Grocery Associate

Company Overview

Market Fresh is Guelph's premier independent gourmet grocer focused on local producers and products. We have been in operation for over 20 years and pride ourselves on offering exceptional customer service and quality food. Our full-service grocery store includes a scratch bakery, butcher shop, deli, commercial kitchen, Gourmet to Go Cafe, full kitchen, garden centre and giftware area. Market Fresh is a celebration of fine food—making us a destination shopping experience for community members and visitors. Our MF in the Community program seeks to raise awareness and funding for local not-for-profit programs and charities aligned to our mission to buy local, be local, support local.

Position Summary

The Grocery Associate is responsible for maintaining well-stocked and organized grocery shelves, assisting customers with product inquiries, and ensuring the overall cleanliness and presentation of the grocery department. This role includes receiving and stocking deliveries, rotating products to ensure freshness, and following all safety and merchandising standards. The ideal candidate for this position is someone who is looking for longevity, advancement and growth within the business.

Job Structure

This is a part-time, hourly position. Work schedule includes weekends and holidays as required. Paid vacation accrual at 4%.

Responsibilities

Customer Service

• Greet and assist customers in a friendly, knowledgeable, and professional manner.
• Answer product questions and provide recommendations aligned with the store's specialty offerings.
• Direct customers to appropriate departments and products as needed.

Grocery Operations

• Stock shelves, coolers, and displays according to merchandising standards.
• Rotate stock using FIFO practices to ensure freshness and minimize shrink.
• Maintain accurate shelf pricing and signage.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate out-of-stocks or low inventory to management.
• Keep grocery areas clean, organized, and well-presented at all times.

Receiving & Inventory

• Receive, unload, and verify deliveries for grocery and all other store departments.
• Check deliveries for accuracy, quality, and damage against invoices and purchase orders.
• Properly label, store, and distribute products to appropriate departments.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of receiving and storage areas.
• Communicate discrepancies, shortages, or damaged goods to management and vendors.
• Assist with inventory counts and stock reconciliation as needed.

Food Safety & Store Standards

• Follow food safety, sanitation, and handling guidelines.
• Ensure proper storage temperatures and handling procedures are followed.
• Comply with all company policies and safety standards.

Teamwork & Flexibility

• Support other departments as needed during busy periods.
• Work collaboratively with team members to ensure smooth store operations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

Skills and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous grocery, retail, or receiving experience preferred but not required.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs and perform physical tasks such as bending, standing, and carrying.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends and holidays.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced retail grocery environment.
• Exposure to coolers, freezers, and stock rooms and exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
• Requires standing, walking, lifting, and moving throughout the shift.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: $17.60 per hour

Expected hours: 15 – 20 per week

Benefits:

• On-site parking
• Store discount

Application question(s):

• Please describe your weekly availability.

Work Location: In person