Produce Department Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Since 1968, Lynn’s Inc. & Affiliates has been committed to serving our communities with quality, integrity, and care. As part of that commitment, we strive to be the better choice for our customers, our employees, and the communities we serve. We are always looking for team members who share our values and take pride in their work. Please complete this application thoroughly—we look forward to learning more about you.

Lynn’s Inc. & Affiliates is an equal opportunity employer. We make employment decisions based on qualifications and business needs, without regard to any status protected by applicable law.

Position Overview

The Produce Department Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and performance of the produce department. This role ensures the department operates in accordance with Lynn’s Inc. & Affiliates policies, procedures, and operational standards while maintaining high levels of product quality, freshness, sanitation, customer service, and profitability.

The Produce Department Manager reports directly to the Store Manager (or indirectly through the Assistant Store Manager, as determined by store leadership) and is responsible for supervising department personnel, managing inventory and merchandising, and maintaining department standards.

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Key Responsibilities

Department Operations & Product Management

• Oversee the receiving, storage, processing, packaging, pricing, and merchandising of produce department products.
• Ensure produce products are handled and displayed to maintain freshness, quality, and product appeal.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels to meet customer demand while minimizing shrink.
• Monitor department operations to maximize sales and department profitability.

Merchandising & Inventory Management

• Coordinate ordering, advertising, and merchandising programs with store management.
• Maintain competitive awareness of produce products within the local market.
• Ensure communication of price changes, new items, discontinued products, and promotional items to POS personnel.
• Process DSD allowances and pricing adjustments according to company procedures.

Sanitation & Food Safety

• Ensure department sanitation and cleaning programs meet company, local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain proper storage, handling, and rotation of perishable produce items.
• Monitor department equipment and coordinate maintenance when necessary.
• Maintain clean and organized preparation and display areas.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise produce department personnel.
• Train employees on produce handling, product knowledge, merchandising techniques, and special order procedures.
• Provide leadership and support to department staff while maintaining high standards of professionalism and teamwork.
• Actively participate in department duties and assist employees when necessary.

Financial Performance & Reporting

• Monitor department performance using profit and loss reports, shrink reports, and operational data.
• Work with store leadership to achieve department budget goals including labor, expenses, and shrink management.
• Support company initiatives designed to improve department sales and profitability.

Customer Service Excellence

• Promote and maintain the highest standards of customer service within the produce department.
• Assist customers with product selection, special orders, and product information.
• Ensure employees provide friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful service to customers.

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Compliance & Company Standards

• Follow all company policies, procedures, and operational guidelines outlined in the Lynn’s Inc. & Affiliates Primary Policy Manual.
• Follow applicable local, state, and federal regulations related to food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety.
• Maintain confidentiality of company operational information and business matters.
• Maintain professional communication with customers, vendors, employees, and management.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager.

Requirements:

Qualifications

• Experience in produce department operations or retail grocery management preferred.
• Knowledge of produce handling, storage, and merchandising practices.
• Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Leadership and employee supervision experience preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage inventory, department operations, and customer service responsibilities.
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older.

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Essential Functions

In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, the Produce Department Manager must meet the Minimum Expectations for All Positions established by Lynn’s Inc. & Affiliates, including standards related to attendance, professionalism, safety compliance, teamwork, operational flexibility, and the physical and scheduling requirements associated with the role.

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.