Specialty Department Lead

Position Overview

The Specialty Department Lead supports purchasing and inventory management across the Specialty Departments, using sales trends, product knowledge, and vendor relationships to support appropriate stock levels and department needs. The Lead provides day-to-day direction and support to department associates, helping prioritize tasks, maintain department standards, and provide a strong guest experience. They work closely with the Specialty Manager on product performance, sales trends, and guest preferences to support purchasing and merchandising decisions. The Lead also supports product presentation, rotation, freshness, and cleanliness while assisting with ordering, inventory tracking, vendor communication, merchandising, and identifying opportunities for new products and promotions.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of leadership, team lead, or relevant retail experience
• At least 2 years' experience working with cheese, wine, beer, bread, housewares, and/or related specialty products, preferably in a retail environment
• Experience with inventory management, ordering, merchandising, or other department operations
• Experience working with local products is preferred

Key Responsibilities

• Leads, trains, and supports Specialty Associates, fostering a positive, collaborative, and productive department environment
• Provides day-to-day direction to associates, including prioritizing tasks, assigning work, and supporting department needs
• Helps address staff call-outs by assisting with coverage and shifting priorities as needed
• Communicates staff concerns or operational issues to the Specialty Manager
• Supports associates in staying productive throughout their shifts, including during downtime, while following safe work practices
• Helps maintain and delegate cleaning and department maintenance tasks
• Trains new associates and provides ongoing product, operational, sanitation, and department training
• Assists with maintaining task lists, training materials, cleaning procedures, and department processes
• Uses sound judgment and seeks guidance from the Specialty Manager or store leadership when needed
• Communicates regularly with the Specialty Manager regarding department operations, staffing needs, and other relevant issues
• Completes replenishment ordering for designated Specialty Departments and/or categories
• Maintains accurate inventory levels, cycle counts, and backstock
• Tracks product movement, sales trends, and out-of-stocks and shares relevant information with the Specialty Manager
• Communicates product performance, guest feedback, vendor concerns, and product opportunities to the Specialty Manager
• Monitors inventory and adjusts ordering to maintain appropriate shelf and backstock levels
• Completes shrink and credit reporting responsibilities and follows through on credits as needed
• Uses ordering systems accurately and prepares orders based on sales trends, seasonal needs, and anticipated demand
• Coordinates new item ordering, product placement, and related department changes
• Maintains accurate purchase orders and follows receiving and PO procedures
• Completes regularly scheduled cycle counts and inventory adjustments
• Maintains accurate product tags, signs, and promotional information
• Works with the Specialty Manager to review product performance and identify opportunities to improve assortment, sales, and inventory

Benefits

• Health Insurance (we pay 75% you pay 25% for single health benefits)
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Health Spending Accounts
• Paid time off (Full time staff receive 2 weeks, gain additional week on 1st and 4th anniversary)
• Sick time (Part time staff receive 40 hours of sick time a year)
• Paid Maternity/Paternity time, up to 8 weeks paid time off!
• Generous store discount: 20% off grocery, 20% off hot bar/salad bar/coffee and juice bar, 10% off beer, 20% off wine, 30% off vitamins/supplements
• Half price one month bus passes
• 401(k): 100% match of the first 3% of the staff member's contribution. 50% match on the staff member's contribution above 3% and up to 5%. Staff are 100% vested in Healthy Living's contribution from day one
• Income advance program with North Country Federal Credit Union
• Free Celtics tickets
• Plus many more!

Pay & Schedule

Full-Time, flexible scheduling, weekend and holiday availability required. Starting at $20.00-23.44 /hour (Previous experience will be taken into consideration).