PRODUCE/DEPT LEADER

The Kroger Co.•Hampton, VA

About The Position

The Produce/Dept Leader implements company and division policies to maximize produce department sales and profits while demonstrating the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety. The role plans, organizes, directs, and controls produce department activities and may take charge of store operations when the store manager is absent, within the scope of authority. It directs the receiving, storage, pricing, and merchandising of produce; maintains appropriate inventory and supplies; oversees salad bar operations; and monitors department operations, cleanliness, staffing, and performance. The leader supports customer relations and store security, handles customer complaints, trains and communicates with department employees, and makes recommendations about personnel decisions. The position requires effective communication, quick and sound decision-making, and the ability to work cooperatively in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment. It also provides support through direct interaction with minors, individuals with special needs, and older adults. The essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Be willing to work flexible mornings, afternoons, evenings, or nights as business demands require.
Be willing and available to work weekends and holidays as needed.
Understand key components of department operations, including people management, merchandising, computer-assisted ordering, inventory management, shrink control, customer service, labor scheduling, and expense control.
Have working knowledge of produce preparation and general store operations.
Communicate effectively with employees, customers, and supervisors, and stay alert and react quickly to changing priorities and demands.
Have effective written and oral communication skills.
Be able to make intelligent decisions quickly.
Be able to handle stressful situations tactfully and calmly and make a positive impression on associates and customers.
Possess abilities and skills for effective production, merchandising, and customer service related to merchandise sales.
Be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Develop customer relations through personal example, friendliness, courtesy, and implementation of company policies.
Remain alert and assist with store security.
Handle customer complaints.
Make recommendations regarding hiring, firing, discipline, demotion, transfer, and evaluation of produce department personnel.
Indoctrinate department employees and ensure they can read scales and prices correctly.
Train employees in price marking and promote customer courtesy, productivity, and proper use of learned skills.
Supervise all aspects of salad bar operations.
Discuss practical and efficient working schedules for full- and part-time employees with the store manager.
Maintain a personable, clean, and neat appearance among department employees and ensure they are properly uniformed and identified.
Maintain good communication with store personnel.
Plan, organize, direct, and control produce department activities; take charge of store operations in the store manager’s absence when within the scope of authority.
Direct the receiving, storing, pricing, and merchandising of produce products.
Order appropriately to maintain adequate stock and supplies and optimum inventory levels.
Maintain and submit required records and reports, and use them effectively.
Maintain effective housekeeping: clean or defrost cases on schedule, clean floors, keep coolers and preparation areas orderly, and dispose of waste and materials properly.
Maintain adequate supplies, including bags and pricing and marking equipment.
Continuously analyze department space allocation, design, displays, price marking, rotation, inventory, and personnel; make changes or recommendations to the store manager as appropriate.
Promote, communicate, and implement company initiatives and process improvements positively with direct reports.
Be prompt, tactful, calm, courteous, and professional in all interactions.
Manage people and organize workloads effectively.
Perform duties assigned by the store manager and/or supervisor.
Work cooperatively in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment and manage conflict reasonably, nonconfrontationally, and cooperatively.
Act honestly and with integrity regarding 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 functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.