Pilot Store Operations Specialist, Caper (Contract)

Instacart - Columbus, OH

Full-time - Entry Level

Columbus, OH

Couriers and Messengers

About the position

The Pilot Store Operations Specialist at Instacart is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring the operational success of in-store activities as the company introduces Caper Carts to new retail locations. This position is client-facing, requiring a strong on-the-ground presence in partner grocery stores to facilitate the planning and launch of new pilot programs. The Specialist will collaborate remotely with Caper's operations, product, and business teams to ensure enduring performance and operational excellence. This role is designed for individuals who are passionate about retail, technology, and continuous improvement, providing a unique opportunity to impact operations at a grassroots level. In this role, you will engage with store teams throughout the launch and implementation cycle of pilot programs, providing hands-on, on-site observation to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve operational challenges. You will serve as a crucial link between local store teams and broader strategic operations, ensuring clear communication and feedback loops. The Specialist will oversee the execution of local initiatives and the rollout of new programs, ensuring alignment with company goals and standards. Additionally, you will conduct technical testing and troubleshooting, following guides to problem-solve issues with technology, and potentially build or repair elements as needed. Utilizing performance metrics and data analysis, you will drive continuous improvement and operational excellence within pilot store locations. Documenting processes, issues, and resolutions in clear notes and other media will also be a key responsibility. This role requires flexibility, as it involves significant travel to various store locations within Columbus, especially during peak periods, and may require availability during weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Engage with store teams throughout the launch and implementation cycle of pilot programs.
• Provide hands-on, on-site observation to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve operational challenges.
• Serve as a crucial link between local store teams and broader strategic operations, ensuring clear communication and feedback loops.
• Oversee the execution of local initiatives and the rollout of new programs, ensuring alignment with company goals and standards.
• Conduct technical testing and troubleshooting, following guides to problem-solve issues with technology, and potentially build or repair elements as needed.
• Utilize performance metrics and data analysis to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence within pilot store locations.
• Document processes, issues, and resolutions in clear notes and other media as required.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of retail experience in management, regional, or corporate roles.
• Demonstrated experience in driving program implementation, change management, and successful execution of training, as well as measurement of success.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills with the capacity to adjust messaging based on audience needs.
• Flexibility to travel and spend significant time in retail environments, especially during peak periods.
• Proficient in performance monitoring, reporting, and leveraging data for operational improvements.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent work experience.
• Proven track record with process mapping, measurement, and documentation, with a firm grasp of continuous improvement tools and methodologies.
• Experience in a client-facing role.