Produce Manager

About the Role

Responsible for receiving product and ensuring that aisles, freezers, and refrigerators are stocked, labeled, clean, and delivered product is packed out. Provides proper customer service and supervises all activities in the produce department, including product placement, rotation, signage, and displays. Oversees Assistant Produce Manager (if applicable), Produce Supervisors (if applicable), and Stockers to maintain company standards.

Responsibilities

• Ensure proper customer service and develop relationships with large customers.
• Supervise all activities in the produce department, including product placement, rotation, signage, and displays.
• Maintain overall department appearance, cleanliness, and adherence to government and corporate ordinances.
• Oversee and train employees in job responsibilities and safe operating procedures.
• Develop schedules, monitor performance, and recommend discipline or terminations as appropriate.
• Interview candidates and recommend hires.
• Ensure employees perform proper inspections to meet HACCP regulations and conduct periodic HACCP audits.
• Review inventory for product rotation daily to prevent shrinkage and damages.
• Ensure shelf pricing is correct and reflects the most recent pricing and market conditions.
• Supervise the receiving of all produce and ensure proper paperwork is completed.
• Maintain accurate computer inventory levels through regular physical inventories and adjustments.
• Maintain refrigerated equipment and ensure maintenance contracts and schedules are followed.
• Supervise the ordering of produce from vendors to assure competitive pricing and minimal shrink due to spoilage.
• Train employees to operate equipment such as Toledo scale and Dennison label machine.
• Coordinate proper block and date tagging for pallets stored in racks.
• Follow a regular maintenance schedule for cleaning, including scrubbing and pulling out pallets.
• Ensure excess inventory is stacked in overhead racks or stored in freezers/refrigerators.
• Remove trash from the floor and handle it properly.
• Communicate low stock/out of stock information to the Inventory Controller after verifying the system and racks.
• Maintain correct signage and ensure flyer prices are reflected on products.
• Coordinate proper merchandising of aisles and creatively set up impulse areas.
• Perform weekly self-audits of the produce department.
• Perform additional duties, responsibilities, and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree, OR High School Diploma or GED with at least 4 years of experience in customer service, OR any appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, and technical procedures.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, and the general public.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, mass, and volume.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Commitment to company values and strong customer orientation.
• Computer literacy.

Physical Requirements

• Lift up to 50 lbs frequently (more than 12 times per hour).
• Carry up to 50 lbs for distances of 50 feet or less.
• Constant lifting/carrying (more than 30 times per hour) of up to 20 lbs.
• Agility/dynamic balance: 80-119% of standard.
• Finger dexterity: 80-119% of standard.
• Manual dexterity: 80-119% of standard.
• Stand/walk constantly.
• Reach above shoulder level occasionally.
• Twist/turn head occasionally.
• Bend over/stoop occasionally.
• Climb steps/ladder occasionally.
• Kneel/squat occasionally.

Work Environment

• Frequent exposure to cold/freezing temperatures.
• Equipment in motion (forklifts, electric pallet jacks, scooters).