Fresh Cut Clerk-Morning Shift-Smithfield

Lee’s Marketplace is a family-owned grocery chain committed to providing an enjoyable shopping experience for our guests. We pride ourselves on offering high-quality products, exceptional service, and a friendly, welcoming environment. We value our team members and treat them like family, and we strive to make a positive impact in the communities in which we serve.

About the role

The Fresh Cut Clerk is responsible for preparing and packaging high-quality, ready-to-eat fresh produce items such as fruit trays, veggie trays, fresh salsa, fruit dip, and individual serving packs. This behind-the-scenes role is essential in supporting the store’s commitment to freshness, quality, and convenience. While production is the primary focus, the Fresh Cut Clerk also assists on the sales floor as needed, including restocking the fresh cut cooler and helping customers with product questions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and package fresh cut produce items according to established recipes, portion sizes, and quality standards.
• Ensure all products are accurately labeled, attractively presented, and rotated for freshness.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the prep area, tools, and equipment at all times.
• Follow all food safety procedures, including proper storage, handling, and temperature controls.
• Restock the fresh cut cooler throughout the day to ensure availability and visual appeal.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate supply needs to the Produce Manager.
• Support the produce team with general tasks on the sales floor as directed (e.g., stocking, facing, light cleaning).
• Assist guests when approached, offering friendly service and product knowledge.
• Maintain productivity and efficiency while meeting daily production goals.
• Assist with the cleaning, sanitation, and reset of the Fresh Cut Room during and at the end of each shift.
• Support team members and leadership in achieving department goals and standards.
• Greet and assist guests in a friendly and courteous manner.
• Provide knowledgeable answers to guest inquiries.
• Promote and exemplify a high level of morale within the department and store, utilizing friendly but professional methods of honest and open communication with guests and team members.
• Properly wash, peel, cut, slice, and portion fresh fruits and vegetables according to safety and quality standards.
• Handle all produce with care to maintain freshness, minimize waste, and preserve product integrity.
• Label and date all products accurately to ensure proper rotation (FIFO – first in, first out) and compliance with food safety standards.
• Maintain clean, sanitized, and organized workstations, tools, and equipment throughout the shift.
• Assist in receiving, inspecting, and storing fresh produce items, ensuring product meets company quality standards.
• Stock shelves and maintain displays according to store standards.
• Follow all recipes and processes accurately to maintain product consistency and quality.
• Ensure that produce production goods are packaged appropriately to maintain freshness and comply with food safety regulations, including using proper containers or wrapping materials to prevent contamination.
• Ensure that items are correctly labeled with pricing, ingredients, allergen information, and expiration dates.
• Contribute towards the display of produce goods in the store, ensuring products are neatly arranged and rotated regularly for maximum freshness and appeal.
• Minimize product waste by tracking production and adjusting production amounts based on demand to avoid excess unsold goods with direction from Leadership.
• Ensure that any waste is disposed of properly or recycled according to store policies.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Follow all safety and sanitation procedures.
• Ensure that all products are stored at the proper temperatures to prevent spoilage.
• Follow all food safety guidelines including cut glove/sanitary glove use, temperature controls, cross-contamination prevention, and allergen awareness.
• Safely operate knives, peelers, slicers, and other food prep tools with appropriate caution and training.
• Utilize proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) such as cut gloves, sanitary gloves, hair restraints, etc.
• Dispose of spoiled or damaged products promptly and report concerns to the Produce Manager.
• Consistently utilize proper hygiene practices including regular hand washing, use of gloves, and proper sanitation of equipment.
• Ensure that products containing common allergens (e.g., nuts, dairy, gluten) are handled and labeled appropriately to avoid cross-contamination.
• Report any safety hazards or equipment issues to Leadership.
• Adhere to all food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Work cooperatively with team members to achieve store goals.
• Encourage all team members to reach the highest level of teamwork and guest service at all times.
• Communicate and support the Lee’s MarketPlace Mission statement and Core Values.
• Assist other departments as needed.
• Work in a fast-paced, sometimes crowded, production environment with tact and patience.
• Work with team to ensure products are sold well before their expiration date.
• Attend departmental, store, and company meetings as required; contribute to profits and revenues and meet productivity standards.
• Have knowledge of and comply with all company policies, procedures, programs, and directives. Refer to Team Member Handbook continually to ensure policies and procedures are followed.
• Promote a harassment-free environment and immediately report any potential harmful situation to Leadership.
• Be a professional example for all team members to follow.

Requirements

• 18 years or older.
• Flexible availability, including weekends and holidays according to the needs of the store.
• Ability to stand, walk, twist, sit, and bend for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity for handling small objects and operating equipment.
• Repetitive use of hands and arms to push, pull, carry, lift, reach, grip, and balance.
• Occasionally stoop, crouch, kneel, or crawl.
• Prolonged periods standing and walking.
• Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the store.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times, including floor to shoulder and overhead lifting repeatedly.
• Occasional use and climbing of step stools or ladders are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous production experience preferred.
• Must demonstrate a willingness to learn.
• Ability to write, speak, hear, and understand the spoken word to respond promptly to pages, requests, team members, and guests.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to learn new technology quickly.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to handle customer inquiries and complaints effectively.
• Strong math skills.
• Ability to read and follow instructions.
• Good verbal communication skills.

Skills

Experience with the following tools and machinery:

• Pallet jack
• Wheeler
• Trash compactor
• Blenders/mixers
• Slicers/knives
• Wrapping machine
• Scales
• Trays, pans, racks
• Tempering tools
• Temperature-controlled rooms
• Computers
• Phones

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage/salary.
• Paid time and a quarter on Sundays.
• Benefits packages including health insurance, Disability plans, EAP, 401k plans, and Supplemental Insurances.
• 10% discount, restrictions apply.
• Ace Hardware Discount at Lees Ace Hardware locations.
• Paid Time Off to those who qualify.

Work Environment

• Friendly and supportive team atmosphere.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Safety forward atmosphere.
• Innovative, supportive, and input-driven management team.