Produce Manager

Position Summary

The Produce Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and daily operation of the Produce Department. This role is accountable for the department's sales, profitability, labor, inventory, and shrink while ensuring the highest standards of product quality, merchandising, food safety, and customer service. The Produce Manager leads and develops department associates, maintains productive vendor relationships, and creates an exceptional shopping experience by offering fresh, abundant, and visually appealing products.

Essential Responsibilities

· Deliver exceptional customer service by greeting customers promptly, offering assistance, and providing knowledgeable product recommendations.

· Ensure customer questions, concerns, and special requests are handled professionally and promptly.

· Foster a department culture where every customer is treated with courtesy, respect, and appreciation.

· Resolve customer concerns in a timely manner to promote customer satisfaction and loyalty.

· Direct the daily operations of the Produce Department to ensure efficiency, cleanliness, organization, and outstanding presentation.

· Maintain attractive, fully stocked displays that maximize sales while minimizing product loss.

· Ensure all produce is fresh, properly rotated, culled, and merchandised throughout the day.

· Monitor product quality and determine which products meet Eddie's quality standards and which should be returned or discarded.

· Manage the department salad bar, if applicable, ensuring food safety, freshness, presentation, and proper stocking.

· Maintain department cleanliness and sanitation in accordance with company standards and regulatory requirements.

· Receive deliveries, inspect product quality and quantity, verify invoices, and ensure accurate receiving procedures.

· Process vendor returns and ensure unsatisfactory product is returned promptly.

Merchandising & Inventory

· Develop attractive seasonal, promotional, and holiday displays to maximize sales.

· Determine department pricing in accordance with company guidelines.

· Select product assortment and determine daily, weekly, and seasonal ordering quantities.

· Establish and maintain relationships with produce vendors while monitoring product quality, pricing, and availability.

· Conduct quarterly physical inventories and maintain accurate inventory records.

· Maintain holiday ordering records and product planning files.

· Monitor sales trends and adjust merchandising and inventory levels to meet customer demand.

· Maintain accountability for department sales, gross profit, labor, inventory, and shrink.

· Analyze sales performance and implement strategies to improve profitability.

· Manage department expenses while maintaining high service and merchandising standards.

· Identify opportunities to increase sales, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency.

· Recruit, interview, train, supervise, coach, and develop Produce Department associates.

· Prepare and manage employee work schedules based on business needs.

· Establish daily work priorities and assign responsibilities to ensure efficient department operations.

· Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and development.

· Address performance concerns in partnership with Store Management and Human Resources.

· Recommend hiring, promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions, and terminations.

· Lead by example and promote teamwork, accountability, and exceptional customer service.

· Attend department and management meetings as required.

· Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local food safety regulations.

· Maintain proper food handling, sanitation, and hygiene standards.

· Ensure associates are trained on Maryland Weights and Measures requirements, including proper tare weight calculations where applicable.

· Maintain accurate department records and required operational documentation.

· Follow OSHA safety standards and company safety policies.

Qualifications

· High school diploma or equivalent required.

· ServSafe Food Manager Certification preferred or the ability to obtain certification within six months of hire.

· Minimum of five years of retail produce experience.

· Minimum of two years of supervisory or management experience in a grocery produce department.

· Strong knowledge of produce handling, seasonality, merchandising, inventory management, and shrink control.

· Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

· Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

· Ability to analyze sales and financial reports.

· Ability to work in refrigerated environments and lift up to 60 pounds.

· Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Pay: $58,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person

Salary : $58,000 - $60,000