Produce Manager

Description

GreenStar offers excellent time off benefits & affordable and flexible health care options!

Purpose: To select, price and merchandise produce products to meet objectives for sales, margin, inventory turns and customer service at all GreenStar retail stores. To effectively manage staff to achieve these ends. This is a management position responsible for providing leadership and vision to help achieve organizational goals. This position is based out of the Cascadilla Street location but encompasses our Produce department’s product line and merchandising at all co-op store locations.

Commitment: GreenStar Co-op is committed to being an organization free from discrimination. We seek out, welcome and celebrate people with diverse identities to participate in our community-owned cooperative business structure. 

Status: Level V, Management Staff, Supervised by General Manager

RESPONSIBILITIES

I. GENERAL MANAGERIAL

• Work with the General Manager in setting sales and margin goals, reviewing departmental financial reports, (sales, labor, margin, turns) and helping to take corrective action as needed.
• Establishing and maintaining procedures for pricing products to meet margin goals, and for marking down items to reduce losses.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements such as NYS Ag & Market, local and state Health Departments codes, and other food and retail regulations.
• Clearly communicates standards, expectations, policy changes and product knowledge to all Produce Team Members.
• Stay current on trends and changes that affects the department and food industry.
• Train and supervise staff in the preparation and presentation of product offerings that provide a pleasing appearance, variety and consistent high quality. 
• Maintain and monitor department procedures to include tracking of inventory, waste, transfer of products, etc.
• Knowledgeable in the use of our POS system. 

II. MERCHANDISING

• Ensure shelves are fully stocked and rotated to ensure freshness. See that displays are replenished, rotated, and culled several times daily 
• See that compost and waste are properly disposed of
• Plan attractive produce displays, using color and texture to enhance
• Ensure an emphasis on product sampling with our customers
• Ensure displays and shelves are clean and well organized
• Produce Manager is aware of seasonal trends and fulfills customer requests within reason
• Ensure that all products are accurately labeled for description and price including accurate sales signage
• Participates fully in all relevant promotional vehicles (BASICS program, Co-op Deals, Member Deals sales etc.)
• Ensures products meet product guideline requirements
• Conduct periodic comparisons with competitors

 III. CUSTOMER SERVICE

• Assists customers with product/procedure questions in a prompt and courteous manner, referring them to other staff when necessary
• Ensures that Produce Team Members provide knowledgeable and courteous customer service
• Knowledgeable about all Produce dept. products. Answer questions accurately
• Helps customers place special orders

IV. PURCHASING

• Ensures the department negotiates with farms and suppliers for favorable prices, terms, quality, deliveries to all co-op locations
• Ensures the purchase of fresh produce with an emphasis on local, organic, and seasonal when reasonable
• Ensures the evaluation of suppliers and investigation of new sources of supply
• Ensures proper receiving by other staff in accordance with established procedures
• Ensures produce is checked for quality, return unacceptable items as needed. Get credited for items which cannot be sold
• Ensures invoices are reviewed for accuracy and passed on to Accounting for payment
• Trains and operates our POS system to maintain proper cost and pricing of items to ensure margin performance at all co-op store locations.

V. DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE

• Coordinate storage of items on and off store site. 
• Ensure that Produce department prep, retail, and storage areas are clean, orderly condition, meeting health department standards.
• Prepare for and ensure accuracy of inventory counts.
• Ensure maintenance of department equipment. Ensure along with Facilities dept that equipment is kept in clean/working order. Advise the General Manager of equipment problems or needs.

 VI. PERSONNEL

• Ensure clear communication to include expectations, accountability, and follow through for daily tasks are clear.
• Be receptive and respond to the ongoing needs and concerns of your team
• Lead the training, coaching, and development of Produce team members.
• Conduct performance evaluations on a timely basis.
• Deliver disciplinary action as needed following established policy.
• Schedule Produce team members for departmental needs.
• Review and approve timesheets for accuracy, to include the use of benefit time according to our policies. Follow up as needed.
• Manage a positive culture where employees feel their contributions are valued

VII. SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure department equipment is in working order. Recommend major equipment repair or replacement to the General Manager.
• Be conscientious of and train staff in proper lifting and physical safety techniques.
• Be mindful of potential hazards to customers and employees and takes time to correct hazards when noted.
• Follow GreenStar’s safety rules.
• Assist other employees in safety needs. 
• Report unsafe equipment and conditions immediately. 
• Participate in safety training programs, assist with accident investigations as needed. 
• Perform other tasks as assigned to ensure a safe and healthy work environment

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Supervisory experience: hiring, training, evaluating, developing, coaching.
• Experience and skill serving the public in a customer service setting.
• Demonstrated ability to follow through on commitments.
• Self-Driven/Motivated with the ability to demonstrate initiative.
• Knowledge or interest in learning about natural foods, produce, local farms.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple demands, stay calm, and prioritize.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.