About the position
The Produce Manager at Natural Grocers is a pivotal role responsible for the successful operation and profitability of the produce department. This position requires a strong focus on customer service, integrity, and adherence to company policies. The Produce Manager will oversee the training, direction, and monitoring of all department staff, ensuring that the department meets its operational goals. This role also involves fulfilling the duties of the Manager on Duty (MOD) on a scheduled basis, which includes managing daily operations and addressing any issues that arise during shifts. Key responsibilities include creating an inviting and fully stocked produce department, managing inventory levels, and ensuring the freshness and quality of produce. The Produce Manager will be responsible for ordering produce, managing margins, and minimizing shrinkage while maximizing effective purchasing. Daily tasks involve culling, crisping, rotating, and properly handling and storing produce to maintain high standards. The Produce Manager will also ensure that all products meet company standards and that all tools and equipment are cleaned according to health department regulations. In addition to operational responsibilities, the Produce Manager will train and monitor department personnel, conduct product demonstrations, and assist in hiring processes. This role requires collaboration with other department managers to cross-train staff and ensure smooth operations. The Produce Manager will also handle customer interactions, including managing register functions, addressing complaints, and providing nutritional information. The position requires a commitment to ongoing education and product knowledge, as well as flexibility in scheduling, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Overall, the Produce Manager must be hands-on and willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the department's success and contribute to the company's overall mission.
Responsibilities
- Providing World Class Customer Service as a number one priority.
- Exemplifying integrity, responsibility, and excellence and adhering to all policies.
- Creating an inviting, full and shopable department.
- Ordering for the produce department and maintaining accurate inventory levels.
- Managing margin, COGS and overall department profitability including minimizing shrink and maximizing effective purchasing.
- Setting and maintaining the department on a daily basis including ensuring that the produce rack is consistently fresh, full and abundant throughout the day.
- Culling, crisping, rotating and properly handling/storing produce.
- Ensuring only certified organic produce is ordered and received.
- Ensuring all in-stock products/conditions meet company standards.
- Ensuring that all tools and equipment are cleaned in accordance with health department and company standards.
- Receiving all incoming produce orders per company standards.
- Offering and following up on special orders.
- Training and monitoring department personnel.
- Working with other department managers to cross-train staff to accomplish all needed tasks.
- Conducting active and passive demos.
- Merchandising shelves, endcaps and dynamic displays.
- Assisting in interviewing and hiring for department needs.
- Working with the store manager to address performance and/or disciplinary issues within the department.
- Handling register functions including backup cashiering, managing customer returns, addressing customer complaints, and covering register shift changes, including those for scheduled breaks.
- Maintaining the safety and security of customers and employees.
- Occasionally managing business disruptions to daily business such as loiterers, solicitation, emergency weather situations, bathroom misuse.
- Answering customer questions per company standards and policies, including the use of Structure/Function statements and/or statements of nutritional support.
- Continually increasing product knowledge.
- Utilizing email and IS programs as needed.
- Opening and closing of store.
- Completing DSR and the closing cash processes may be required absence of any other qualified employee.
- Working a schedule based on store needs which includes evenings, weekends, holidays.
Requirements
- High School diploma, GED or equivalent preferred.
- Ability to obtain forklift certification.
- 1-2 years of experience in a grocery/retail/produce environment preferred; natural foods background is a plus.
- 1-2 years of experience supervising others preferred.
- Ability to pass food safety training courses and/or certifications as required by law and maintain compliance by keeping certifications up to date and registered if applicable.
- Ability to manage changing priorities and to stay focused with the task at hand.
- Sense of urgency in the completion of tasks.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Ability to take direction and follow through.
- Must be cashier trained and able to count currency.
- Proficient in MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
Benefits
- Birthday Bonus Pay
- Vitamin Bucks (up to $2,080 earned as store credit annually)
- Holiday Pay for 5 Holidays - Stores Closed
- Paid Time Off (sick days and vacation) that Increases with Tenure
- Paid Nutrition Education
- good4u Crew Member Discount
- {N}power Program (customer appreciation and rewards program)
- Regular, Scheduled Pay Increases
- Advancement Opportunities and Career Development
- Health and Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employee Referral Program
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for Full-Time Crew Members (30+ hours/week)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Medical Leave (through company paid short-term disability insurance)
- Company Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- Voluntary Benefits Including Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Term Life Insurance
- Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with discretionary Company Match
- Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match
