Food Production Manager

GSO • Chicago, IL

2d

About The Position

The Food Production Manager leads the Production department’s team members and operational procedures and standards to provide quality products and complete meal solutions for guests. This fast-paced role involves working with team members and products throughout the early morning, with a focus on efficiency, effectiveness, and excellence. The position reports to the Store Operations Manager and promotes a culture of leadership, hospitality, excellence, and teamwork.

The manager oversees production for items supporting the Deli-CMS, Meat-Seafood, Bakery, and Produce departments; manages receiving, stocking, rotation, and shrink; and directs the preparation of meats, cheeses, bread, prepacked produce, and convenient meal solutions. The role also includes training, coaching, scheduling, guest service, and ensuring compliance with food safety and other safety requirements.

The schedule is 3 a.m.–11 a.m., with days off typically Sunday and Wednesday. The stated pay range is $22.08–$27.60 per hour.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of progressive management experience in supermarkets, retail, restaurants, hotels, or general business.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Proven ability to deliver an exceptional guest experience while achieving performance goals.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Basic proficiency with POS systems, scheduling tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Food safety certification, or ability to obtain it after hire.
• Must be at least 21 years old.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree in business, retail management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in grocery, fresh food retail, hospitality, or a high-volume specialty retail environment.
• Knowledge of inventory management systems and financial reporting.
• Bilingual skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct, manage, and assist all functions of the Production department.
• Manage production of key items to support the Deli-CMS, Meat-Seafood, Bakery, and Produce departments.
• Receive and stock goods, following rotation standards when replenishing product levels.
• Manage products to reduce shrink and damage.
• Direct teams in handling, cutting, and preparing meats, cheeses, bread, prepacked produce, and convenient meal solutions while maintaining product quality levels according to TFM standards.
• Provide team-member training through The Fresh Market Academy, including on-the-job and online training, to promote excellent guest service, safety, efficiency, and reduced product loss.
• Lead, engage, motivate, and manage team members to provide excellent guest service.
• Coach team members to support their development and increase retention.
• Create and manage team schedules, aligning production with guest shopping hours.
• Ensure department adherence to safety requirements and protocols, including food safety requirements under TFM policies and applicable law.

Benefits

• Team Member discount up to 40%.
• Early Earn Wage Access: access up to 50% (maximum $500) of earned wages on demand per pay period.
• 401(k) contribution and company match.
• Financial Wellness Program.
• Personal time off and additional time-off purchase plans.
• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance for individuals and their spouse, partner, and family.
• Discounts on pet insurance, daycare, event tickets, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed