What are the responsibilities and job description for the Produce Merchandiser position at HEINEN'S?
Company Overview
Established in 1929, Heinen's is a leading, family-owned grocery retailer known for its premium-quality products and outstanding customer service. Now in its fourth generation of family leadership, Heinen's operates 24 locations – 19 in the Cleveland, Ohio area and 5 in the Chicago, Illinois market – supported by two distribution warehouses, a food production facility, and a corporate office located in Warrensville Heights, Ohio.
Our culture is rooted in an associate-first philosophy, placing a strong emphasis on the well-being, development, and quality of life of every team member. We offer competitive compensation, professional development and leadership training programs, paid time off, and flexible scheduling designed to promote a healthy work-life balance.
Job Summary
The Produce Merchandiser is responsible for developing and implementing effective operating practices within the Produce Department. This role focuses on driving sales and margin growth, reducing shrink, and improving store operations. The Produce Merchandiser also plays a key role in coaching store teams on merchandising excellence, product quality, and associate engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct regular store visits to observe operations, coach department teams, and assess merchandising execution, processes, scheduling, and inventory levels.
- Build strong partnerships with Produce Managers, General Managers, and Store Directors to identify improvement opportunities and implement strategic solutions.
- Maintain comprehensive product knowledge and support the development of associates' sales and merchandising skills.
- Guide order writers on best practices for daily and promotional ordering, as well as shelf condition management.
- Identify and implement labor efficiencies through simplification of in-store activities.
- Analyze sales, margin, and shrink data to develop and present actionable improvement plans.
- Design and support floor layouts, store sets, planograms, and new store openings or remodels.
- Maintain expertise in small wares and department equipment.
- Collaborate with the Produce Director to facilitate regular department meetings focused on sharing best practices, introducing new initiatives, and fostering engagement.
- Support talent development efforts by identifying high-potential associates and contributing to succession planning.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in Produce operations at Heinen's with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
- Strong ability to build collaborative relationships across all levels of the organization and with external vendors.
- Effective leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to develop associates and drive store performance improvements.
- Exceptional time management and organizational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills suitable for all organizational levels.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Willingness to travel occasionally, including overnight visits to the Chicago market.
Heinen's, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. May include evenings and weekends as business needs dictate.
Full-time, 40 hours per week.
Salary : $60,000 - $90,000