Assistant Produce Manager

Position Summary

The Assistant Produce Manager supports the Produce Manager in overseeing daily department operations, ensuring exceptional customer service, high-quality fresh product standards, inventory management, merchandising execution, food safety compliance, and team development. This position assists in achieving sales and profitability goals while maintaining a fresh, fully stocked, and visually appealing Produce Department. The Assistant Produce Manager assumes leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Produce Manager.

Key Responsibilities Customer Service & Sales

• Deliver outstanding customer service and promote a customer-first culture.
• Assist customers with product selection, product information, and special requests.
• Resolve customer concerns promptly and professionally.
• Support sales growth through effective merchandising, promotional displays, and seasonal programs.
• Ensure produce displays remain fresh, abundant, and visually appealing throughout the day.

Department Operations

• Assist with daily Produce Department operations, including ordering, receiving, stocking, culling, and inventory management.
• Ensure products are rotated properly to maintain freshness and minimize shrink.
• Monitor department conditions and maintain full, attractive displays.
• Verify accurate pricing, signage, and promotional execution.
• Assist in maintaining proper inventory levels to support customer demand and sales objectives.
• Ensure all backroom and sales floor areas remain organized and operationally efficient.

Leadership & Team Development

• Assist in training, coaching, and developing Produce Department associates.
• Provide direction and support to associates during assigned shifts.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and strong customer service standards.
• Support labor management and scheduling initiatives.
• Assist with onboarding and training new associates on department procedures and expectations.

Merchandising & Product Quality

• Maintain visually appealing produce displays that encourage sales and enhance the customer experience.
• Execute merchandising plans, seasonal displays, and promotional programs.
• Monitor product quality and remove damaged or unsellable merchandise.
• Ensure proper handling and storage of fresh produce products.
• Support department presentation standards and visual merchandising objectives.

Financial Management

• Assist in achieving department sales, gross profit, labor, and shrink goals.
• Support inventory control and expense management initiatives.
• Help reduce shrink through proper ordering, rotation, handling, and inventory practices.
• Review department performance and identify opportunities for operational improvement.
• Assist with inventory counts and recordkeeping processes.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Maintain clean and sanitary preparation, storage, and display areas.
• Ensure associates follow safe food handling and sanitation practices.
• Monitor temperature controls and product storage requirements.
• Support compliance with all company policies, procedures, and operational standards.

Safety & Asset Protection

• Promote a safe working environment for associates and customers.
• Follow and enforce workplace safety standards and procedures.
• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of department equipment.
• Support accident prevention and incident reporting procedures.
• Assist with asset protection and shrink reduction initiatives.

Leadership Coverage

• Assume responsibility for department operations in the Produce Manager's absence.
• Support staffing decisions and department priorities to maintain operational effectiveness.
• Communicate department goals, expectations, and performance standards to associates.
• Partner with store leadership to achieve departmental and store-wide objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous produce, grocery, or retail experience required.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Knowledge of fresh product handling, merchandising, and inventory practices.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, kneel, and perform repetitive motions throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and heavier loads with assistance when necessary.
• Ability to work in refrigerated areas and varying temperature environments.
• Ability to safely operate department equipment and material handling tools.

Desired Competencies

• Leadership and team development
• Customer focus
• Fresh product knowledge
• Merchandising excellence
• Inventory management
• Food safety and sanitation
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Organization and attention to detail
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Accountability and adaptability

The Assistant Produce Manager plays a critical role in supporting department success by helping lead daily operations, maintaining exceptional freshness and quality standards, developing associates, delivering outstanding customer service, and achieving department sales and profitability objectives.

      ·    Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream