cake decorating. Bakery clerks typically work full-time or part-time hours.
Fulfillment center employees
Fulfillment center employees work in the store’s warehouse and are responsible for picking, packing, and shipping orders. They must be able to lift heavy merchandise and stand for long periods of time. Fulfillment center employees also need to be detail-oriented, as they will be handling products that need to be shipped accurately.
Working in a fulfillment center is a great way to gain warehouse experience. This role also provides an opportunity to learn about the shipping process and how orders are fulfilled. Fulfillment center employees typically work full-time hours, and many positions offer overtime.
Produce clerks
Produce clerks work in the store’s produce department and are responsible for stocking shelves and assisting customers. They must be able to lift heavy merchandise boxes and stand for long periods of time. Produce clerks also need to have excellent customer service skills, as customers can have questions about the products they are buying.
Working as a produce clerk is a great way to gain experience in the food service industry. Additionally, this role provides an opportunity to learn about different types of fruits and vegetables. Produce clerks typically work full-time hours, but some positions may be part-time.
Employee benefits at Kroger
There are many employee benefits available to Kroger employees. These benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, a profit-sharing plan, tuition reimbursement, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and paid time off (PTO). Let's look at each of these Kroger benefits in more detail.
Health insurance
One of the most important benefits available to Kroger employees is health insurance. Kroger offers several health insurance plans, including medical, prescription, vision, and dental coverage. Employees can choose the plan that best meets their needs. Coverage is subject to a deductible, and co-pays may apply.
Dental insurance
Kroger also offers dental insurance to its employees. This coverage includes preventive care, such as teeth cleanings, X-rays, and basic and major dental procedures. Having dental coverage is important, as it can help prevent expensive dental bills in the future. Kroger understands that dental health is important to its employees, which is why it offers this valuable benefit.
Vision insurance
Kroger’s vision insurance plan covers the cost of annual eye exams and eyewear, such as glasses and contact lenses. Many people forgo vision insurance, as they believe it is not necessary. However, having vision insurance can help you save money on eye care in the long run. There is a wide range of vision plans available, and Kroger offers several options to its employees.
Preventive care
Kroger also offers preventive care benefits to its employees. These benefits include vaccinations, screenings, and physical exams. Preventive care can help you remain healthy and catch diseases or conditions early when they are easier to treat. Many of these services are covered at 100%, so there is no out-of-pocket cost to Kroger employees.
Life insurance
Kroger offers life insurance to its employees as well. This type of insurance can help your loved ones financially in the event of your death. Kroger offers several life insurance plans, so you can choose the coverage that best meets your needs.
401(k) retirement savings plan
Kroger offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees. This popular plan allows you to save funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis. Kroger makes matching contributions to your account based on a percentage of your salary. The amount of the match varies depending on Kroger’s profitability.
Pension plans
Kroger also offers pension plans to its employees. A pension plan is a retirement savings plan that provides you with a fixed income in retirement. Kroger’s pension plan is based on your length of service and salary. You are eligible to receive benefits from the pension plan after you retire or reach a certain age.
Profit-sharing plan
Kroger’s profit-sharing plan is a type of retirement savings plan. Under this plan, Kroger contributes a percentage of its profits to employees’ retirement accounts. The amount of the company's contribution varies depending on Kroger’s profitability. This benefit can help you save for retirement and receive a bonus if Kroger does well financially.
Tuition reimbursement
Kroger offers tuition reimbursement to its employees. This benefit helps you pay for college or vocational training. Kroger will reimburse you for a certain percentage of your tuition costs, up to a maximum amount. This benefit can help you further your education and advance your career.
Employee discounts
Kroger offers employees discounts on its products and services. Employees can save money on groceries, gas, and other items. Kroger also provides discounts at additional retailers, such as Macy’s and Target. These discounts can help you save money on your everyday purchases.
Employee assistance program (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential counseling service that is available to Kroger employees and their families. The EAP can help employees manage personal or work-related problems. Counselors are available to provide assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To learn more about the perks and benefits offered, check out our guide to Kroger employee benefits.
Kroger hiring process and background check
The hiring process at Kroger follows a timeline similar to that of other retailers. While these steps apply to most positions at Kroger, the timeline may vary depending on the role you are applying for.
Kroger application
The first step in the process is to submit an online application. Kroger’s website has a page dedicated to job openings. You can search for current positions by location, category, or keyword. Once you find a position you are interested in, you can click “Apply” and begin the application process.
You must input your personal information, contact details, and resume. You will also have the opportunity to upload a cover letter. After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation.
Phone screen
If your application is selected, you may be contacted by a recruiter for a phone screen. This is a brief conversation to discuss your experience and qualifications. The phone screen allows the recruiter to decide if you are a good fit for the position.
In-person interview
The next step in the process is an in-person interview. You will meet with a hiring manager or a group of Kroger employees. The interview will last about 30-60 minutes. You will be asked questions about your experience, qualifications, and goals. This is your chance to sell yourself and show that you are the best candidate for the job.
Background check
If you are offered the job, you will need to undergo a background check. Kroger will conduct a criminal background check and verify your employment history. The background check is standard for many employers and is required for positions that handle money or work with the public. The Kroger background check is not intended to be a barrier to employment. A record or negative background check will not necessarily disqualify you from any job.
Some positions at Kroger may require a pre-employment assessment. This assessment is a series of tests that measure your skills and abilities. The assessment may include a written, verbal, or computer test, and it is designed to ensure that you are qualified for the position.
Kroger job offer
After you have completed the interview process and background check, you will be extended a job offer. The offer will include the salary, benefits, and start date. You will have the opportunity to accept or decline the offer.
Learn more about these specific steps by checking out our how to apply for a job at Kroger guide.
Skills needed to succeed in a Kroger career
If you want to land a Kroger career, you will need to have certain skills. The most important skills for Kroger employees are customer service, communication, interpersonal, flexibility, teamwork, problem-solving, and multitasking. Let's take a closer look at these Kroger skills.
Customer service: As a Kroger employee, you will be expected to provide excellent customer service. This means being consistently friendly and helpful to customers. You will need to be able to handle customer complaints in a professional manner.
Communication: Effective communication is essential for any job. Kroger employees need to be able to communicate clearly and concisely. You will need to be able to listen to customers and understand their needs. You will also need to be able to explain Kroger’s policies and procedures.
Interpersonal: Interpersonal skills are the ability to interact with others. Kroger employees need to be able to work well with others. This includes co-workers, customers, and vendors. You will need to be able to resolve conflict constructively.
Flexibility: Kroger employees need to be flexible. This means being able to adapt to change. The retail industry is constantly changing. You will need to be able to handle last-minute changes and unexpected situations.
Teamwork: Teamwork is essential for any job. Kroger employees need to be able to work well in a team. This includes being able to cooperate with others and follow instructions. You will also need to be able to take direction from a supervisor.
Problem-solving: Problem-solving skills are important for any job. Kroger employees need to be able to identify and solve problems. You will need to be able to find creative solutions to customer issues.
Multitasking: Multitasking is the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Kroger employees need to be able to multitask. This means being able to handle numerous customer inquiries, stock shelves, and clean up the store.
Land a job at Kroger today
If you want to build a career with one of the largest retailers in the United States, Kroger is a great place to start. The company offers a variety of popular jobs and career paths. Employees enjoy competitive salaries and excellent benefits. The hiring process is straightforward and includes a criminal background check and pre-employment assessment.
Check out the Jobcase Job Board to find your new Kroger career today!