Grocery Receiver - Department Head

Description

WHO WE ARE

We’re a community-owned natural foods grocery store passionate about high-quality food, sustainability, and the cooperative business model. Our mission is rooted in serving our community while creating a workplace that is inclusive, engaging, and supportive. We strive to set a high standard for employment practices by fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and growth. We’re looking for positive, self-motivated people who take pride in delivering excellent customer service, value the quality of their work, show up reliably for their team, and enjoy working together to make a meaningful impact every day.

Job Title: Grocery Receiver Department Head

Reports to: Grocery Managers

Status: Non-Exempt, Union Classification Level 4

Wage Range: $21.99 – $26.12 per hour

POSITION SUMMARY

The Grocery Receiver plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth delivery, intake, and distribution of products throughout the store. This position is responsible for managing the backroom, processing invoices, maintaining organized stock systems, and working collaboratively with all departments. The role also includes performing general grocery team member duties, providing excellent service to vendors, customers, and coworkers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Receiving & Inventory Management

• Accurately check goods received against invoices; verify quantities, condition, and pull dates.
• Submit and follow up on credits with distributors and producers.
• Maintain accurate receiving systems in coordination with the Grocery Manager.
• Organize and maintain a clean, safe backroom and dock area.
• Manage backstock and store supplies (e.g., shopping baskets and bags).

Communication & Coordination

• Coordinate delivery logistics with all departments to ensure timely and efficient product flow.
• Keep supervisor informed of delivery or inventory issues and share improvement ideas.
• Participate in team, staff, and cross-department meetings as scheduled.

Stocking & Merchandising

• Move products efficiently from receiving to the sales floor, using FIFO (first-in, first-out) methods.
• Stock, front, and straighten items on shelves and displays as needed.

Customer Service

• Provide excellent, professional customer service to both shoppers and coworkers.
• Model the Co-op’s service standards with vendors, delivery drivers, and fellow staff.
• Stay informed about store layout and product selection to assist customers effectively.
• Refer customers to appropriate resources when needed.

General Expectations

• Support store cleanliness, sanitation, and safety standards.
• Understand and promote Co-op principles and mission; explain membership when needed.
• Follow all Co-op work policies and procedures.
• Obtain and maintain forklift certification.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience with receiving, inventory management, or grocery operations preferred. 
• Excellent customer service and communication skills for working with vendors, staff, and customers.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) and able to learn inventory and receiving systems.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to anticipate and troubleshoot issues related to deliveries, inventory, and backroom operations.
• Organized, reliable, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn and retain product knowledge, especially related to natural and organic goods.
• Able to complete paperwork accurately, including invoices and credits.
• Must be at least 18 years old and able to obtain a Washington State Food Handler’s Card.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in environments with moderate to loud noise levels, including paging systems, telephones, voices, music, and machinery.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including standing and walking for extended periods (up to 8 hours), frequent bending, twisting, kneeling, reaching above shoulders and below knees, and repetitive hand and wrist movements.
• Regularly lift, carry, and move products up to 60 pounds; push and pull carts and heavy loads.
• Comfortable working at heights using ladders or step stools.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to a range of temperatures:
• Freezers (below 32°F),
• Coolers (32–40°F),
• Dry storage or loading zones (above 90°F).
• Tolerate exposure to FDA-approved cleaning chemicals.
• Safely and effectively operate all equipment required for the role, which may include pallet jacks, forklifts, balers, box cutters, ladders, and other tools.

BENEFITS AT THE CO-OP

• Up to 25% staff discount & access to wholesale orders 
• Great medical/dental/vision and supplemental insurance options
• 401(k) w/match
• Paid time off
• Pay on Demand
• Potential year-end bonus 
• Access to employee assistance program

UNION AFFILIATION: This position is represented by Teamsters Local 231. Terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, and working conditions, are governed by the collective bargaining agreement between the Community Food Co-op and the union.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: The Community Food Co-op is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Employees are expected to act in the best interest of the Co-op, even if doing so requires actions or responsibilities not listed in the above job description. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned which are not considered essential and may not be listed here.