Produce Merchandiser Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Summary:

To provide quality customer service, directing and supervising all functions and activities of the Produce Department personnel; to achieve the sales and profit goals established for the department, and to maintain and operate the Produce Department in an efficient manner within store policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs duties in a safe and efficient manner.
• Responsible for enforcing safety and sanitation standards.
• Greets all customers and provides them with quality customer service. 
• Assigns, and supervises the staff to meet merchandising and production plans, while maintaining a high level of staff relations.
• Ensures that all department personnel are trained in the store’s methods of performing department activities.
• Evaluates and reacts to performance issues, actively recruiting as necessary. Executes performance appraisals and supports a counseling program and training of new and existing employees.
• Performs employee relations activities related to direct report accountability (hiring, scheduling, performance reviews, disciplinary actions etc.,)
• Responsible for managing the schedules for all direct reports by ensuring adequate coverage daily as well as vacations and call out coverage.
• Responsible for following and enforcing proper department dress code policy. 
• Participates in training activities to increase personal skill levels, to improve overall department processes and customer service.
• Responsible for meeting weekly payroll budget.
• Responsible for meeting gross margin and target goals and monthly sales projection.
• Responsible for the weekly/monthly department buy/sell. 
• Responsible for managing the workload allocation for all direct reports.
• Follow approved Produce Department plans for effective space management based on product movement, consumer demand, and on profitability.
• Monitors the receiving and unloading of Produce merchandise to:
  • Ensure that Produce receiving accurately reflects the items and counts listed on vendor invoices.
  • Ensure accurate billing and pricing. o Confirm quality, code dates, counts, and condition.
  • Enforce receiving procedures according to store policy.
• Ensures that Produce stock is taken to storage or shelf areas.

• Orders necessary merchandise and supplies for Produce Department.
• Effectively controls inventory to maximize sales and turnover and to minimize over- and under-stocks.
• Plans and builds the department displays for maximum sales and turnover.
• Responsible for monthly inventories and meeting margin. 
• Monitors receiving and unloading of merchandise; checks products for quality, counts, and conditions.
• Ensures that product rotation procedures are rigidly observed, and that merchandise is of optimal freshness and quality.
• Ensures that produce personnel keep refrigerated cases and display shelves properly stocked and faced, according to product movement, tag allocation, and department standards.
• Ensures that all signs and prices are maintained accurately and are correctly positioned over each respective product.
• Ensures Front-End (POS) accuracy and integrity.
• Ensures that wet racks are properly maintained and watered.
• Handles damaged and spoiled products and assists in controlling the level of these goods.
• Monitors and enforces a regular and effective housekeeping and sanitation program, which meets the standards established by the department and all applicable health regulations.
• Ensures that produce employees respond promptly to emergencies or potential safety hazards such as spills, broken glass, or containers.
• Meets the physical requirements to perform the job functions listed above.
• Orders and maintains inventory control of ingredients and supplies.
• Monitors and maintains shrink logs daily and reacts to excessive shrink.
• Verifies front-end (POS) accuracy and integrity.
• Enforces general housekeeping and a regular sanitation and cleaning program that meets the standards established by the department and all applicable health regulations.
• Meets the physical requirements to perform the job functions listed above.
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

 Competencies:

• Friendly
• Strong leadership skills.
• Must be available for opening, closing, and weekend shifts.
• Must be available to work up to 35 to 40 hours per scheduled work week.
• Proficient understanding of cleaning and sanitation practices. 
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Self-starter ability.
• Integrity
• Good communication and listening skills.
• Attention to detail and organization.
• Time commitment
• Ability to lift (up to a minimum of 50 lbs.)
• Math skills necessary to supervise and handle department operations.

Education/Experience:  

• Minimum of a high school education or equivalent, with some college preferred.
• Should have at least three years of experience in the supermarket industry in supervision and/or management in Produce Department operations.
• ServeSafe Certified.
• Be thoroughly familiar with all products carried in the Produce Department.