Manager - Produce

About the role

Produce is often the first impression customers have of Joseph’s Classic Market. Our Produce Department Managers ensure the department is vibrant, fresh, and well-stocked while leading a team that takes pride in quality and customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the produce department, including prep, display, and storage
• Implement and maintain opening, mid-day, and closing procedures
• Ensure all displays are full, clean, rotated, and well-merchandised
• Lead seasonal reset planning and execution
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of coolers, prep area, and sales floor
• Inspect incoming deliveries for quality, freshness, and proper temperature
• Rotate stock using FIFO and track spoilage
• Remove aging or damaged produce to maintain visual appeal and reduce shrink
• Ensure organic and conventional products are properly separated and labeled
• Enforce food safety procedures and safe produce handling standards
• Maintain proper storage temperatures and accurate cooler logs
• Ensure proper labeling and signage, including allergens and organic certifications
• Comply with all health and safety regulations and maintain audit readiness
• Execute company and seasonal merchandising plans, weekly ads, and promotional displays
• Create impactful displays to highlight local, organic, and specialty items
• Cook with Marketing or Store Manager on demos and sales events
• Maintain all department signage (pricing, PLU codes, organic certification, etc.)
• Order produce from approved vendors to maintain optimal stock levels
• Monitor shrink and implement controls to reduce loss
• Track department inventory, write-offs, and waste logs
• Receive deliveries, verify accuracy, and properly stock product
• Lead by example in providing knowledgeable, friendly, and proactive service
• Train staff to assist guests with questions about product selection, ripeness, and prep
• Handle customer concerns and special requests professionally
• Maintain a welcoming, helpful department experience
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise produce associates
• Provide coaching, support, and performance evaluations
• Monitor department attendance and ensure associates adhere to scheduled shifts and company timekeeping policies, addressing any attendance or punctuality concerns promptly and consistently
• Follow up on performance or attendance issues with proper documentation and corrective action when necessary, including disciplinary action forms, notes to file, and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) to support accountability and improvement within the department
• Conduct daily pre-shift meetings to align team on prep goals and quality standards
• Foster a safe, clean, team-oriented culture
• Delegate tasks effectively to maximize productivity

Reporting & Communication

• Submit weekly department metrics (sales, labor, shrink) to Store Manager
• Communicate vendor issues, customer feedback, and department needs
• Participate in leadership meetings and seasonal planning

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of leadership experience in produce retail or grocery environments
• Strong knowledge of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and organic produce
• Leadership and team development experience
• ServSafe or food safety certification or willingness to obtain
• Strong communication, organization, and customer service skills
• Flexible availability including weekends, holidays, and evenings

Physical & Work Environment

• This role is performed in both the sales floor and produce backroom areas and requires frequent standing, walking, and lifting throughout the shift.
• The Produce Department Manager must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and work in cold storage and refrigerated environments for extended periods.
• Work conditions may include wet floors and outdoor produce deliveries.
• Managers will be exposed to fresh fruits, vegetables, allergens, and approved cleaning chemicals as part of daily operations.
• Flexible availability is required, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays, to support department needs.

Why Join Joseph's Classic Market?

We’d love to tell you more. If you have questions about the role, growth opportunities, or what it’s like to work in our Produce department, we encourage you to reach out. We’re always happy to share more about how you can learn, grow, and thrive at Joseph’s Classic Market.

Benefits

• Positive Work Environment
• Competitive Pay
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Paid Time Off & Personal Days
• 20% Employee Discount

Interview Process

We utilize VidCruiter as part of our interview process. This platform allows candidates to complete video interviews at their convenience, giving our hiring team the opportunity to better understand your experience and qualifications early in the process.

Employment Eligibility

We participate in E-Verify to confirm work authorization for all new employees. As part of the hiring process, employment eligibility will be verified through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.