Specialty Associate Team Leader (Beer, Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Assistant Department Manager)

Assists the Team Leader in daily operations including profitability, expense control, buying, merchandising, labor, regulatory compliance, and special projects. Ensures a positive company image by providing 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 adheres to all applicable health and safety regulations.

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.
• Supports annual sales and expense projections and budget preparation.
• Assists with ordering and inventory management.
• Resolves team concerns or issues in collaboration with the Team Leader.
• Functions as the point person and departmental person in charge in the absence of the 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 to satisfy and delight customers.
• 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 Whole Foods Market vision and goals.

Skills

• High energy, enthusiastic, with a passion for Whole Foods Market products, core values, and company philosophy.
• Extensive knowledge of specialty products.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

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

Physical Requirements

• 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 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) certification required; must be at least 18 years old to serve alcohol.

Schedule

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Pay

The wage range for this position is $20.05–$35.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.

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).