Produce Manager

The Produce Manager is responsible for directing the day-to-day operations of the retail Produce department, including sales & customer service, vendor relationships & sourcing, and physical & digital inventory management. This is a full-time position, reporting to the Market Manager and CEO.

Role Responsibilities:

Manage day-to-day operations of the retail Produce department

• Maintain a daily “bigger picture” view of the department; assess operational needs and delegate tasks to Produce team members
• Create daily task lists, follow up to ensure tasks are completed
• Provide direction for team members during both busy & down times; manage daily work flow and tasks; work the floor alongside teammates
• Maintain a regular cleaning schedule for wet rack and displays

Drive department sales & model exemplary customer service

• Create appealing merchandise displays; create seasonal planograms for sales floor product layout
• Engage and interact with customers, providing recommendations and creating excitement for the department’s hyper-seasonal, local offerings; understand and sell the value proposition of locally-sourced produce
• Provide excellent customer service at all times, resolving any customer issues with professionalism and in a manner that strengthens customer retention
• Drive sales and outreach through marketing initiatives, working closely with Customer Experience Manager and Marketing Manager to execute various Loyalty Program, discount or promotional, or advertising initiatives

Initiate new and foster existing vendor relationships; direct department product sourcing

• Order product from vendors as needed; identify and initiate new vendor partnerships or products based on seasonality, specialty status, product mix gaps, or customer requests
• Maintain a working knowledge of and passion for supporting local & regional farms and suppliers; maintain good relationships with vendors; source specialty items to compliment product mix
• Work with vendor partners to obtain favorable product costs; set retail pricing to maintain department margin

Manage physical & digital inventory

• Maintain organized and FIFOd backstock inventory; perform quality control/culling on an ongoing basis
• Ensure new items are correctly set up in inventory system and e-commerce platforms; regularly review inventory to ensure out-of-stock and seasonally discontinued items are deactivated
• Maintain accurate sales floor signage
• Perform regular physical inventory counts

Role Requirements:

• Previous retail produce experience required
• Previous team leadership experience preferred
• Passion for the Local Foods mission & local food culture
• Positive & energetic attitude; excellent communication skills
• Able to receive direction and also proactively address challenges while remaining flexible
• Open availability, able to work weekends and holidays
• Capability to lift up to 50 pounds, and repeatedly

We offer:

• A supportive team environment
• Health insurance
• Flexible schedules
• Up to 40% discount at the store
• 2 weeks paid vacation plus holidays
• Daily staff meal

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): It is the policy of Local Foods that all employees and applicants be afforded equal opportunities in employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or retaliation for engaging in an EEO protected activity. The Company prohibits discrimination or harassment based on any of these categories, as well as on age, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a parent, military service, or any other bases protected under applicable local, state, or federal law.

This position is open immediately. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to hector@localfoods.com.