PRODUCE 2ND

Employee Owner Opportunity at PAQ, Inc.

PAQ, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned company consisting of 25 retail grocery stores throughout the Central Valley and Central Coast of California. Seventeen of our stores are price-impact, warehouse format under the Food 4 Less banner, and eight are Hispanic format under the Rancho San Miguel Market banner. At PAQ, Inc., our employee owners are the building blocks of a strong future—come build with us!

Job Summary

The Produce 2nd assists the Produce Manager in overseeing the department's operations, including staff management, inventory control, and customer service.

Essential Functions of the Position

• Assist the produce team in managing and supervising the department, including scheduling, training, ordering, overseeing sweep logs, and all administrative and operational department tasks.
• Supervise and train the produce team.
• Verify produce vendor invoices, checking for product quality and accuracy of quantity.
• Assist in ordering and maintaining inventory control to ensure freshness, product quality, and turnover, maximizing sales and minimizing shrinkage or loss to the company.
• Ensure that damaged product is correctly accounted for and disposed of.
• Carry out merchandising plans approved by produce department management to maximize profitability and meet customer demands.
• Follow approved procedures for receiving products, pricing, and restocking merchandise displays to ensure quality protection, image accuracy, and product rotation.
• Ensure all products are correctly trimmed and attractively presented, with pre-packed items providing adequate allowances for tare weights or shrinkage.
• Conduct regularly scheduled inspections of all produce products for freshness and visual appeal, culling products to maintain an image of freshness and quality.
• Follow department sanitary procedures and standards, including assisting in maintaining department sweep logs.
• Alert department and store management of any maintenance, refrigeration, equipment malfunctions or concerns.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of produce products and department operations.
• Familiarity with retail stocking procedures and inventory management.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations related to food handling.

Skills

• Strong leadership, supervisory, and training skills.
• Excellent customer service.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficient in inventory management.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Effective verbal communication skills for interacting with customers and team members.

Abilities

• Ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Ability to handle complex operational issues.
• Ability to analyze and improve sales and profitability.
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in stocking and labeling.
• Capability to adjust to changing situations, handle multiple demands, and work with diverse personalities.
• Aptitude for making informed decisions quickly, often in high-pressure situations.
• A genuine desire to meet and exceed customer expectations, creating a positive shopping experience.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including stocking, lifting boxes, and standing for extended periods.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods, typically 8-hour shifts.
• Lift and carry items up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Perform repetitive motions such as reaching, bending, stooping, squatting, and handling products.
• Ability to perform tasks that require fine motor skills in handling small objects.
• Maintain clear communication with customers and team members.
• Move quickly and efficiently to assist customers and manage workload.
• Maintain physical stamina to work in a fast-paced environment.

Work Conditions

• Work Hours: Vary, with availability required on weekends, evenings, and holidays; typically, 8-hour shifts for full-time employees.
• Environment: Indoor, climate-controlled, with adequate lighting and ventilation. Relatively damp or humid conditions, including wet or slippery floor surfaces.
• Primary Work Stations: Work within the grocery store environments, which include various sections such as the sales floor, backrooms, and refrigerated storage areas.
• Dress Code: Professional and presentable attire as determined by store management, including a name tag, company-issued shirts, hats, jackets, or personal shirts that are black, burgundy, or blue, in good repair, and not faded.
• Exposure: May be exposed to moving mechanical parts and cleaning chemicals.

• Noise Level: Usually low to moderate, with occasional loud periods from customers, store announcements, and equipment.
• Interaction: Constant interaction with customers and team members in a fast-paced retail environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Over five years of produce experience is required. Supervisory experience is required.

Company Employment Policies

• PAQ, Inc is an "At-Will" employer.
• PAQ, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Location: PAQ, Inc, Store Location, On-Site

Reports To: Manager, Produce

Employee Type: Regular, Full-Time

Exemption Type: Non-Exempt

Travel Required: No

PAQ, Inc./Food 4 Less/Rancho San Miguel offers excellent health benefits, enrollment in our ESOP after 1 year, career advancement opportunities, paid vacation and sick leave, competitive wages, tuition reimbursement, and an employee assistance program.

We look forward to the possibility of you joining our team!

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policies and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and qualifications required of personnel so classified may vary.

EEO/Inclusivity - As PAQ, Inc. continues to grow, our diversity—from our variety of perspectives and wide range of experiences—is essential to our strategy and success. We are committed to continue to cultivate and celebrate an inclusive environment in which all employees are valued and respected regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.