Co-op Produce Manager

A full-time position is available. One weekend day required. Ideally, the schedule is Tuesday-Saturday. Potentially flexible. We are seeking an individual with Management experience who possesses excellent communication skills and has experience in retail and/or merchandising. Someone with knowledge of produce, who is creative, confident, and enthusiastic.

Purpose: Select and obtain products and supervise department staff to meet objectives for sales, margin, merchandising excellence and customer service. Ensure that the department contributes to the financial best interest of the store and meets member needs. Focus on local producers to the extent possible while meeting other goals.

Specific Responsibilities of Produce Manager:

Purchasing

• Negotiate with suppliers for favorable prices and terms, quality and delivery.
• Oversee merchandisers in ordering to minimize out-of-stocks and overstocks and maximize sales and turnover.
• Research new products.
• Ensure proper receiving by department staff according to established procedures.
• Ensure that department obtains credit where applicable.
• Review invoices for pricing and discount accuracy; ensuring accurate separation of inventory categories and subcategories.
• Set pricing to meet margin goals; mark-down items as needed to reduce losses.
• Assure compliance with all purchasing contracts.

Merchandising

• Ensure shelves/coolers are fully stocked and rotated to ensure freshness and turnover.
• Set stocking priorities for department staff and member-workers.
• Plan attractive displays and order sufficient merchandise to stock displays for period of display; do periodic comparisons with competitors.
• Ensure accurate, up-to-date price labeling of department items.
• Emphasize and support local agriculture through enhanced displays and selection.

Program Development

• Establish positive trusting relationship with local suppliers.
• Plan and facilitate local growers' meeting each fall.
• Contact local growers in winter to discuss who will grow what for the Co-op.
• Locate additional growers as needed.
• Maintain organic certification and/or organic affidavit files for all local growers as applicable.

Other

• Be aware of weather events that effect product quality, price and supplies.
• Actively encourage and facilitate interdepartmental cooperation with the Deli in the use of produce culls.

• Complete other tasks as assigned.

• Three years experience supervising and managing staff required, preferably in a retail or food service setting, which demonstrates the ability or aptitude to successfully meet all expectations listed above.

• Demonstrated experience in analysis of financial reports desired.
• Experience working with email, word processing and spreadsheet programs sufficient to communicate and prepare reports with accuracy in a timely manner desired.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business; some early mornings, evenings, holiday, and weekend shifts required.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. throughout shift, occasionally up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand for long periods and to bend and twist repeatedly; ability to lift product overhead and/or to climb ladders with product.