Position Overview

INS Market is seeking a motivated, organized, and hands-on Training Associate to support the training, onboarding, and ongoing development of our franchisees and retail store teams across our growing network of convenience stores.

The Training Associate will play a key role in ensuring franchisees and store employees are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and operational standards required to successfully operate an INS Market location.

This position combines classroom-style instruction, hands-on in-store training, operational support, and administrative responsibilities. The successful candidate will work closely with the Head Office team, franchisees, and external vendors to deliver consistent training programs, support new store openings, and maintain company-wide operational standards.

The role requires flexibility to work between Head Office and retail locations, with travel to stores as required.

Key Responsibilities

Franchisee Training & Onboarding

- Deliver comprehensive training to current franchisees and store employees on INS Market operating procedures, policies, and brand standards.
- Coordinate and facilitate new franchisee onboarding, including initial orientation and hands-on operational training.
- Conduct in-store training covering point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management, merchandising, customer service, and daily store operations.
- Develop and maintain structured training schedules, checklists, and onboarding materials.
- Evaluate trainee performance, identify knowledge gaps, and provide additional coaching where required.
- Ensure franchisees understand their operational responsibilities, supplier programs, and company expectations.
- Provide ongoing training and support to existing franchisees to improve store performance and operational consistency.

Store Operations & Merchandising Training
- Train franchisees and employees on daily opening and closing procedures, cash handling, inventory control, and store maintenance.
- Demonstrate proper product stocking, shelf replenishment, and inventory rotation procedures.
- Educate store teams on company planograms, merchandising standards, shelf labeling, pricing, and promotional execution.
- Support the implementation of new product categories, supplier programs, and promotional initiatives.
- Train store teams on identifying and removing expired, damaged, or non-compliant products.
- Conduct store visits to assess operational performance, identify training opportunities, and reinforce company standards.
- Provide recommendations to improve store efficiency, product availability, customer experience, and sales performance.

New Store Openings & Operational Readiness
- Support new store openings by coordinating training activities and assisting with operational preparation.




- Work with the Operations and Franchise Development teams to ensure new franchisees are prepared for store launches.
- Assist with initial merchandising, inventory setup, POS training, and vendor coordination.
- Conduct pre-opening operational assessments to ensure stores meet company standards.
- Provide on-site training and operational support during store openings and initial operating periods.

Vendor Coordination & Compliance
- Train franchisees on approved vendor ordering procedures, supplier programs, and delivery processes.
- Communicate with authorized suppliers, distributors, and external partners, including OLG, as required.
- Assist franchisees with understanding vendor portals, product ordering, and inventory replenishment.
- Educate store teams on applicable operational requirements, including lottery, tobacco, alcohol, food safety, and other regulated product categories.
- Support stores in preparing for operational audits, inspections, and compliance reviews.
- Identify recurring operational challenges and recommend training initiatives to address them.

Training Development & Administration
- Assist with the development, review, and continuous improvement of the INS Market Franchise Operations Manual.
- Create and update training presentations, instructional materials, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and operational checklists.
- Maintain accurate training records, onboarding documentation, and franchisee progress reports.
- Prepare training assessments and provide feedback to management regarding franchisee readiness and performance.
- Use Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint, to prepare reports, training materials, and documentation.
- Collaborate with Head Office departments to ensure training programs reflect updated company policies, operational procedures, and supplier initiatives.

Customer Service & Sales Development
- Train franchisees and employees on delivering exceptional customer service.
- Demonstrate effective sales techniques, including cross-selling, upselling, and promotional execution.
- Educate store teams on product knowledge, category management, and strategies to increase sales.
- Reinforce the importance of store presentation, cleanliness, and customer satisfaction.
- Support franchisees in identifying opportunities to improve sales performance and overall store profitability.





Qualifications Education & Experience

- High school diploma required; post-secondary education in Business Administration, Retail Management, Human Resources, or a related field is an asset.
- Minimum 1 year of retail management or supervisory experience required.
- Previous experience delivering employee training, coaching, or onboarding is strongly preferred.
- Experience working within a franchise system, convenience retail, grocery, or multi-location retail environment is an asset.
- Experience coordinating with vendors, suppliers, or external business partners is preferred.
- Familiarity with retail POS systems, inventory management, merchandising, and store operations.

Skills & Competencies
- Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to confidently deliver training to individuals and groups.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to identify operational deficiencies.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to develop clear training materials, checklists, and instructional documents.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to provide practical operational solutions.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multiple departments.
- Comfortable providing constructive feedback and coaching franchisees and employees.

Personal Attributes
- Professional, approachable, and confident.
- Patient and supportive, with a genuine interest in teaching and developing others.
- Highly organized, dependable, and accountable.
- Adaptable to changing priorities and operational requirements.
- Proactive and solutions-oriented.
- Strong leadership mindset and commitment to maintaining company standards.
- Willingness to travel between store locations and work flexible hours when required.

Physical & Travel Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during in-store training.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs when assisting with merchandising and store preparation.
- Ability to perform hands-on retail tasks, including stocking, merchandising, and operational demonstrations.
- Availability to travel between INS Market locations as required.
- Ability to work in both office and retail store environments.

Compensation & Benefits Annual Salary: $40,000 - $50,000

Benefits:

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
- Hands-on experience within a growing national franchise network
- Exposure to retail operations, franchise development, and multi-location management

Pay: $40,000.00-$50,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Extended health care

Work Location: In person

📌 Training Associate - Retail Operations & Franchise Development (Toronto)
🏢 The Davis Group
📍 Toronto