The Grocery Operations Intern will support the Business Operations and Retail Operations teams in improving store execution, operational efficiency, and the overall guest experience across Lowes Foods stores. This role offers hands-on exposure to how a modern grocery retailer operates using data-driven decision-making techniques for the best possible outcomes. 

This internship is ideal for a student who is curious about grocery retail, passionate about operations, and eager to learn how cross-functional teams work together to bring products, categories, and guest experiences to life.

The intern will work on-site in stores, with support time spent at the corporate office as needed.

WHY THIS INTERNSHIP

This internship provides a unique opportunity to learn how grocery retail truly works—from operational excellence and store execution to digital merchandising and private brand development. The intern will gain meaningful, cross-functional experience and contribute to real initiatives that impact guests and store teams.

IMPACT/WHAT INTERN WILL LEARN/DO:  

- Gain hands-on exposure to grocery operations, including possible exposure to category management, store processes, digital shelf maintenance, and in-store execution.
- Learn how merchandising, private brand development, and eCommerce intersect with store operations.
- Assist with data collection for operational assessments, on-going projects, and store performance metrics.
- Help develop operational playbooks, process improvements, and store-facing communications.
- Learn how analytical insights inform retail decisions and create a more efficient store environment.
- Support project work connected to digital merchandising, private brand launches, and operational initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Store Operations & Process Support

- Assist with evaluating store processes, including stocking standards, guest experience elements, and/or efficiency process development.

- Assist in identifying workflow gaps and provide recommendations for operational enhancements.

- Partner with store teams to gather feedback and validate pilot initiatives.

Data & Analytics Support

- Assemble data to support operational reviews.

- Assist with reporting, simple data analysis, and identifying performance trends.

- Support preparation of materials for presentations to leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Work alongside Operations, Merchandising, Private Brand, eCommerce, and IT teams.

- Participate in project meetings, deep dives, and problem-solving sessions.

- Help define requirements for operational initiatives and ensure project milestones remain organized.

Project Expectations: 

- Category Operations Review: Work to support and develop solutions for current processes such as Project REX, Blue Bar, Scorecards, 5S, etc. 

- Operational Playbook Development: Build or refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), store training tools, or guest-experience guidelines.

All interns will complete and present a final project to leadership summarizing findings, recommendations, and outcomes of their work.

- Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Analytics, Marketing, or related field.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Interest in grocery retail, consumer behavior, operations, or merchandising.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excel or Google Sheets experience is preferred, familiarity with Power BI is a plus.
-AI proficiency in tools such as Co-GPT, Chat GPT, Co-Pilot Studio, Power Automate, Python, etc.
- Critical thinker with curiosity, organization, and problem-solving skills.

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