Assistant Produce Manager

Position Purpose

The Assistant Produce Manager supports the Produce Manager in directing all aspects of Produce Department operations to achieve sales, profitability, customer service, and operational objectives. This position assists in leading department teams, maintaining high-quality fresh products, ensuring food safety compliance, and delivering an exceptional shopping experience for customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Department Operations: Assist with the daily operation of the Produce Department. Ensure fresh fruits, vegetables, and related products are properly stocked, rotated, and merchandised. Maintain attractive, abundant, and well-organized displays that maximize sales and minimize shrink. Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering to maintain in-stock conditions. Ensure pricing, signage, and promotional displays are accurate and executed according to company standards. Maintain department cleanliness and organization throughout the day.
• Customer Service: Provide outstanding customer service and create a welcoming shopping experience. Assist customers with product selection, preparation suggestions, and product information. Address customer concerns promptly and professionally. Promote seasonal products, department programs, and sales events. Foster customer loyalty through exceptional service and product knowledge.
• Leadership and Team Development: Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and coaching department employees. Help schedule associates to meet business needs and productivity goals. Provide daily direction and support to team members. Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment. Reinforce company policies, procedures, and customer service standards.
• Food Safety and Compliance: Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety requirements. Monitor proper product handling, storage, rotation, and disposal procedures. Conduct quality checks to maintain freshness and presentation standards. Assist with department audits, inspections, and corrective action plans. Ensure equipment and work areas are maintained in a safe condition.
• Financial Performance: Assist in achieving sales, gross profit, labor, and shrink objectives. Monitor product movement and recommend merchandising opportunities to drive sales. Support inventory accuracy and effective expense management. Help reduce waste through proper ordering, rotation, and inventory management practices. Assist in analyzing department performance and implementing improvement strategies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous produce, grocery, or retail experience required.
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Knowledge of produce merchandising, inventory management, shrink control, and food safety practices.
• Strong customer service, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate employees in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and move products weighing up to 50 pounds regularly and more with assistance when necessary.
• Ability to work in refrigerated areas and varying temperature conditions.
• Ability to safely operate pallet jacks, carts, and other department equipment.

Work Environment

• Retail grocery Produce Department environment.
• Frequent exposure to refrigerated storage areas, moisture, and fresh food products.
• Flexible schedule including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

Success Measures

• Achievement of department sales and profitability goals.
• Strong customer satisfaction and service performance.
• Effective shrink control and inventory management.
• Product freshness, quality, and presentation standards.
• Food safety and sanitation compliance.
• Employee engagement, training, and retention.
• Consistent execution of merchandising and operational standards.

Benefits

• Competitive wages paid weekly.
• Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream.
• Associate discounts.
• Health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates (Medical, Dental, 401k and more!).
• Time off (vacation, holidays, sick pay).
• Leaders invested in your training, career growth and development.
• An inclusive work environment with talented colleagues who reflect the communities we serve.