Produce/Dept Leader

Kroger•Livonia, MI

About The Position

The Produce/Dept Leader implements company and division policies to achieve maximum sales and profits in the produce department while demonstrating the company’s values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety. The role plans, organizes, directs, and controls department activities, and may take charge of store operations within the scope of authority when the store manager is absent. The leader oversees produce receiving, storage, pricing, merchandising, ordering, inventory, salad bar operations, housekeeping, supplies, records, and reports. They train and support department employees, promote customer service and productivity, communicate with store personnel, and assess department operations for improvements. The position requires adaptability in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment, including flexibility to work varied shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Requirements

Willingness to be flexible and work mornings, afternoons, evenings, and nights as work demands.
Willingness and 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 and preparation, and general knowledge of store operations.
Ability to communicate with employees, customers, and supervisors while remaining alert to changing priorities and demands and reacting quickly.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Ability to make intelligent decisions quickly.
Ability to handle stressful situations tactfully and calmly and make a positive impression on associates and customers.
Abilities and skills for effective production, merchandising, and customer service related to merchandise sales.
Ability to manage people and organize workloads.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Implement company and division policies to achieve maximum sales and profits in the produce department.
Promote customer relations through personal example and by ensuring department personnel demonstrate friendliness and courtesy.
Assist with store security, handle customer complaints, and respond professionally to changing priorities and demands.
Make recommendations concerning hiring, firing, discipline, demotion, transfer, and evaluation of produce department personnel.
Induct, train, and support department employees, including ensuring they can read scales and prices correctly and use learned skills appropriately.
Supervise all aspects of salad bar operations.
Discuss efficient and practical schedules for full-time and part-time employees with the store manager.
Maintain employees’ personable, clean, and neat appearance and ensure they are properly uniformed and identified.
Maintain good communication with store personnel.
Plan, organize, direct, and control produce department activities, and, within the scope of authority, take charge of store operations in the store manager’s absence.
Direct the receiving, storing, pricing, and merchandising of produce products.
Order appropriately to maintain adequate stock, supplies, and optimal department inventory levels.
Maintain and submit required records and reports and use them effectively.
Maintain cleanliness and housekeeping in department areas, including cases, floors, coolers, and preparation areas, and ensure proper waste disposal.
Keep necessary supplies on hand, including bags and pricing and marking equipment.
Continuously analyze department operations, including space allocation, design, displays, price marking, rotation, inventory, and personnel, and make changes or recommendations to the store manager.
Promote, communicate, and implement company initiatives and process improvements with direct reports in a positive manner.
Perform duties assigned by the store manager and/or supervisor.
Work cooperatively in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment and manage conflict reasonably and cooperatively.
Handle customer and business information honestly and with integrity; follow directions and seek assistance when needed.
Provide support and assistance through direct interaction with minors, individuals with special needs, and/or older adults.
Perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.