PRODUCE/DEPT LEADER

The Kroger Co.•Littleton, CO

About The Position

The Produce/Dept Leader implements company and division policies to achieve maximum sales and profits in the produce departments 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 in the store manager’s absence 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 supports customer service, department cleanliness, employee training, and effective communication. The position also promotes company initiatives and process improvements and performs other duties assigned by the store manager and/or supervisor.

Requirements

Willingness to work flexible shifts, including 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 preparation and general store operations.
Ability to communicate with employees, customers, and supervisors 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 merchandise sales.

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 friendliness, courtesy, and implementation of company policies.
Remain alert and assist with store security.
Handle customer complaints perceptively.
Make recommendations regarding hiring, firing, discipline, demotion, transfer, and evaluation of produce department personnel.
Induct department employees and ensure they can read scales and prices correctly.
Train employees in price marking, customer courtesy, and productivity, and ensure they apply the skills learned.
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 department employees and ensure they are properly uniformed and identified.
Maintain good communication with store personnel.
Plan, organize, direct, and control produce department activities, and 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 cleanliness and housekeeping throughout the department, including cleaning or defrosting cases according to schedule, cleaning floors, keeping the cooler and preparation area orderly, and disposing of waste and materials properly.
Keep adequate supplies on hand, 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 to direct reports in a positive manner.
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.
Manage conflict reasonably, cooperatively, and without confrontation.
Act honestly and with integrity regarding customer and business information.
Follow directions and seek assistance when needed to resolve customer and business issues.
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.