Description

PRODUCE LEAD JOB DESCRIPTION

Purpose: Assisting the Produce Manager in purchasing, stocking, receiving and maintaining the produce department.

Status: Reports to Produce Manager
Pay Level II/non-exempt

Customer Service and Internal Service Basics for All Staff

• Provide excellent customer service to our shoppers, making the customer’s needs top priority whenever on the sales floor or answering the phone.
• Share information with our shoppers about co-op happenings, educational opportunities, and the benefits of co-op ownership.
• Provide excellent internal customer service to all staff members, maintaining an attitude of goodwill toward self and others.
• Help to create a work environment that is cooperative, fun, productive, and safe, and that focuses on solutions.

Responsibilities:

1. PURCHASING
   1. Purchase produce in the absence of the Produce Manager, according to standards of quality and sourcing. 
   2. Receive produce deliveries or oversee receiving, following established receiving procedures.
   3. Price produce to achieve margin and sales goals, as directed by Produce Lead.
   4. Update communication boards with incoming produce. 
2. MERCHANDISING
   1. Plan attractive produce displays, using color and texture to enhance.
   2. Ensure displays are replenished, rotated, culled several times daily. Set quality standards for culling.
   3. Select items for specials or seconds; mark down items as needed to reduce losses.
   4. Assist customers with produce questions and special orders. Offer samples and suggestions for purchase and preparation in a friendly, courteous manner.
   5. Provide clear, attractive, consistent signage.
   6. Trim, wash, bundle produce as needed.
3. DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE
   1. Get credit from suppliers where applicable for returned, damaged, spoiled goods.
   2. Coordinate storage of items to be returned to suppliers. See that unsellable items are properly disposed of.
   3. Maintain produce display, prep and storage areas in clean, orderly condition, meeting health department standards.
   4. Use equipment safely. Monitor cooler and walk-in temperatures and follow procedures for handling breakdowns. Advise Produce Manager of equipment repair and replacement needs.
   5. Remove trash, clean cases and keep prep and storage areas in clean, orderly condition.
   6. Give direction to Produce Clerks as requested by the Produce Manager.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Dependability: Punctual to shifts and meetings, meet commitments, works independently, accepts accountability.

• Productivity: Prioritizes well, meets deadlines, manages time well.
• Adaptability: Adapts to change, open to new ideas, takes on new responsibilities, adjusts plans to meet changing needs.
• Communication: Communicates well verbally, shares information with others, listens attentively, asks questions, stays open to other viewpoints.
• Customer focus: Always available for customers, understands products and services, maintains professional appearance, assumes responsibility for solving customer problems.
• Integrity: Deals with others in a straightforward and honest manner, is accountable for actions, supports cooperative values.
• Teamwork: Listens to others and values opinions, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere.

QUALIFICATIONS

- Knowledge of and passion for fruits and vegetables, including interest in sustainable growing practices and seasonality.
- Knowledge of how to prepare produce items sold; is familiar with the different flavors, textures and varieties of fruits & vegetables.

- Ability to lift 50 pounds.

- Ability to give direction to others.
- Ability to stand, bend, reach and lift repeatedly for extended periods of time.
- Excellent customer service skills.

- Ability to multi-task and remain flexible to changing needs of business.