Lawrence-Fresh Specialist (Produce)

THE COMMUNITY MERCANTILE, INC.•Lawrence, KS

1d•$16 - $17•Onsite

About The Position

Co-op specialists work closely with department managers to consistently meet the needs of shoppers in a fast-paced service environment. Specialists are department leads. They assist the manager in reaching sales and profit goals established for the department, and monitor all established quality standards. Produce Specialists report to the Produce Manager and collaborate to guide daily operations of their department. They purchase, receive, price, prepare, merchandise, and return produce and products. Specialists demonstrate exceptional communication skills, support department staff through providing training and problem solving, prioritize and delegate tasks, and assist in monitoring adherence to customer service standards, food quality, and equipment operation and safety standards.

Requirements

Past work record reflects dependability and integrity
Open availability of 35+ hours/week
Flexibility of schedule to adapt and respond to the needs of the department.
Exceptional customer service skills
Effective organization and time management skills
Proven ability to follow through on commitments, prioritize and reprioritize as necessary
Excellent interpersonal, motivational, team building, and customer relationship skills
Must have the ability to read written and interpret verbal or demonstrated instructions; write identifying information and make requests verbally or in writing
Must be able to solve practical problems and work towards solutions
Must be able to perform simple addition and subtraction, as well as counting and recording

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate will have lead or supervisory experience in a grocery/retail setting and the ability to use discretion to execute the daily operation of the department without direct supervision.
Knowledge of health and safety standards
Ability to multitask and work quickly under pressure
Product knowledge
Intermediate skill with Microsoft Office Suite and digital communication

Responsibilities

Collaborate with department manager to guide daily operations within the department
Provide exceptional, prompt and friendly service in person and over the phone
Calmly, courteously, and tactfully handle stressful situations and make a positive impression on staff and customers.
Observe, adjust, and delegate tasks based on customer flow and department priorities
Work with Manager to achieve cost, margin, expense and labor targets.
Collaborate with the Manager to provide coaching, training and skills development within the team
Support initiatives for improving department processes
Act as point person when Manager is not on shift during severe weather, shoplifting and disruptive situations, troubleshooting or correcting mechanical failure of department equipment, and communicating maintenance needs
Comply with safety procedures and identify unsafe conditions; report all safety risks to store management (ex: items in need of repair, customer or employee accidents, safety risks or issues including robbery, theft, or fraud).
Gain and maintain knowledge of cooperative ownership and business model practices
Gain and maintain knowledge of products sold within the store and be able to respond to questions and make suggestions about products.
Stay current with present, future, seasonal and special promotions and ads.
Willing to work weekends and holidays.
Reports to work as scheduled and on time.
Purchase, receive, price, prepare, merchandise, and return produce and products in compliance with established practices and standards
Serve and assist customers, explain products, flavor, taste and preparation
Supports training for Safe Food Handling practices and safe equipment use including knives and production equipment
Assist with management of inventory and ensuring products are fresh and high quality
Assist with accurately updating and maintaining inventory in the Point of Sale system
Ensure that all production, inventory, prep, and display racks are properly stored, labeled, and rotated.
Develop and maintain professional relationships with vendors
Efficiently and accurately receive, record, code and track invoices
Ensure department staff maintain a neat and clean department, including coolers, backstock and other storage spaces