Full-Time Produce Coordinator

Description
To successfully lead, operate and grow the Produce department in accordance with Erie Food Co-op standards, practices, and vision. To meet operational goals with a commitment to excellence and continuous incremental improvement.

Skills And Abilities

• Leadership and team motivational skills.
• Strong communication, listening and decision-making skills.
• Organizational, time management and attention-to-details skills.
• Develop and implement department budget.
• Develop, plan, and implement operational systems to provide for efficient and productive operations.
• Accountability for all aspects of the Produce department operations.

Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Department Operations & Maintenance

• Provides vision for the future of the Produce department.
• Establishes standards for personnel performance and customer service.
• Develops systems and ensures implementation to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of products and losses.
• Developments and implements Produce department specials or promotions.
• Ensures safety issues are coached and supported.
• Ensures cleanliness of Produce department areas, including coolers, storage areas, shelves, and displays.
• Sources, costs out and tests new foods/products, and continually expands Produce department offerings.

Financial Performance

• Reviews department financial transactions, invoices, and reports; recommends and takes corrective action as needed.
• Monitors labor costs targets and ensures adherence to budget.
• Monitors and contains minimal waste/spoilage, per established departmental goals.

Personnel Management

• Leads, directs, and motivates staff.
• Manages department labor, including setting work schedules and time off approval, ensuring adequate shift coverage.
• Trains and provides continuing staff development, to include customer service methods and techniques as well as products, proper techniques and safety.

Purchasing/Inventory

• Acts as primary buyer for the Produce department.
• Evaluates vendors and investigates new sources for supply, selecting products in accordance with guidelines and operating within established purchasing budget.
• Negotiates with suppliers for favorable prices, terms, and quality.
• Uses movement and contribution-to-margin reports to monitor inventory turns. Removes slow and unsaleable items, disposing of them properly. Apportions display space effectively.
• Reviews invoices for pricing and discount accuracy. Obtains credits where applicable.

Merchandising

• Plans and maintains attractive, well-stocked, rotated sections within the department. Sets quality standard for displays.
• Assists in educating staff and customers by providing product information, answering specific questions, and handling special orders.
• Sets preparation and stock priorities for staff.
• Selects items for specials; marks down items as needed to reduce losses.
• Offers suggestions for preparation or pairing.

Marketing & Member Services

• Provides content for website and newsletter updates.
• Works with Marketing department in planning promotions and displays.
• Plans, participates in, and assists with Co-op special events.
• Sees through on planned promotions for the department.

Requirements
Requirements

• Flexibility with scheduling, due to store hours.
• Ability to work well with others in a cooperative environment where teamwork and constant communication are essential.
• Experience with collaboration and teamwork skills necessary for the development, planning, and implementing operational systems.
• Commitment to superior customer service and to providing the highest quality experience possible.
• Willingness/ability to work in any of the department's positions.
• Maintain positive company morale.
• Discretion in dealing with confidential information.

Education And Experience

• H.S. diploma/GED. Some college a plus.
• Minimum two (2) years management experience (to include hiring, training, evaluating, coaching, firing staff and financial goal setting) in retail environment, preferred.
• Combination of education, training and/or experience will be considered.
• Computer skills: Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and Internet applications.
• Basic knowledge of natural foods and cooperatives preferred.
• Adult First Aid/CPR/AED; or be willing and able to be certified.
• Food Safety Manager Certification (National Registry of Food Safety Professionals or ServSafe); or be willing and able to be certified.