Perishable Manager - East Chicago

Department: Perishables (Floral, Produce, Bakery, Deli/Sushi, Meat, Seafood) and all Safety and Sanitation FLSA Status: Salary - Exempt Position Summary The Perishable Manager is a key member of the store leadership team, responsible for overseeing the store’s Perishables Departments (including Produce, Meat, Seafood, Deli/Sushi, Bakery, and Floral) and supporting the Store Director in daily operations. This exempt-level position drives execution, supports profitable operations, ensures outstanding customer service, and leads department managers and staff to uphold Strack & Van Til’s standards of excellence, safety, and compliance. The Perishable Manager actively promotes the company’s mission, vision, and values through effective leadership and a people‑first approach. Reporting Structure Reports to: Store Director and/or Assistant Store Director. Direct Reports: Floral, Produce, Bakery, Deli/Sushi, Meat, Seafood. Indirect Reports: None. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Supervision Assists all Perishable Managers in managing all aspects of department operations and acts as the department lead in their absence. Directly supervises the Floral, Produce, Bakery, Deli/Sushi, Meat, Seafood teams, providing direction, training, and performance feedback. Helps plan and execute effective schedules and labor management strategies to optimize productivity and service. Customer Experience & Merchandising Maintains fully stocked and organized displays across assigned areas, ensuring merchandise is attractively presented and accurately priced. Ensures all team members deliver prompt, courteous, and knowledgeable service to enhance the customer shopping experience. Supports promotional setups, end caps, and seasonal transitions to drive traffic and sales. Inventory & Operational Excellence Assists in monitoring and maintaining inventory levels, stock rotation, and shrink control processes across all departments. Partners with vendors, receiving, and department leads to ensure product availability, freshness, and accuracy. Reviews sales reports and performance data to identify trends and make actionable recommendations. Compliance & Safety Ensures compliance with all company policies, food safety standards, and health regulations within assigned areas. Trains team members on safe work habits, product handling, and proper sanitation procedures. Conducts regular walk‑throughs and spot checks to uphold cleanliness, safety, and merchandising standards. Works closely with the perishable departments to implement department goals, special projects, and store‑wide initiatives. Facilitates team meetings and cross‑functional communication with other departments to maintain consistency and efficiency. Provides input on hiring decisions and contributes to the professional development of reporting staff. Qualifications Education & Experience High School diploma or equivalent required; additional retail or leadership training preferred. Minimum of 2–4 years of grocery or retail leadership experience, with responsibility for supervising employees and managing inventory. Certified in food safety. Strong organizational and multitasking skills with the ability to lead and motivate cross‑functional teams. Solid knowledge of grocery operations, including dairy, frozen, GM, and HBC categories. Effective communicator with a customer‑first mindset and commitment to high service standards. Proficient in basic reporting, scheduling, and inventory tools. Work Environment & Physical Requirements Must be able to frequently lift up to 40 pounds and perform physical tasks such as bending, stocking, and prolonged standing. Work areas include refrigerated spaces and dry storage, subject to temperature changes. Fast‑paced retail environment with standard exposure to store equipment and cleaning agents. Responsibility Access to sensitive sales, labor, and inventory data across assigned departments. Authorized to manage department budgets, recommend supply needs, and provide operational feedback. Equal Employment Opportunity Strack & Van Til is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a respectable, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. #J-18808-Ljbffr