Produce Department Manager

Summary

Responsible for the day to day direction, operations and management of all aspects and functions of the produce department, including customer service, sales, execution of programs, merchandising and employee leadership and development.

Key Responsibilities:

- Be thoroughly familiar with all products carried in the department. Be fully knowledgeable of the differences (in price, taste, preparation or use) between the many varieties and types of produce in every family group (eg apples, melons, etc).
- Plan and carry out merchandising plans, including any merchandising programs issued by the store's owners, when applicable.
- Ensure quality and freshness of all produce, suggest changes to inventory and pricing, and purchase supplies when needed.
- Follow approved Produce Department plans for effective space management and product allocation based on product movement, consumer demand and profitability.
- Keep refrigerated cases and display shelves properly stocked and faced at all times according to product movement, tag allocation and department standards to ensure maximum sales, quality and freshness.
- Ensure that all applicable produce items are properly trimmed and attractively presented.
- Ensure that wet racks are properly maintained and watered.
- Ensure that all perishable merchandise is rotated in accordance with store policy and product code dates and all out‑of‑code merchandise is pulled.
- Order merchandise and maintain inventory control to minimize out‑of‑stocks and over‑stocks, ensure freshness and product quality and maximize sales and turnover.
- Follow approved procedures for receiving product, price marking and restocking cases to ensure quality protection, accuracy and product rotation.
- Check and verify produce department receiving to ensure that items listed on vendor invoices are all delivered. Check products for quality, count/weight and condition.
- Record invoice documents accurately on the department receiving log and place signed invoice in the designated secured area.
- Accurately record markups and markdowns, in‑store use of merchandise, voids, refunds and bad merchandise/spoilage write‑offs in accordance with company policies.
- Ensure a favourable department image with customers through a clean, attractive and friendly department.
- Ensure that department pricing on all key or image items take competitive factors and other trading practices into full consideration
- Manage and lead employees ensuring they have proper onboarding, training, coaching, and support.
- Schedule employees efficiently and effectively according to the departments business needs, volume and workloads.
- Be alert and observant at all times to any customer issues and ensure that all staff members provide customers with prompt and courteous service and assistance.
- Ensure that all food safety standards and procedures are followed.
- Ensure employees are following all health, safety and cleanliness standards.

Skills & Knowledge
- Minimum 5 years in produce department operations and managing or supervising a produce department.
- High school diploma or GED.
- A food handler's license.
- The ability to work under pressure.
- Good problem-solving skills and initiative.
- Strong management, leadership and communication skills.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Available to work flexible shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays.

Working Conditions
- Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time
- Ability to maneuver up to 50 lbs
- Exposure to cold temperatures from freezer/cooler

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Vision care

Schedule:

- 10 hour shift
- Day shift
- Night shift
- Weekend availability

Application question(s):

- Do you have experience working with produce in a grocery store?

**Experience**:

- produce management: 3 years (preferred)

Work Location: One location