Produce Operations Manager Jobs in Middleton, WI

At Festival, people are at the top of our list. You'll see it in everything from our daily interactions to how we treat our guests - even in our extensive associate benefits and programs.

Job Title:                 Produce Department Manager

Reports To:             Store Director

Are you a retail, grocery, or food-service leader who thrives in a fast-paced store environment? Do you have a passion for fresh, high-quality produce and a talent for inspiring others to deliver exceptional guest experiences? If you're a leader who enjoys coaching teams, driving results, and keeping operations running smoothly, we want to hear from you!

At Festival Foods, we believe that great guest experiences start with great people. As a Produce Department Manager, you'll play a key role in ensuring every guest finds the freshest fruits and vegetables, beautifully merchandised displays, and friendly, knowledgeable service. You'll lead with integrity, develop your team, and make a meaningful impact every day.

As a Produce Department Manager at Festival Foods, you will: 

• Lead and develop your team: Provide consistent coaching, feedback, and support to Produce associates while reinforcing Festival's culture and performance expectations. Conduct regular performance reviews and ensure all associates receive thorough and ongoing training.
• Recruit and onboard associates: Partner with HR to interview candidates, extend job offers, and ensure smooth onboarding and follow-up training for all new produce hires.
• Plan and manage schedules: Finalize and approve weekly work schedules to ensure appropriate staffing levels while managing labor goals and business needs.
• Support associate growth: Mentor and develop Assistant Department Managers and Leads to prepare them for future advancement opportunities.
• Oversee department operations: Manage all aspects of Produce operations, including inventory, ordering, pricing accuracy, and product rotation, to maintain freshness and profitability.
• Maintain strong partnerships & standards: Work closely with suppliers, follow all proper ordering and credit procedures, and ensure consistent product quality and availability.
• Monitor and maintain merchandising standards: Observe sales floor and backroom conditions daily, ensuring appealing, well-stocked, and organized displays that meet company standards.
• Deliver exceptional guest service: Provide friendly and helpful assistance to guests, answer questions, take special orders, and resolve concerns with professionalism and care.
• Ensure safety and compliance: Maintain proper food safety documentation, verify temperature and sanitation logs, and enforce company safety policies.
• Maintain timekeeping accuracy: Review associate schedules and time records for accuracy and communicate corrections or updates to HR as needed.
• Drive sales and profitability: Meet or exceed department goals for gross profit, shrink control, and guest satisfaction through effective leadership and operational execution.
• Support a clean and organized environment: Contribute to the overall cleanliness of the department by maintaining work areas, shelving, and sales floor presentation.
• Honor commitments: Regular, timely attendance in compliance with the work schedule, and adequate notice to find a replacement for occasional absences.
• Support the team: Perform other duties as assigned to support overall store operations and guest experience.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

To excel in the Produce Department Manager role at Festival Foods, your qualifications will include:

• Education & Experience:

  • High School education or equivalent; 5+ years of leadership experience (including at least 2 years in a managerial role).

  • Experience in retail food business with strong knowledge of perishable operations and merchandising best practices.

• Skills & Knowledge:

  • Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team.

  • Strong understanding of inventory management, labor control, and profitability strategies.

  • Proficiency with technology and comfort in a fast-paced retail environment.

• Safety Mindset:

  • Thorough understanding of safety requirements and company policies.

  • Ability to operate department equipment safely (hand jack, baler, forklift, cutter, trash compactor, etc.).

  • Must have or be willing to obtain a WI Certified Food Manager License (Festival covers certification costs).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• The employee must possess the ability to stand in place for long periods of time; walk in the store; bend, stoop and kneel regularly.  Requires fine finger and broad manual dexterity, and eye-hand-foot coordination in order to operate equipment. 
• This position requires the employee have the ability to have full range of upper body motion in order to occasionally lift stock.  Requires the ability to perform repetitive tasks for prolonged periods of time.
• Must possess functional sensory abilities in order to visually monitor the store, create attractive displays, and to operate equipment.
• The position requires the employee to lift up to 60 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Working conditions consist of occasional exposure to extreme temperatures.

WORK SCHEDULE

The Produce Department Manager is a full-time position. The work schedule will include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Ready to lead our produce team and bring fresh fruit and vegetables to every guest experience? Apply now to grow your career with Festival Foods!