POSITION: Produce Department Manager
STATUS: Full-time, Non-exempt
SALARY: $18.00 - $26.00 / Hour Depending on Experience and Match with the Company
DIRECTS: Report: Owner. Lateral: Operations

Preferred Requirements:

• 3+ years of successful work in retail produce
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently with a diverse staff
• Positive attitude, flexibility, and ability to adapt to changes within a fast-paced, growing company
• Creative problem-solving skills aimed at constant improvement within the department
• Working experience and aptitude in menu and item creation and implementation with a team
• Ability to work well with other staff members outside of the Produce Department
• Basic typing and computer skills with the ability to create and edit spreadsheets, documents, and signage as required by the department’s needs
• A friendly disposition, indicative of top-notch customer service and leadership

Broad Tasks and Responsibilities Include:

• Sales Growth & Profitability: Develop and implement strategies to consistently and measurably increase produce sales and achieve sales to department contribution goals. Analyze sales data, identify trends, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Marketing & Promotion: Create and execute marketing and promotional plans to drive customer traffic and highlight seasonal items and special offers. This includes in-store displays, signage, flyers, social media content, and local partnerships. Work directly with contract Digital Media to drive customer traffic and awareness and Produce education.
• Inventory Management: Oversee all aspects of inventory management, including buying and ordering, receiving, stocking, rotation (FIFO), culling, and minimizing shrink and loss. Ensure proper storage and handling of produce to maintain freshness and quality. Work with the Prepared Foods department to repurpose perishable produce before the total loss. Manage inter-department inventory transfers and buys between the Produce Department and other store departments.
• Visual Merchandising: Create eye-catching and appealing produce displays that showcase the variety and quality that represents Grubb’s Grocery.. Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked department.
• Vendor Relations: We strongly foster and develop mutually profitable relations with third-party suppliers. One of our “Core Values” states, “We buy locally and regionally whenever possible.”. Therefore, we place a strong emphasis on our local vendor base, which includes local farmers and artisans, as well as other providers and suppliers.
• Customer Service: Provide exceptional customer service by addressing customer inquiries, offering product recommendations, fielding new product requests, and resolving issues promptly and professionally.
• Technology Integration: Grubb’s Grocery invests significant funds into technology. The Produce Manager is responsible for utilizing current technology and working with our Tech Provider (ECRS Catapult) to develop new products and applications to drive sales, promotions, inventory management, remote reporting, customer loyalty programs, etc. 
• Team Leadership: Supervise, train, and motivate produce department staff. Delegate tasks effectively and foster a positive and productive work environment.
• Quality Control: Ensure all produce meets our high standards for quality, freshness, and appearance. Regularly inspect produce and remove any damaged or substandard items. Grubb’s Grocery always chooses Organic Produce when it’s available. Leafy products must be crisp and hydrated at all times. 
• Food Safety & Compliance: Follow all food safety regulations and company policies. Maintain a clean and sanitary work environment.
• Budget Management: Manage the produce department budget effectively, including labor costs, supplies, and waste.
• Market Research: Stay informed about current produce trends, competitor offerings, and new products.
• Signage and Call-out Materials: Develop and maintain a Google Drive database of departmental signs including, but not limited to, the basics such as “local produce” callouts, informational and educational pieces, regular sale signage, human interest pieces, menu, and ingredient ideas, as well as cross-merchandising with other store departments.  

Benefits:

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) structure for paid vacations and paid time off
• 20% employee discount on all Grubb’s Grocery products, excluding alcohol
• Dental and vision policy paid in full for full-time employees; and partial for family members

This full-time position requires open availability and the ability to work up to 40 hours per week and more at times as required by Grubb’s Grocery’s business needs.

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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

You must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of up to 4 hours without a break. Bend and stoop to grasp objects and climb ladders. Bend to lift loads, acceptable for the physical requirements of the job, unassisted. Push and pull carts unassisted. The ability to visually examine products for quality and freshness and to check signage and labeling for accurate pricing.