Produce Manager

About the role

If you’re someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us as we work to be a trusted resource in our communities, offering real people, real food at real affordable prices across the Midwest. This position requires adhering to all procedural guidelines set by the Produce Department and maintaining a positive attitude with a willingness to be a team player. All positions at Fresh Thyme Farmers Market focus on sales and customer service while executing daily job responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepares weekly sales and labor projections for the Produce Department to maximize sales and profits; ensures operations stay within allowed labor percentages.
• Monitors and controls all costs and expenses, including proper ordering, inventory control, weighing procedures, shrink management, and ad display monitoring.
• Manages Produce Department staff: hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, and conducting performance reviews; ensures staff is trained on all policies and procedures.
• Oversees shift operations, including writing and/or approving department work schedules.
• Ensures weekly flyer ads are in stock and ready for sale; orders and prepares products for upcoming ads.
• Stocks and trims produce, maintaining presentation, product levels, and schematic organization; ensures tag and pricing accuracy.
• Maintains cleanliness of produce aisles, storage, and work areas for safety, including cleaning shelves, managing spills, and removing debris.
• Assists customers with purchases, information, and product selection; engages in selling and cross-selling of products.
• Receives, inspects, and logs products for accuracy of shipment, temperature, and quality.
• Monitors rotation of all produce products, discarding expired or spoiled items.
• Logs invoices daily and balances the produce general ledger and financial statements.
• Oversees pre-inventory preparation, including back stocking and verifying tag-product matches.
• Manages department inventory to prevent out-of-stocks and over-stocks.
• Maintains proper stocking, cleaning, and temperature control for wet racks.
• Sustains high product knowledge and preparation standards.
• Conducts regular department walks to ensure organized, sanitary, and clean appearance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience.
• Preferred: 3–5 years of grocery retail experience in Produce department processes and procedures.
• Previous experience in the natural foods industry is a plus.
• Must maintain the highest level of customer service at all times.
• Ability to adapt to a high-volume retail environment and work in a cross-functional team.
• Capacity to take initiative when problems arise.
• Flexibility to adapt in various situations.
• Advanced attention to detail with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Strong multitasking and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead, support, and contribute to team goals.
• Willingness to work varied hours/days as business dictates.
• Familiarity with Health Department guidelines and regulations in a grocery retail environment.
• Advanced knowledge of math, weights, and measures.
• Ability to analyze and interpret company financial statements and results.
• Physical ability to push/pull fully loaded hand trucks and use box cutters.
• Understanding of proper handling, preparation, seasonality, and shelf life of products.

Physical Demands

• Sit: Rarely (1–2 hours).
• Stand: Continuously (1–8 hours).
• Walk: Continuously (2–8 hours).
• Drive: Frequently (2–4 hours).
• Balance: Frequently (34–66%).
• Bend: Occasionally (1–33%).
• Climb (2–6 ft): Occasionally (1–33%).
• Crawl: Occasionally (1–33%).
• Crouch/Squat: Occasionally (1–33%).
• Kneel: Occasionally (1–33%).
• Reach (forward & overhead): Frequently (34–66%).
• Twist (45 degrees at waist): Occasionally (1–33%).
• Lifting/Carrying: 0–10 lbs (Occasionally, 1–33%), 11–25 lbs (Occasionally, 1–33%), 26–50 lbs (Occasionally, 1–33%), 51–100 lbs (Never).
• Repetitive Motion: Right & Left Grasping (Frequently, 34–66%), Fine Manipulation (Occasionally, 1–33%).
• Pushing and Pulling: Occasionally (1–33%).

Environmental Conditions

Some exposure to extreme temperatures, ventilation, and exhaust fans.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $20.50 – $30.05 per hour. The actual rate offered will meet or exceed the legal wage requirement for the job’s location and is determined by factors such as market data, qualifications, and role responsibilities. Compensation also includes incentive bonus opportunities based on individual and company performance.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with incentive and recognition programs.
• Paid parental leave.
• Team member discount.
• Career growth opportunities.
• Weekly pay.
• Scheduling flexibility.
• Comprehensive benefits package for full-time team members, including medical, dental, and life insurance.
• Programs for part-time team members, including 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and 401(k) with employer match.
• Commitment to work-life balance, long-term health, financial security, and continuous professional development.