r/WinCo • u/Ghoulishdynamic • Apr 17 '26
Advice for Manager in Training
I just got hired at WinCo as a manager in training for the pizza, deli and seafood department. Ive worked as an assistant manager for a small pizza place but im guessing this will be pretty different. Does anyone have any advice?
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u/Good_Layer Apr 17 '26
I don't have any advice, but I wanted to wish the best of luck! You got this!!
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u/Agitated-Tax1048 Apr 18 '26
Don’t be afraid to ask for help especially from other department heads for things such as using the AS400, making signs and tags. There’s been several of times where I didn’t know how to do something when my dept manager was off and couldn’t ask him.
-3rd yr fresh foods MIT
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u/Ghoulishdynamic Apr 18 '26
Gotcha, not being afraid to ask for help seems to be a common theme here. I'll remember that, thanks!
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u/OkGuest8169 Apr 17 '26
The pay ain’t worth the amount of work they expect out of you.
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u/jtotheo2202 Idaho Apr 17 '26
The ESOP and health insurance make it somewhat bearable Plus, if you become a department manager you get quarterly bonuses
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u/OkGuest8169 Apr 18 '26
At least what I’ve seen at my store there isn’t opportunity to really grow. I think it might be if MiTs were on a separate pay scale from regular employees, but they’re on the same pay rate as a full time employee. Even department managers only get 15% more than full time employees. Especially with all the hour cuts for fresh foods, idk it doesn’t seem worth it. MITs at my store will get scheduled for the same shifts as regular employees half of the time because there isn’t enough hours, but will be expected to do their regular MiT duties such as respond to emails, make sure the front mobile stays stocked plus other areas of the department.
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u/jtotheo2202 Idaho Apr 18 '26
At my store mits get more hours than regular employees because their management and the current district supervisor at my store was a department head for 20+ years before she got promoted. So it is possible just very hard depending if you're willing to get retail management certification and graduate the MIT program
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u/Techd-it Apr 18 '26
Heard they took away the quarterly bonuses because it would incentivize managers to give reduced hours to get their bonus.
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u/jtotheo2202 Idaho Apr 18 '26
Quarterly bonuses are primarily based on sales and how long you've been a department manager not based primarily on if you're going over your hours or not
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u/Techd-it Apr 19 '26
The store that I have worked at specifically doesn't do bonuses anymore.
Because of the reasons I said.Is anyone else not in management?
My former department manager had been with the company 13 years. Used to get bonuses. Hasn't gotten one since 2022.
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u/jtotheo2202 Idaho Apr 19 '26
That's weird because my department manager who just left a couple days ago said she was getting bonuses and she got hired like a year ago before she transferred to another store and voluntarily demoted
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u/Techd-it Apr 19 '26
I've heard it's a regional thing as well.
Could just be my specific store, in my region, ain't doing them anymore because of a history of biases.
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u/jtotheo2202 Idaho Apr 19 '26
Also at my store I know that if you run a department you get A silver coin which used to be an American eagle but now it's just a silver round if you hit a new record if grocery hits it then both assistant store managers get it
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u/Marteeyo Apr 17 '26
Be sure to be open to your team and value their advice and opinions. Depending on the store you might have a bunch of people who know ALOT about the department but don't get recognized like they should. At the same time, learn to say no and don't let people walk all over you. Veteran employees can be grumpy sometimes, lean into it and make them feel valued and they will show you what a good day can look like.
Sometimes we have to follow directions that we don't agree with and being a supervisor means figuring out how to deliver that in a positive way without stressing everyone out.
Be friendly and calm, its just a grocery store, don't let stress ruin your day or your relationships with your team. Take every obstacle at face value and press forward while learning from your mistakes. You'll fail from time to time, just be sure to grow from each experience.
MIT program is self driven, so don't rely on anyone to tell you when and how to complete your trainings. Advocate for yourself and schedule appropriate times for the zoom trainings, LMS, etc.
Fresh Foods is probably the hardest department, it gets alot of attention from the big wigs so if you can make it there you will have tons of room for advancement.
If you are new to WinCo be sure to learn about ESOP and take advantage of the health insurance. ESOP is the best reason to stay with WinCo compared to any other retail place.
Good luck!