Produce Manager (Internal Candidates Only)-Richmond

About the role

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. The Produce Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the produce department, ensuring fresh, high-quality products are well-stocked, attractively displayed, and maintained according to company standards. This role leads a team in providing excellent guest service, managing inventory, controlling shrink, and maintaining cleanliness and safety. The Produce Manager also supports merchandising initiatives and plays a key role in achieving department sales and profitability goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead all operations of the produce department, including planning, ordering, receiving, and merchandising.
• Supervise, schedule, train, and coach produce team members to ensure productivity and guest satisfaction.
• Monitor product freshness and appearance; rotate stock and remove unsellable or expired items.
• Ensure accurate pricing, signage, and promotional displays to align with weekly ad and sales goals.
• Maintain proper inventory levels to minimize shrink and maximize sales.
• Build attractive, full displays that follow company guidelines and seasonal promotions.
• Uphold cleanliness, sanitation, and food safety standards throughout the department.
• Provide prompt and friendly service to guests, answering product questions and accommodating special requests.
• Maintain department equipment and tools in safe and working condition.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal food safety regulations and company policies.
• Monitor department performance, analyze reports, and make improvements to meet financial goals.
• Conduct quarterly inventory responsibilities and reporting.
• Work collaboratively with store leadership and vendors to coordinate deliveries, planograms, and supply needs.
• Support store-level initiatives, community involvement, and special events as needed.
• 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 department and store, utilizing friendly but professional methods of honest and open communication with guests and team members.
• Provide excellent guest service by acknowledging guests promptly and taking their orders accurately; prepare and process orders promptly and finalize purchases in a friendly manner.
• Display excellent problem-solving skills and pride in finding the best resolution that exemplifies the “Lee’s Way—doing what’s best for our guests, our team, and our company”.
• Be familiar with, and assist customers with use of, Lee’s Marketplace website.
• Stock shelves and maintain displays according to store standards.
• Ensure product freshness by watching for quality in receiving, rotating stock, and checking expiration dates.
• Unload deliveries and organize stock rooms as needed; check all incoming items for quality and expiration dates.
• Ensure all perishable items are stored at the correct temperature to prevent spoilage.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of Produce supplies.
• Use and train team on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system to reduce waste.
• Ensure all recipes are followed accurately to maintain product consistency and quality.
• Ensure 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 items are correctly labeled with pricing, ingredients, allergen information, and expiration dates.
• Oversee 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 quantities against sales; adjust production amounts based on demand to avoid excess unsold goods.
• Ensure 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 all products are stored at proper temperatures to prevent spoilage.
• Oversee hygiene practices for all produce staff, including regular hand washing, use of gloves, and proper sanitation of equipment.
• Ensure 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 Store Director.
• Responsible for accident reporting for team members as well as guest accidents in a timely manner.
• Adhere to all food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Ensure team members are consistently utilizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when necessary.
• Contribute towards the cleaning responsibilities in the department.
• Track daily, weekly, and monthly sales to ensure targets are met and identify areas for improvement.
• Implement strategies to minimize product loss through proper rotation, handling, and accurate inventory management.
• Create efficient schedules that align with sales forecasts and labor budgets, ensuring productivity without overspending.
• Conduct regular inventory counts and maintain accurate records to control costs and avoid overstocking or shortages.
• Ensure products are priced correctly to maintain profitability while staying competitive and in alignment with company pricing strategies.
• Order Produce products strategically to meet demand and prevent excess inventory, while working with vendors to ensure cost-effective purchasing.
• Review department financial statements, such as profit and loss reports, to assess performance and make informed decisions.
• Contribute to annual department budget planning and help manage expenses throughout the year.
• Monitor and reconcile department sales, shrink, and waste reports regularly.
• Approve and oversee markdowns, discounts, and department promotions.
• Assist with reconciling discrepancies in inventory or pricing as needed.
• Train staff on proper weighing, pricing, and labeling procedures to maintain accuracy.
• 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.
• Conduct and participate in regular team meetings and training sessions.
• 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