Produce Specialist

Overview

Job Title: Produce Specialist

Company: Houchens Food Group (HFG)

Department: Grocery/Produce Department

Job Status: Full Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Senior Produce Merchandiser

Amount of Travel Required: Limited travel required

Work Schedule: Shift hours that best suit Produce Operations and Produce Department Manager / Associates; nights and weekends may be necessary.

Position Overview

Responsibilities include shared ownership in achieving Departmental Budgeted Sales and Profitability Goals, and customer satisfaction in the Produce Departments across multiple store locations. You will work closely with District Managers, Store Managers and Departmental Employees to ensure operational excellence and adherence to company policies and standards.

Core Responsibilities

• Financials: Shared responsibility in achieving Budgeted Gross Profit and Sales Goals.
• Leadership & Direction: Develop, support, motivate, and guide Store Managers, Produce Managers and Departmental Employees to achieve maximum sales and profitability while ensuring customer satisfaction within the operational budget.
• Program Implementation: Ensure that Store Management and Departmental employees understand and effectively implement key departmental programs and standards, including Safety, Sanitation, Training, Processing, Pricing, Displaying, Merchandising, Weights and Tares, Scanning, Inventory, and Customer Service.
• Communication: Act as a liaison between upper management and store personnel to effectively communicate the company vision and pertinent day-to-day information.
• Support: Assist Store Managers with hiring, interviewing, training, demoting, terminating, conducting wage reviews, facilitating transfers, and labor setup for Produce Departments.
• Training & Development: Train, grow, and mentor Department Managers to enhance their leadership skills and capabilities.
• Performance Measurement: Continuously evaluate sales performance, cost control, shrinkage, labor, and gross profit within the Produce Department.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with District Managers, Store Managers, Department Managers, Store Teams, and Lead Specialists to foster great working relationships and achieve store objectives.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a leadership role within the grocery or retail industry, preferably in the Produce Category.
• Strong knowledge of Produce Department Operations, including safety and sanitation protocols.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze performance metrics and implement effective strategies.
• Passion for mentoring and developing team members.
• Accountability, Accuracy, Assertiveness, Written Communication, Customer Orientation, Decision Making, Detail Orientation, Honesty/Integrity, Leadership, Management Skills, Motivation, Organization, Problem Solving, Reliability, Responsibility, Self-Motivation, Team Building, Time Management.
• Other desirable traits: ability to organize and direct oneself and supervise others.

Why Join Us?

At Houchens Food Group, we value our employees and are committed to their growth and success. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment.

Education

High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED)

Experience

2 Years Produce Management Exp.

Skills & Abilities

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)

Other Requirements

Required to have access to a phone at all times and able to perform basic math calculations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand: Frequently; up to 10 lbs or less; Constant
• Walk: Frequently; 11-20 lbs; Constant
• Sit: Occasionally; 21-50 lbs; Frequent
• Handling / Fingering: Constant; 51-100 lbs; Frequent
• Reach Outward: Frequently; Over 100 lbs; Occasional
• Reach Above Shoulder: Frequently
• Climb: Occasionally
• Crawl: Occasionally
• Squat or Kneel: Frequently
• Bend: Frequently

Equal Opportunity Employer: Houchens Food Group is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or pregnancy. Applicants may request accommodations based on religious beliefs, disability, or pregnancy.