Produce Associate Team Leader (Assistant Department Manager)

Assists the Team Leader in all aspects of daily operations including profitability, expense control, buying, merchandising, labor, regulatory compliance and special projects as assigned. Leads and develops Team Members while providing courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and Team Members at all times.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains creative store layout and product merchandising.
• Works with Team Leader to achieve sales, purchasing, and labor targets.
• Assists Team Leader in analysis of sales, reports and labor.
• Demonstrates advanced product knowledge and maintains awareness of new products.
• Maintains good vendor relationships, develops new vendor relations, and ensures all paperwork is properly submitted for vendor processing.
• Works with Team Leader to resolve team concerns or issues.
• Functions as point person and departmental person in charge in absence of Team Leader.
• Sets and achieves the highest standards of retail execution.
• Fosters a positive environment of outstanding teamwork, mutual respect, and exceptional morale.
• Maintains awareness of customer flows and needs, directs Team Members as necessary, and responds promptly to customer questions.
• Selects, trains, develops, mentors, motivates, and counsels Team Members to sustain a high‑performance team and minimize turnover.
• Provides timely, thorough, and thoughtful performance evaluations.
• Consistently communicates and models Whole Foods Market vision and goals.

Requirements

• 18+ months retail Team Member experience.
• 6+ months supervisory experience.

Skills

• High energy, enthusiastic, and displays an affinity for products, core values, and company philosophy.
• Growth mindset toward greater responsibility and ownership.
• Desire to coach and mentor others for growth.
• Excellent interpersonal, motivational, team‑building, and customer relationship skills.
• Capable of teaching others in a positive and constructive manner.
• Product knowledge.
• Advanced knowledge of regulatory and safety policies and procedures.
• Proficient mathematical skills for assessing financial performance, monitoring profitability, and managing inventory.
• Demonstrated decision‑making ability, leadership skills, and ability to prioritize and delegate.
• Proficiency with email, Microsoft Office, and operations‑related applications.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Standing/walking 6‑8 hours in an 8‑hour work day.
• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.
• Work motions: bending, twisting, squatting and reaching.
• Exposure to FDA‑approved cleaning chemicals.
• Exposure to temperatures: <32 °F (freezing), 32‑40 °F (refrigerators), >90 °F.
• Ability to work in a wet and cold environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to use tools and equipment, including box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.

Pay

$20.05‑$35.00 hourly, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Whole Benefits offers a wide range of benefits for full‑ and part‑time Team Members, including eligibility for a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness, health & wellness support programs, and access to other Team Member perks. Eligibility is determined by the applicable Whole Benefits plan at hire and may vary based on location, length of service, and job type.