Local Produce Merchandiser- Tampa, Florida

GSO • Greensboro, NC

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Local Produce Merchandiser leads the execution, growth, and differentiation of The Fresh Market’s produce program across stores within a selected region. The role connects growers, merchants, local wholesale markets, distribution partners, and store teams to ensure produce is presented in a compelling and consistent way that enhances the guest experience. It involves significant time in stores and local markets evaluating merchandising, product quality, assortment opportunities, and execution standards. The role identifies regional buying opportunities, supports local supplier relationships, and brings programs to life through merchandising and operational execution.

The ideal candidate combines produce expertise, merchant instincts, buying experience, operational knowledge, and a passion for creating exceptional fresh experiences. The role works across merchandising, operations, supply chain, marketing, food safety, and store operations, and requires extensive travel to stores, farms, supplier locations, and industry events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• At least 4 years of experience in produce merchandising, store operations, field leadership, category management, or fresh food retail.
• Strong understanding of produce merchandising, seasonality, freshness management, and display principles.
• Experience working directly with store teams and operational execution.
• Ability to analyze sales performance and identify merchandising opportunities.
• Strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and retail reporting tools.
• Ability to travel extensively to stores, farms, supplier locations, and industry events.

Nice To Haves

• Produce department leadership experience.
• Experience supporting local or regional produce programs.
• Knowledge of seasonal crop cycles and local agriculture.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of The Fresh Market’s produce strategy across selected stores and regions.
• Identify assortment, sourcing, and merchandising opportunities aligned with customer demand, seasonality, and regional market trends.
• Source and launch localized, regional, and seasonal products that support category objectives, brand standards, and guest preferences.
• Negotiate localized purchases and supplier agreements that deliver value and support margin and category goals.
• Work with growers and suppliers to ensure quality, service, and supply continuity.
• Identify and execute regional spot-buy, promotional, and sales-driving opportunities.
• Visit stores to evaluate product quality, merchandising standards, display effectiveness, and program execution.
• Coach store teams on merchandising best practices, display techniques, seasonal transitions, and local storytelling.
• Partner with operations and store leadership to drive consistent execution and improve business results.
• Identify and share merchandising best practices across stores and regions.
• Support local item launches and seasonal transitions through store communication and field execution.
• Develop and maintain relationships with growers, suppliers, and local market partners.
• Visit farms, growing regions, supplier facilities, and wholesale markets to identify sourcing and innovation opportunities.
• Support local grower events, product showcases, community partnerships, and seasonal promotional programs.
• Evaluate potential supplier partnerships and provide recommendations to merchandising leadership.
• Coordinate localized sourcing, assortment, and promotional decisions with the broader Merchandising team to align with category strategies and business objectives.
• Partner with Merchandising, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, Food Safety, and Store Operations teams.
• Support the development and execution of seasonal, promotional, and local marketing initiatives.
• Provide field insights, customer feedback, and market intelligence to help shape future category strategies.
• Champion The Fresh Market’s culture of Passion, Hospitality, Excellence, and Teamwork.

Benefits

• Team member discount up to 40%.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance available for individual, spouse, partner, and family.
• 401(k) contribution and match for part-time and full-time team members.
• Personal time off and additional time-off purchase plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level