Summary

The Produce Team Lead provides friendly, knowledgeable customer service while supporting the daily operation of the Produce Department. This position works closely with the Produce Manager to maintain high standards for product quality, merchandising, purchasing, inventory, customer service, and department operations. The Produce Team Lead helps coordinate the work of Produce staff and supports department goals related to sales, margin, inventory turns, labor, and shrink.

Customer Service

• Provide prompt, friendly, and courteous customer service. 
• Anticipate customer needs and offer assistance as appropriate. 
• Maintain strong knowledge of produce products, product locations, Co-op membership, and store policies. 
• Model excellent customer service and help ensure Produce staff maintain department customer service standards. 
• Address customer concerns and communicate suggestions or feedback to the Produce Manager as appropriate. 

Teamwork

• Work cooperatively, respectfully, and professionally with coworkers. 
• Maintain a positive attitude and help support a positive work environment. 
• Demonstrate reliability through consistent attendance and punctuality. 
• Cooperate with other departments as needed while maintaining Produce Department priorities. 

Produce & Merchandising

• Stock and merchandise fruits and vegetables to maintain attractive, abundant, and well-organized displays. 
• Replenish and rotate products regularly to maintain freshness and minimize shrink. 
• Monitor product quality throughout the day and remove products that do not meet department standards. 
• Maintain knowledge of seasonal availability, product quality, storage requirements, and department product standards. 
• Receive deliveries and verify quantities, product quality, and accuracy. 
• Assist with cutting, packaging, labeling, and preparing produce as needed. 

Purchasing & Financial Accountability

• Place regular produce orders based on inventory levels, sales, product quality, seasonality, promotions, and department needs. 
• Work with the Produce Manager to maintain appropriate inventory levels and support department goals for sales, margin, turns, and shrink. 
• Communicate with vendors regarding product availability, substitutions, shortages, quality concerns, and other ordering needs. 
• Coordinate returns and credits with suppliers when applicable. 
• Review deliveries and invoices for accuracy, including quantities, pricing, and discrepancies. 
• Calculate retail prices as needed according to established pricing and margin guidelines. 
• Assist with evaluating product selection, pricing, and vendor options as needed. 

Leadership & Department Operations

• Help establish daily work priorities and provide direction to Produce staff. 
• Coordinate department workflow and help ensure stocking, culling, cleaning, receiving, and other daily tasks are completed. 
• Provide staff with guidance and feedback regarding department standards, customer service, and work performance. 
• Assist with maintaining adequate department coverage and addressing scheduling needs in coordination with the Produce Manager. 
• Serve as the primary department lead when the Produce Manager is unavailable. 

Safety & Sanitation

• Follow all applicable health, sanitation, safety, and food-handling procedures. 
• Maintain clean and sanitary shelves, counters, bins, coolers, work areas, and retail floors. 
• Use equipment and materials safely and appropriately. 
• Monitor cooler temperatures and promptly report equipment problems or unsafe conditions. 
• Maintain organized and safe storage and receiving areas. 

Organizational Support

• Support cooperation between departments while maintaining Produce Department productivity. 
• Participate in store inventories as needed. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Produce Manager and General Manager. 

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service and communication skills. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Ability to prioritize tasks and provide direction to other staff. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Previous grocery, produce, retail, food service, purchasing, or related experience preferred. 
• Experience with produce, ordering, inventory management, or team leadership is a plus. 
• Ability to perform basic business calculations, including percentages, margins, pricing, quantities, and inventory-related calculations. 
• Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends as needed. 

Physical Demands

This position requires frequent standing, walking, reaching, bending, and handling of products and equipment. Employees must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Work Environment

This position may involve exposure to cold and wet produce cooler conditions, outdoor weather, and a moderate noise level.

Work Schedule

Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.