Specialty Associate Team Leader (Beer, Wine, Cheese & Chocolate 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 ensuring courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and Team Members at all times. Performs duties in accordance with team and store Standard Operating Procedures and supports Whole Foods Market core values and goals.

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.
• Assists in annual sales and expense projections and budget preparation.
• Assists with ordering and inventory management.
• 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 and encourages a positive environment of outstanding teamwork, mutual respect, and exceptional morale.
• Maintains awareness of customer flows and needs; directs Team Members to satisfy and delight customers; responds promptly to customer needs and questions.
• Selects, trains, develops, mentors, motivates, and counsels Team Members to sustain a high-performance team and minimize turnover.
• Communicates and maintains Team Member safety and security standards.
• Provides timely, thorough, and thoughtful performance evaluations.
• Consistently communicates and models WFM vision and goals.

Skills

• High energy, enthusiastic, with an affinity for Whole Foods Market products, core values, and company philosophy.
• Extensive knowledge of specialty products.
• Growth mindset towards 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.
• Thorough 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.

Requirements

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

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• In an 8-hour workday: standing/walking 6-8 hours.
• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling.
• Work requires 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 wet and cold environments.
• 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.
• Where applicable, TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures by Servers of Alcohol) course completion required and must be at least 18 years old to serve alcohol.

Pay

The wage range for this position is $21.55 - $35.00 per hour.

Benefits

Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits," including:

• Store discount.
• Paid time off.
• Financial wellness programs.
• Health and wellness support programs.
• Access to other Team Member perks.

Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined by the terms of the applicable plan at the date of hire and may vary based on work location, length of service, and job type (such as regular or seasonal).