Produce Manager Trainee (H)

About the position

Hannaford Supermarkets started out as a fresh produce vendor in Portland, Maine way back in 1883, and is still connected to those early roots as a local market. Hannaford actively seeks out farmers and producers to join our Local program which celebrates not only local foods, but the preservation of farmland, local traditions and local jobs. The connection we have to the source of our fresh foods is core to the way we do business, becoming the first major supermarket in the United States to document that all its seafood products were sustainably harvested. The primary purpose of this position is to manage retail operations for the assigned department, making decisions that impact store associates, merchandise quality and presentation, and the level of service offered to our customers. This role involves building associate and customer relations and promoting a strong culture in support of Hannaford Strategy through store huddles, role modeling cultural behaviors, and consistent use of all available tools to help manage for performance. The position is accountable for maintaining store conditions involving appearance, security, safety, and food safety at the highest level, as well as proper control of company assets.

Responsibilities

• Foster a positive and inclusive environment to retain associates and customers.
• Ensure that all quality standards are met.
• Manage department operations in accordance with established department standard practices.
• Ensure the maintenance of the department's appearance and presentation.
• Hire, train and develop associates to meet the department needs.
• Attain departmental financial objectives.
• Supervise performance of all duties and responsibilities of all assigned department associates.
• Role model outstanding friendly customer service.
• Use good judgement in the delegation, assignment, and follow-up required for the efficient performance of the department.
• Ensure the maintenance of accurate records of production, shrink, sales and inventory.
• Provide recognition of accomplishments and offer constructive counseling when necessary.
• Treat all co-workers with fairness, dignity, and respect.
• Ensure department associates are properly trained by certified trainers.
• Ensure all company policies and procedures are followed as outlined.
• Develop product knowledge in all areas of the assigned department.
• Use RF (Radio Frequency) unit as needed.
• Retrieve and organize assigned departments product loads.
• Assist in effectively ordering and maintaining inventory control to maximize sales and limit shrink issues.
• Conduct performance appraisals on all department associates according to company standards.
• Maintain effective work schedules to meet production and customer service standards as well as associate's personal needs.
• Understand and use company tools such as: MPP, financial reports, scheduling, ordering and business information systems.
• Ensure operational and merchandising standard practices are followed to maximize profitability, paying special attention to priority categories.
• Maintain solid communication in the department and throughout the organization.
• Observe and ensure compliance with company sanitation, safety and food safety standards.
• Understand the causes and means for resolving and limiting shrink.
• Have total understanding of the department's standard practice manual and Program Manuals for each assigned departments program.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of store operations and total store merchandising techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and a demonstrated ability and willingness to learn multiple tasks and technical requirements of the job.
• Demonstrated good judgement solving problems, making decisions, handling complaints, arbitrating disputes and resolving grievances.
• Desire and ability to lead and manage associates throughout multiple departments.
• Department Manager or equivalent experience required.
• College degree or equivalent preferred.
• Must be accredited by the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals or similar accrediting organization as a 'Certified Food Safety Manager' or will be required to attend company provided training and have the ability to achieve accreditation within the first 90 days of employment.

Nice-to-haves

• Assist in attaining financial objectives: sales, payroll percent, gross margin, shrink, MPP net percent effectiveness and control of other expenses.
• Foster a sales-driven, consumer focused culture through relationship building and promoting an atmosphere of enthusiastic customer awareness.
• Make hiring, training and performance management recommendations for assigned department associates.
• Support the development needs of assigned departments associates.
• Maintain techniques and layouts of merchandise consistent with the corporate merchandising philosophy.
• Complete understanding of the causes and means for resolving inventory shrink issues in the assigned departments.

Benefits

• Equal opportunity in employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, veteran status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.