Shop Apprentice ((Future Shop Manager Program)

SHOP APPRENTICE (FUTURE SHOP MANAGER PROGRAM)

Sarah's Handmade Ice Cream & Treats

Montgomery County, Maryland

ABOUT THE ROLE

We're not looking for someone who simply wants a retail job.

We're looking for someone who wants to become a leader.

The Shop Apprentice is a structured management development role designed to prepare high-potential individuals for future Shop Manager opportunities. You'll learn every aspect of operating a high-performing retail business, including leadership, staffing, customer experience, inventory management, food safety, financial performance, and operational excellence.

This position is ideal for someone interested in management, operations, hospitality, entrepreneurship, or business leadership.

CAREER PATH

• Shop Apprentice in Training

• Shop Apprentice

• Salaried Shop Apprentice

• Shop Manager

• Area Operations Manager

• Director of Retail Operations

Advancement is based on demonstrated leadership, performance, readiness, and business need—not tenure alone.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Leadership & Team Development

• Leading shifts and daily operations

• Coaching and developing team members

• Delivering feedback and accountability

• Conflict resolution

• Building a high-performance culture

• Delegation and time management

Operations Management

• Opening and closing procedures

• Inventory management

• Ordering and stock planning

• Labor management

• Operational execution

• Facility readiness and cleanliness

Customer Experience

• Guest recovery and problem solving

• Customer satisfaction and hospitality standards

• Service excellence and guest loyalty

• Managing reviews and customer feedback

Business Management

• Labor efficiency and staffing decisions

• Waste reduction and cost control

• Inventory planning

• Operational KPIs and performance metrics

• Business decision-making

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Successful Shop Apprentices eventually demonstrate the ability to:

• Independently operate a shop without daily owner involvement

• Lead teams confidently and effectively

• Maintain exceptional operational standards

• Coach and develop employees

• Solve problems proactively

• Make sound business decisions

• Deliver outstanding customer experiences

• Manage inventory readiness and ordering

• Communicate effectively with leadership

These are the same leadership competencies used to evaluate readiness for future management positions.

COMPENSATION

Stage 1: Shop Apprentice (In Training/Probation)

Stage 2: Shop Apprentice (After completing required certifications and training)

Future Growth Opportunities

• Shop Manager: $50,000–$70,000 annually plus bonus opportunities

• Future advancement into multi-unit leadership positions

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 18 years of age or older

• Reliable transportation

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

• Ability to stand for extended periods

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds

• Strong communication skills

• Demonstrated reliability and accountability

• Professionalism and maturity

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

As part of the management development program, candidates must complete:

• Shift Supervisor Training Program

• ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification

• Montgomery County Food Service Manager Certification

WHO THRIVES HERE

The strongest candidates are people who:

• Take ownership instead of making excuses

• Enjoy solving problems

• Naturally step into leadership roles

• Hold themselves to high standards

• Want responsibility and accountability

• Learn quickly and seek feedback

• Care deeply about customer experience

• Want a long-term growth opportunity rather than just a job

WHY JOIN SARAH'S HANDMADE ICE CREAM?

Very few companies offer a true pathway into management this early.

You'll receive hands-on leadership training, meaningful responsibility, direct mentorship, and the opportunity to grow into a future Shop Manager role within a growing multi-location company.

This role is designed for ambitious individuals who want to learn how to run a business, lead a team, and build a long-term career in operations and leadership.

If you're looking for a role where your time, effort, and ambition are invested in your personal and professional growth, we'd love to meet you.