Produce Manager

Belfast Community Co-op•Belfast, ME

7h•$25 - $26

About The Position

The Belfast Community Co-op is seeking an experienced Produce Manager to join its management team. The manager leads the Produce department in offering shoppers an appealing, well-merchandised selection of fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms, regional growers, and national suppliers, balancing quality with accessible prices. The role builds relationships with farmers, vendors, suppliers, and community members while developing and implementing strategic plans to support department growth, sales, and margin goals. The Produce Manager hires, onboards, trains, supervises, and supports department workers; maintains financial, inventory, food-safety, and vendor records; sets pricing and monitors sales and margins; coordinates promotions; and oversees department procedures, equipment upkeep, sanitation, and food safety. In collaboration with the Store Operations Manager and other teams, the manager contributes to store-wide goals and helps maintain an efficiently managed, safe, respectful, and inclusive working and shopping environment. The position reports to the Store Operations Manager. This is a full-time position of 30 or more hours per week, with varying shifts that include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. The starting wage is $25.00–$26.00 per hour, depending on experience. The role involves regular communication and customer service, working in a busy office environment, and physical activity including standing, walking, reaching, bending, climbing or balancing, and lifting or moving up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally. Workers who handle food must follow applicable Maine food-safety and sanitation rules and Co-op procedures. Required Co-op food-safety, sanitation, and equipment training must be completed, and safety certifications must be held or obtainable upon hire; the posting notes that food-safety certification requirements may include ServSafe or an equivalent at hire or within the first 30 days.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple time-sensitive tasks.
Strong computer skills and ability to learn new programs quickly.
Customer service experience in a leadership role.
Supervisory experience, preferably in a retail grocery environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess complex situations, determine action steps, and communicate evolving plans to varied audiences.
Legally authorized to work in the United States.
Complete required Co-op food-safety, sanitation, and equipment training; hold safety certifications or be able to obtain certification upon hire.
Follow food-safety and sanitation rules required by Maine law, applicable food codes, and Co-op procedures when handling food.
Ability to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to meet the physical demands described, including frequently lifting or moving up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience training staff with varied skill levels and communication styles.
Experience creating standard operating procedures and documenting procedures.
Experience leading a team through unfamiliar situations.
Knowledge of retail financial basics such as margin management.
Experience working with a labor budget and scheduling software.
Experience working with a variety of vendors, from small to large-scale.
Ability to interpret and explain financial data to a varied audience.

Responsibilities

Lead the Produce team in providing an appealing, bountiful selection of fresh fruits and vegetables at accessible prices.
Model and maintain standards for product preparation, merchandising, and presentation.
Source and merchandise produce from local, regional, and national suppliers, balancing quality and affordability.
Maintain financial, inventory, food-safety, sanitation, and vendor records, including records needed for departmental and store-wide tracking.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and training materials, and coordinate appropriate training.
Set and maintain pricing to meet margin goals; regularly review margins and take corrective action as needed.
Track sales performance and take action to meet department and store-wide sales goals.
Work with Merchandising and Marketing teams to plan and execute seasonal and special promotions.
Coordinate cleaning and maintenance schedules, maintain awareness of departmental equipment, and notify the appropriate parties when equipment is not functioning properly.
Recommend equipment repairs or replacement and coordinate upkeep and continuous improvement.
Lead food-safety and sanitation efforts and maintain a safe, clean, attractive department.
Hire, onboard, train, support, and supervise Produce department workers.
Oversee staff scheduling, timecard approval, performance evaluations, pay increases, and personnel matters in accordance with Co-op procedures and policies.
Set department priorities with the Store Operations Manager and align department plans with store strategies.
Plan and implement value-added programs, product-mix changes, merchandising strategies, and other department initiatives.
Apply Operating and Personnel policies consistently and use them to guide day-to-day decisions.
Coordinate across departments, communicate operational information to and from the Leadership Team, and support organization-wide efficiency and goals.
Provide excellent, respectful customer service to internal and external customers, including in person and by phone.
Maintain departmental targets and working knowledge of reports and metrics; manage the department toward its goals.
Ensure staff training opportunities, safe work practices, compliance with applicable policies, and dependable department operations.
Follow store policies, procedures, food-safety and safety rules, and general Co-op expectations.

Benefits

Sponsored Co-op ownership or equity share.
Generous store discount.
In-store charge account.
Paid sick time.
Paid or earned vacation time.
Retirement account with employer matching.
Regular free-to-staff food and wellness items.
CSA and farmers market reimbursement.
Education credits, including PTO for exploring interests related to work.
Professional development and continual training opportunities.
For full-time workers of 30 or more hours: Co-op-subsidized health insurance plans.
For full-time workers of 30 or more hours: HSA plan with matching.
For full-time workers of 30 or more hours: Dental insurance.
For full-time workers of 30 or more hours: Vision insurance.
For full-time workers of 30 or more hours: Fully paid life insurance.
For full-time workers of 30 or more hours: Voluntary life insurance.
For full-time workers of 30 or more hours: Short-term disability.