Produce Department Manager

Hy-Vee, Inc.•Oskaloosa, IA

About The Position

The Produce Department Manager oversees all aspects of produce department operations and sets standards for freshness, quality, customer service, cleanliness, sanitation, employee relations, and profitability. The role leads and develops department employees, manages merchandising and inventory, plans promotions and advertising, and contributes directly to customers’ experience in the store. The manager works with store leadership to set department goals and schedules, directs salad bar operations, monitors sales and trends, manages bookkeeping and financial procedures, and ensures proper product storage and temperature controls. The position also involves customer assistance, receiving and stocking deliveries, equipment troubleshooting, and following company policies and safety standards.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent experience.
On-the-job training and required produce and sanitation courses.
Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team in a fast-paced retail environment.
Ability to solve practical problems and make sound decisions with varied factors and limited standardization.
Math skills including fractions, decimals, and percentages for pricing, sales analysis, and inventory tasks.
Clear, professional written and verbal communication with customers, employees, vendors, and others.
Ability to analyze sales data and trends to inform product, promotion, and operational decisions.
Ability to handle confidential information, including employee compensation, sales and profit sheets, inventory reports, and warehouse pricing, with discretion.
Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing 100 pounds or more, with or without mechanical assistance.
Ability to stand and walk continuously on hard surfaces for extended periods.
Ability to work in cooler or freezer environments for extended periods.
Ability to unload, lift, stock, and rotate incoming freight and merchandise.
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Over one year of related work experience preferred.
Where applicable, ability to operate pallet jacks, forklifts, or similar material-handling equipment; required operator certification must be completed before independent use.
Where applicable, ability to safely use sharp knives and blades to cut, trim, or grind product.
Where applicable and in accordance with age and legal requirements, ability to operate a cardboard baler or compactor.

Responsibilities

Set standards for customer service, employee relations, cleanliness, sanitation, professional appearance, and department profitability.
Model excellent customer service, create a welcoming atmosphere, assist customers, and resolve concerns promptly and professionally.
Recruit, hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and develop department employees.
Determine department goals with the Store Director and establish weekly schedules and daily work plans.
Plan, schedule, and oversee salad bar operations, including inventory.
Inspect signage, displays, and merchandise for quality and quantity; order replenishment product and ensure competitive pricing.
Analyze weekly and monthly sales and trends, prepare advertising projections, and write ads.
Plan displays and promotions and determine pre-orders to drive sales and customer engagement.
Manage department bookkeeping, including extending and posting invoices and overseeing financial procedures.
Conduct department inventory and maintain proper temperatures and storage procedures to preserve freshness and control shrink.
Troubleshoot department equipment and ensure maintenance is performed as needed.
Unload trucks, check in deliveries, and place products in appropriate storage areas.
Approve employee discipline and recommend transfers, discharges, and salary changes.
Attend meetings, seminars, and continuing education as assigned.
Answer calls promptly and provide helpful service, including taking product orders.
Follow the company dress code, hygiene standards, and department and company guidelines.
Assist with departmental duties, other tasks, and special projects as needed.