PRODUCE/DEPT LEADER

The Kroger Co.•Vincennes, IN

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 core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety. The role plans, organizes, directs, and controls department activities, including produce receiving, storage, pricing, merchandising, ordering, inventory, staffing, training, customer service, and department cleanliness. The leader may take charge of store operations when the store manager is absent, within the scope of authority, and performs other duties as assigned by the store manager and/or supervisor. The position requires a flexible schedule that may include mornings, afternoons, evenings, or nights, as well as weekends and holidays when needed. The leader must communicate effectively, make timely decisions, respond to changing priorities, manage conflict cooperatively, and work effectively in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment. Essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

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.
Effective communication with employees, customers, and supervisors, with the ability to stay alert and react quickly to changing priorities and demands.
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 the sale of merchandise.
Willingness to work flexible shifts, including mornings, afternoons, evenings, and nights as work demands; availability to work weekends and holidays as needed.
Ability 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 of friendliness and courtesy and by implementing company policies.
Be alert and assist with store security.
Recognize and handle customer complaints.
Make recommendations regarding hiring, firing, discipline, demotion, transfer, and evaluation of produce department personnel.
Indoctrinate and train department employees, including ensuring they can read scales and prices correctly.
Train employees in price marking and promote customer courtesy, productivity, and effective use of learned skills.
Supervise all aspects of salad bar operations.
Discuss practical and efficient work schedules for full-time and part-time employees with the store manager.
Maintain a personable, clean, and neat appearance among department personnel 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 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 on schedule, cleaning floors, keeping cooler and preparation areas orderly, and disposing of waste and materials properly.
Maintain adequate supplies, including bags and pricing and marking equipment.
Continuously analyze department operations, including 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 to direct reports in a positive manner.
Be prompt, tactful, calm, courteous, and professional in all interactions.
Manage people and organize workloads effectively.
Work cooperatively in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment and manage conflict reasonably, cooperatively, and without confrontation.
Handle customer and business information honestly and with integrity.
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 other duties as assigned by the store manager and/or supervisor.