Produce/Dept Leader

Kroger•Birmingham, MI

About The Position

Implement company and division policies to achieve maximum sales and profits in the produce department while demonstrating the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety. Plan, organize, direct, and control department activities, and, within the scope of authority, may take charge of store operations when the store manager is absent. Oversee produce operations, including receiving, storing, pricing, merchandising, ordering, inventory, salad bar operations, housekeeping, and required records and reports. Lead and train department employees, promote customer service and productivity, support company initiatives and process improvements, and coordinate staffing schedules with the store manager. The role requires effective communication, sound judgment, and the ability to work cooperatively in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment. The employee must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Willingness to work flexible morning, afternoon, evening, or night schedules as work demands.
Availability to work weekends and holidays as needed.
Understanding of key department operations, including people management, merchandising, computer-assisted ordering, inventory management, shrink control, customer service, labor scheduling, and expense control.
Working knowledge of produce preparation and general knowledge of store operations.
Ability to communicate with employees, customers, and supervisors and to react quickly to changing priorities and demands.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Ability to make sound decisions quickly.
Ability to handle stressful situations tactfully and calmly and make a positive impression on associates and customers.
Skills and abilities for effective production, merchandising, and customer service related to merchandise sales.
Ability to work cooperatively in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Produce work experience or similar experience in food preparation.
Past work record reflecting dependability and integrity.

Responsibilities

Develop customer relations through personal example and implementation of company policies; handle customer complaints and assist with store security.
Make recommendations regarding hiring, firing, discipline, demotion, transfer, and evaluation of produce department personnel.
Indoctrinate and train department employees, including instruction on reading scales and prices, price marking, customer courtesy, and productivity.
Supervise all aspects of salad bar operations.
Discuss efficient and practical work schedules for full- and part-time employees with the store manager.
Maintain a personable, clean, and neat appearance among departmental employees and ensure they are properly uniformed and identified.
Maintain good communication with all store personnel.
Plan, organize, direct, and control produce department activities; may take charge of store operations in the store manager’s absence, within the scope of authority.
Direct the receiving, storing, pricing, and merchandising of produce products.
Order products and supplies to maintain adequate stock and optimum department inventory levels.
Maintain and submit required records and reports and use them effectively.
Maintain housekeeping throughout the department, including cleaning or defrosting cases, cleaning floors, keeping coolers and preparation areas orderly, and disposing of waste properly.
Keep adequate supplies available, including bags and pricing and marking equipment.
Continuously analyze department space allocation, design, displays, price marking, rotation, inventories, and personnel; make changes or recommendations to the store manager as appropriate.
Promote, communicate, and implement company initiatives and process improvements positively to direct reports.
Interact promptly, tactfully, calmly, courteously, and professionally.
Manage people and organize workloads; follow directions and seek assistance when needed to resolve customer and business issues.
Manage conflict in a reasonable, nonconfrontational, and cooperative manner.
Act honestly and with integrity regarding customer and business information.
Provide support and assistance through direct interaction with minors, individuals with special needs, and older adults.
Perform other duties as assigned by the store manager and/or supervisor.