Produce Manager

Mackenthun's Fine Foods•Lonsdale, MN

About The Position

The Produce Manager is responsible for the produce department’s operations and profitability. The role includes merchandising produce, stocking and rotating products, building displays, ordering and managing inventory, controlling shrink, and maintaining accurate pricing, billing, and labor practices. The manager follows the financial budget established by the store director and completes the weekly Contribution to Overhead (CTO) spreadsheet. The Produce Manager supervises, trains, and leads department employees to support customer service and team productivity. The manager monitors performance, provides coaching and feedback, and participates in probationary and annual reviews. The role also involves maintaining food safety and sanitation standards, developing employees, responding to industry trends and customer preferences, and participating in company planning, sales, and events. The position requires standing and walking for extended periods and may involve lifting and carrying up to 60 pounds and pushing or pulling up to 2,000 pounds with a pallet jack. The work takes place in a fast-paced, smoke-free store environment, with exposure to machine noise, hot and cold temperatures, terrazzo flooring, and cleaning chemicals. Training is provided on department standards and procedures, relevant systems and equipment, personal safety, and harassment prevention. Ongoing management and leadership training is required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Two years of retail experience.
Minnesota Food Manager Certification is required and may be obtained after hire.
Ability to work independently and as a team member, and to lead effectively.
Solid problem-solving skills and sound decision-making capabilities.
Ability to prioritize and perform duties efficiently.
Basic math skills.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Interest in food and promoting the company’s customer and coworker experience.
Windows computer skills, including experience with Word, Excel, and the Internet.
Willingness to learn the characteristics and qualities of the company’s products and services.
Ability to speak, read, and write English.
Ability to resolve conflict through leadership and discussion, and to motivate through praise and appropriate correction.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate consistently using business and moral ethics that support the company’s vision and commitments.
Ability to stand, walk, hear, and see for extended periods.
Ability to bend, reach above and below the waist, crouch, stoop, kneel, climb stairs and ladders, and lift and carry up to 60 pounds.
Ability to push or pull up to 2,000 pounds using a pallet jack.
Ability to meet visual demands including close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and color vision.

Responsibilities

Operate and manage the Produce Department, including responsibility for its profitability.
Stock and rotate products, merchandise the department, and build displays for sale and new items.
Order products, monitor sales and inventory, maintain appropriate stock levels, and control shrink.
Follow the financial budget set by the store director by managing inventory, pricing, billing, labor, and shrink.
Complete the weekly Contribution to Overhead (CTO) spreadsheet.
Maintain accurate product inventory and ensure products are fresh, wholesome, and consistent.
Monitor product costs and ensure accurate pricing and labeling; work with vendors and suppliers on deals, displays, product quality, and credits.
Ensure accurate billing for special orders and catering jobs.
Schedule staff to meet production and customer service needs, keep accurate time records, and adjust payroll as needed to meet budget goals.
Maintain department sanitation on the sales floor and in the cooler in accordance with Minnesota food safety guidelines.
Supervise, train, and lead Produce employees to support customer service and team productivity.
Monitor employee performance, provide coaching, feedback, and praise, and participate in probationary and annual performance reviews.
Maintain a positive attitude and provide excellent customer service.
Safeguard company equipment, resources, and image; assist in other departments and with overall store management when needed.
Attend and participate in company meetings and events.
Stay current with industry trends and customer tastes by introducing and implementing new foods, recipes, and ideas.
Attend company planning and strategy meetings and plan and participate in special sales and events.
Develop employees’ skills, knowledge, and abilities to support department and store objectives.
Perform other duties as assigned.