Assistant Produce Manager

Position Summary

The Assistant Produce Manager supports the Produce Manager in overseeing all aspects of Produce Department operations, including merchandising, inventory management, customer service, associate development, food safety compliance, and financial performance. This position helps ensure the department maintains the highest standards of freshness, quality, presentation, and customer satisfaction while contributing to sales growth and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities Department Operations

• Assist in managing daily Produce Department operations.
• Ensure products are properly stocked, rotated, culled, and displayed according to company standards.
• Maintain attractive and abundant produce displays that promote sales and enhance the shopping experience.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering to support business needs while minimizing shrink.
• Support seasonal merchandising programs, promotional displays, and departmental initiatives.
• Ensure department readiness throughout all operating hours.

Customer Service

• Provide exceptional customer service and create a welcoming shopping experience.
• Assist customers with product selection, preparation suggestions, and produce-related questions.
• Resolve customer concerns professionally and efficiently.
• Promote department sales through product knowledge and customer engagement.
• Maintain service standards that drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Leadership & Team Development

• Assist with training, coaching, and development of Produce associates.
• Provide daily direction and support to department team members.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment.
• Help enforce company policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
• Assume leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Produce Manager.

Merchandising & Inventory Management

• Ensure department displays are fresh, well-stocked, and visually appealing.
• Monitor product quality and remove damaged or unsellable merchandise.
• Assist with inventory control and shrink reduction efforts.
• Support accurate receiving, storage, and rotation procedures.
• Ensure pricing, signage, and merchandising standards are executed consistently.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, health, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor product handling, storage temperatures, and freshness standards.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
• Promote safe work practices and proper equipment use.
• Support departmental audit and inspection readiness.

Financial Performance

• Assist in achieving departmental sales, gross profit, shrink, and labor goals.
• Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support initiatives designed to improve productivity and profitability.
• Help control expenses through effective inventory and labor management.
• Contribute to overall department success through strong execution and accountability.

Qualifications

• Previous produce, grocery, retail, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of produce merchandising and handling practices preferred.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop associates.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Basic computer, inventory management, and operational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
• Ability to lift and move products consistent with department requirements.
• Ability to work in refrigerated environments and varying store conditions.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Key Competencies

• Leadership
• Customer Focus
• Team Development
• Merchandising
• Inventory Management
• Food Safety Compliance
• Communication
• Operational Excellence
• Problem Solving
• Organization & Planning
• Accountability
• Results Orientation
• Attention to Detail
• Quality Focus

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