PRODUCE/ASST DEPT LEADER

The Kroger Co.•Gresham, OR

About The Position

The Produce Assistant Department Leader helps create an outstanding customer experience through exceptional service and maintains a safe, clean environment that encourages customers to return. The role supports department sales and profit goals, quality assurance standards, and the day-to-day functions and activities of the Produce department. The position also demonstrates the company’s values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety. The assistant leader helps guide associates, manage department performance and scheduling, develop and implement business and promotional plans, and support budgeting and inventory activities. The role also assists customers with product questions and suggestions, monitors product quality and freshness, and helps maintain safe operating conditions, including proper temperatures and safety procedures.

Requirements

Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of basic math, including counting, addition, and subtraction.
Ability to handle stressful situations.
Current food handlers permit once employed.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED.
Any management experience.
Any produce or retail experience.
A second language, in speaking, reading, and/or writing.

Responsibilities

Promote trust and respect among associates and maintain a positive attitude.
Communicate company, department, and job-specific information to associates.
Establish department performance goals and empower associates to meet or exceed targets through teamwork.
Develop adequate scheduling to manage customer volume.
Train and develop associates and participate in the performance appraisal process.
Help customers feel welcome and appreciated by answering questions, making suggestions, and locating products.
Inform customers about produce specials and offer product samples.
Review and inspect products for quality and freshness and take appropriate action.
Develop and implement a department business plan to achieve desired results.
Create and execute sales promotions in partnership with store management.
Inform and educate department associates about current, upcoming, and special in-store promotions.
Prepare and submit seasonal critiques for the sales and merchandising supervisor.
Implement the department’s period promotional plan.
Assist management with the store or department budget, expense control, profit and loss reviews, and follow-up actions on financial reports.
Schedule daily, weekly, and monthly price changes by updating shelf tags and promotional signs.
Plan and organize inventory processes, monitor inventory and stocking conditions, note discrepancies, and train associates on inventory, stocking, and Computer Assisted Ordering (CAO).
Ensure proper temperatures in cases and coolers and maintain temperature logs.
Reinforce safety programs by following procedures, identifying unsafe conditions, inspecting equipment, reporting repair needs, and reporting customer or employee accidents.
Report safety risks, other issues, and illegal activity, including robbery, theft, or fraud.
Follow local, state, and federal laws and company guidelines.
Work cooperatively in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment.
Manage conflict in a reasonable, nonconfrontational, and cooperative manner.
Act honestly and with integrity when handling customer and business information.
Follow directions and seek assistance when necessary to resolve customer and business issues.
Provide support and assistance through direct interaction with minors, individuals with special needs, and older adults.
Perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.