Produce Manager

Natural Grocers•Ankeny, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Produce Manager is responsible for the successful operation and profitability of the produce department, including training, directing, and monitoring department staff. Department Managers are accountable for their department’s success and are scheduled to fulfill Manager on Duty (MOD) responsibilities. The role includes maintaining an inviting, well-stocked department; managing inventory, purchasing, margins, and shrink; and ensuring produce is fresh, properly handled, and meets company standards. Only certified organic produce may be ordered and received. The Produce Manager provides customer service, supports store operations, trains and cross-trains staff, assists with hiring and performance matters, and performs cashier and store-opening and closing duties as needed. The position requires five days and 40 hours per week, attendance at mandatory store meetings, and a schedule based on store needs that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays. The Natural Grocers store in Ankeny is planned to open in February 2027; the date is subject to change.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred.
Ability to obtain forklift certification.
Ability to pass food safety training courses and/or certifications required by law and maintain current certifications and registrations where applicable.
Ability to manage changing priorities and stay focused on the task at hand.
Sense of urgency in completing tasks.
Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to take direction and follow through.
Must be cashier trained and able to count currency.
Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

One to two years of experience in a grocery, retail, or produce environment preferred; natural foods background is a plus.
One to two years of experience supervising others preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide World Class Customer Service as a number one priority.
Exemplify integrity, responsibility, and excellence and adhere to all policies.
Create an inviting, full, and shoppable produce department.
Order produce and maintain accurate inventory levels.
Manage margin, cost of goods sold, and department profitability by minimizing shrink and maximizing effective purchasing.
Set and maintain the department daily, keeping the produce rack fresh, full, and abundant throughout the day.
Cull, crisp, rotate, and properly handle and store produce.
Ensure only certified organic produce is ordered and received.
Ensure in-stock products and conditions meet company standards.
Clean tools and equipment according to health department and company standards.
Receive incoming produce orders according to company standards.
Offer and follow up on special orders.
Train and monitor department personnel; coordinate cross-training with other department managers.
Conduct active and passive demonstrations.
Merchandise shelves, endcaps, and dynamic displays.
Assist with interviewing and hiring for department needs.
Work with the store manager to address department performance and disciplinary issues.
Perform register functions, including backup cashiering, customer returns, complaints, and coverage during register shift changes and scheduled breaks.
Maintain the safety and security of customers and employees, and occasionally manage business disruptions such as loitering, solicitation, emergency weather, or bathroom misuse.
Answer customer questions according to company standards and policies, including using Structure/Function statements and/or statements of nutritional support.
Continually increase product knowledge and use email and IS programs as needed.
Open and close the store.
Complete DSR and closing cash processes when required in the absence of another qualified employee.
Work five days and 40 hours per week, attend mandatory store meetings, and work a schedule based on store needs that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Be hands-on and perform other tasks assigned by a manager to support the company.

Benefits

Birthday Bonus Pay
Vitamin Bucks (up to $2,080 earned as store credit annually)
Holiday Pay for five holidays when stores are closed
Paid time off for sick days and vacation, increasing with tenure
Paid nutrition education
Good4u Crew Member Discount
N}power customer appreciation and rewards program
Regular scheduled pay increases
Advancement opportunities and career development
Health and Wellness Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Referral Program
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time Crew Members working 30 or more hours per week
Paid parental leave for full-time Crew Members working 30 or more hours per week
Paid medical leave through company-paid short-term disability insurance for full-time Crew Members working 30 or more hours per week
Company-paid short-term disability insurance for full-time Crew Members working 30 or more hours per week
Company-paid life insurance for full-time Crew Members working 30 or more hours per week
Voluntary benefits including hospital indemnity, accident insurance, long-term disability insurance, and term life insurance for full-time Crew Members working 30 or more hours per week
401(k) retirement savings plan with discretionary company match for full-time Crew Members working 30 or more hours per week
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA) for full-time Crew Members working 30 or more hours per week
Health savings account (HSA) with company match for full-time Crew Members working 30 or more hours per week