Produce Associate Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Our mission is to make everyday eating extraordinary for our guests. We create a warm, welcoming, and memorable experience through exceptional, personal service. We're looking for a leader who brings positive energy, strong character, and a commitment to excellence every day. We value teamwork, celebrate our shared success, and look forward to the impact you'll make on our store, our team, and our community.

Our added benefits for joining The Fresh Market team

• Team Member discount up to 40% 
• Early Earn Wage Access (You can access up to 50% (max $500) of your earned wages on-demand per pay period)
• 401K contribution and company match
• Financial Wellness Program

• Personal time off and additional time off purchase plans are available
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance for individual, spouse, partner, and family
• Discounts on pet insurance, daycare, event tickets, and many more.

Do you have a passion for food? Are you committed to delivering an excellent experience for guests? As a Produce & Floral Department Lead, you'll help bring our mission to life by supporting the Produce & Floral Department Manager in making everyday eating extraordinary. You'll assist in leading your team with care and purpose, ensuring every guest feels welcome and every department looks its best. You'll work side by side with your team and manager, teaching and coaching them to grow while celebrating their successes. You'll keep things running smoothly, solve problems quickly, and step in as acting manager when needed. This role reports to the Produce & Floral Department Manager and embodies a culture of leadership, hospitality, excellence, and teamwork.

• Help monitor labor schedules to meet productivity and budget goals.
• Assist in maintaining accurate inventory levels, minimizing shrink, and supporting ordering processes.
• Act as a resource for team members and provide guidance in the manager's absence.
• Model and coach "Impeccable Hospitality" by actively engaging guests and creating positive experiences.
• Help implement merchandising strategies and promotional plans to maximize sales and profitability.
• Assist in analyzing department financial and performance metrics.
• Collaborate with fellow department leaders to drive overall store success.
• Leverage available technology to perform these tasks.

This position requires the willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, days, evenings, and holidays.

At a minimum, what you'll need: 

• 1+ years of progressive management experience in supermarkets, retail, restaurants, hotels, or general business.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Proven ability to deliver an exceptional guest experience while achieving performance goals.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Basic proficiency with POS systems, scheduling tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Associate's degree in business, retail management, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Experience in grocery, fresh food retail, hospitality, or high-volume specialty retail environment
• Knowledge of inventory management systems and financial reporting.
• Bilingual skills a plus.

Physical and Work Conditions:

• Repetitive hand/arm movements, grasping, bending, reaching, ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds by oneself, and exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Ability to use tools and equipment: knives, ladders, stepstools, box cutters, pallet jacks, and other equipment.
• Required to spend long periods of time on their feet and stand or walk without a break (for up to 4 hours or as required by law).
• Required to wear an approved hat, hair net, and/or beard guard, and personal protective equipment.

The Fresh Market is a proud, equal-opportunity employer that is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. 

Reasonable Accommodation: Consistent with applicable laws, The Fresh Market will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and team members, unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to The Fresh Market. This guiding principle applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring and job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training. 

The statements in this job posting describe the general nature and level of work expected in this role, but are not all inclusive. The Fresh Market looks forward to talking with interested candidates to share additional details about the applicable responsibilities, duties and skills required