Wellness Department Lead

Wellness Lead

Established in 1929, Heinensis a leading, family-owned grocery retailer known for its premium-quality products and outstanding customer service. Now in its fourth generation of family leadership, Heinens operates 23 locations 18 in the Cleveland, Ohio area and 5 in the Chicago, Illinois market supported by two distribution warehouses, a food production facility, and a corporate office located in Warrensville Heights, Ohio.

Our culture is rooted in an associate-first philosophy, placing a strong emphasis on the well-being, development, and quality of life of every team member. We offer competitive compensation, professional development and leadership training programs, paid time off, and flexible scheduling designed to promote a healthy work-life balance.

The Wellness Lead is responsible for the day-to-day operation, presentation, and performance of the Wellness Department while serving as a knowledgeable and trusted resource for customers interested in health, nutrition, wellness, and better-for-you food choices.

This is a hands-on retail leadership role that combines customer engagement with the operational responsibilities required to run a successful department. The Wellness Lead spends time on the sales floor connecting with customers while also managing ordering, inventory, merchandising, stocking, displays, cleanliness, organization, and other department responsibilities.

The ideal candidate brings a genuine passion for health and wellness and enjoys sharing knowledge with others, while also understanding that success in this role requires a strong retail work ethic and a willingness to be actively involved in all aspects of department operations.

Heinens supports the continued growth of our Wellness Leads through ongoing training and nutrition education provided by our Chief Medical Officer and Chief Registered Dietitian.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide friendly, knowledgeable, and personalized service to customers.
• Help customers navigate wellness products and make informed purchasing decisions based on their individual interests and needs.
• Respond to customer questions related to products, ingredients, nutrition, healthy lifestyles, and general wellness.
• Build meaningful relationships with customers and establish yourself as a trusted resource within the community.
• Maintain strong knowledge of products within the department and stay informed about relevant health, wellness, nutrition, food, and consumer trends.
• Recognize when a customers question or concern falls outside the scope of the role and appropriately refer them to a qualified healthcare professional.

Department Operations

• Maintain an active presence on the sales floor and proactively identify opportunities to enhance the customer experience.
• Take ownership of the daily operation, appearance, organization, and overall performance of the Wellness Department.
• Order merchandise and maintain appropriate inventory levels based on sales trends and customer demand.
• Stock and replenish merchandise, rotate product, and maintain accurate pricing and signage.
• Monitor inventory and help minimize shrink while following company procedures for damaged, discontinued, and returned merchandise.
• Create and maintain engaging, informative, and visually appealing product displays in alignment with Heinens merchandising guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and inviting department environment.
• Partner with Grocery leadership and other store departments to support sales, merchandising, and store initiatives.

Growth & Development

• Participate in ongoing professional development and wellness education provided by Heinens Chief Medical Officer, Chief Registered Dietitian, and vendor partners.
• Participate in store and company meetings, training programs, and professional development opportunities.
• Continuously expand knowledge of nutrition, wellness products, healthy lifestyles, food trends, and the grocery industry.
• Apply new knowledge appropriately to customer interactions, merchandising, and department operations.
• Support special events, seminars, community activities, and other customer-facing wellness initiatives.
• Represent Heinens and its commitment to health and wellness at select community and off-site events.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelors degree in Nutrition, Health Sciences, Wellness, or a related field preferred.
• Two or more years of experience in retail, grocery, wellness, nutrition, food, hospitality, or another customer-facing environment preferred.
• Genuine interest in health, wellness, nutrition, food, and healthy living.
• Enjoys connecting with people and helping customers discover products that align with their needs and lifestyles.
• Comfort working in a hands-on retail environment, including stocking shelves, lifting and moving merchandise, cleaning, organizing, building displays, and spending extended periods standing.
• Enjoys learning about products and can communicate product features, ingredients, and potential uses in a clear and approachable manner.
• Demonstrates strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and customer-service skills.
• Takes initiative, works independently, and knows when to seek support from store leadership or other resources.
• Is adaptable, dependable, enthusiastic, and comfortable working as part of a team.
• Can effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Is comfortable using computers, Microsoft Office, internet-based applications, and other business systems.
• Demonstrates professionalism and cultural awareness when working with customers and associates from diverse backgrounds.
• Is willing to work a flexible five-day schedule that may include weekends and occasional evenings.

Illinois Benefits Information

1. Retirement Plan
   • Company-sponsored 401k plan for eligible full-time and part-time associates. 5% company match.
2. Healthcare Benefits
   • Medical and Pharmacy coverage for full-time associates.
   • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Account options, as well as Commuter Benefit options.
   • Company-provided Dental and Vision coverage for full-time and part-time associates.
3. Paid Time Off
   • Paid Time Off, including paid sick time.
4. Insurance
   • Company-paid life, short and long-term disability insurance.
5. Work-Life Balance
   • Flexible schedules.
   • Biweekly scheduling for better work predictability.
   • Closed on 7 major holidays.
6. Growth and Development
   • Daily professional development and growth opportunities, including leadership development for all associates.
7. Wellbeing
   • Company-provided associate assistance program.
   • Family, Parental and Personal Leave options.
8. Discounts
   • 20% discount on Heinen's products.

Heinens, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Sunday through Saturday work week.

Scheduled dates and times vary between the hours of 8am-7pm. Schedules written 2 weeks in advance. Full-time, 40 hours per week.