Produce Associate Team Leader (Assistant Department Manager) - Montgomery, NJ - Opening Summer 2026

Whole Foods Market Retail Job

Assists the Team Leader in all aspects of daily operations including profitability, expense control, buying, merchandising, labor, regulatory compliance and special projects as assigned. Leads and develops Team Members. All Whole Foods Market Retail jobs require ensuring a positive company image by providing courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and Team Members at all times. All positions must be performed in accordance with team and store Standard Operating Procedures. Further, Team Members must be prepared and able to perform the duties inherent in other Team Member job descriptions. All positions must strive to support WFM core values and goals, promote national, regional, and store programs and initiatives, and ensure adherence to all applicable health and safety regulations including Food Safety and regulatory duties required in the department.

Job Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains creative store layout and product merchandising.
• Works with Team Leader to achieve sales, purchasing, and labor targets.
• Assists Team Leader in analysis of sales, reports and labor.
• Demonstrates advanced product knowledge and develops / maintains awareness of new products.
• Maintains good vendor relationships, develops new vendor relations, and ensures all paperwork is properly submitted for vendor processing.
• Works with Team Leader to resolve team concerns or issues.
• Functions as point person and departmental person in charge in absence of Team Leader
• Sets and achieves the highest standards of retail execution.
• Fosters and encourages a positive environment of outstanding teamwork, mutual respect, and exceptional morale.
• Maintains awareness of customer flows and needs and directs Team Members as necessary to satisfy and delight customers; responds promptly to customer needs and questions.
• Selects, trains, develops, mentors, motivates, and counsels Team Members in a manner that sustains a high-performance team and minimizes turnover.
• Provides timely, thorough, and thoughtful performance evaluations.
• Consistently communicates and models WFM vision and goals.

Job Skills

• High energy, enthusiastic, and displays an affinity for our products, core values, and company philosophy.
• Growth mindset towards greater responsibility and ownership.
• Desire to coach and mentor others for growth
• Excellent interpersonal, motivational, team building, and customer relationship skills.
• Capable of teaching others in a positive and constructive manner.
• Product knowledge.
• Advanced knowledge of regulatory and safety policies and procedures.
• Proficient mathematical skills for assessing financial performance, monitoring profitability, and managing inventory.
• Demonstrated decision-making ability, leadership skills, and ability to prioritize and delegate.
• Proficiency with email, Microsoft Office, and operations- related applications.

Experience

• 18+ months retail Team Member experience and 6+ months of supervisory experience

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• In an 8-hour work day: standing/walking 6-8 hours.
• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.
• Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting and reaching.
• Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals.
• Exposure to temperatures: <32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), >90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Ability to work in a wet and cold environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to use tools and equipment, including box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.