Fresh Produce Associate

Job Summary of Fresh Produce Associate:

The main duty of the Fresh Produce Associate is to aid the Produce Manager in ensuring the smooth functioning and financial success of the produce department.

Responsibilities of Fresh Produce Associate:

• Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing top-notch customer service.
• Setting a strong example by upholding integrity, dependability, and exceptional standards as well as complying with all guidelines.
• Establishing an attractive and convenient area filled with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that entices shoppers to explore and buy.
• Supporting the produce department manager by handling orders and monitoring inventory levels accurately.
• Supporting the department manager in controlling margins, COGs, and the general financial performance of the department, aiming to reduce waste and enhance strategic buying.
• Overseeing and sustaining the department's functionality daily includes the responsibility of ensuring that the produce display remains consistently fresh, plentiful, and appealing at all times.
• Sorting out, preserving the quality, spinning, and correctly caring for fresh produce.
• Verifying that exclusively organically certified fruits and vegetables are procured and received.
• Making sure that the quality of all on-hand products meets the company's standards.
• Adhering to established protocols from both the health department and the company to sanitize tools and equipment to meet standards.
• Adhering to company standards, handling all incoming produce orders as per the established procedures.
• Providing special order services and subsequent tracking.
• Aid in the instruction and oversight of personnel within the department.
• Executing dynamic and static demonstrations.
• Assisting the department head in resolving performance issues among staff members.
• Responsibilities involve overseeing register tasks like managing alternative cashiers, processing product returns, resolving customer issues, and accommodating register shift adjustments, including those for designated breaks.
• Upholding the safety and security of both customers and employees.
• Responding to customer queries following the established standards and protocols of the company, which may include incorporating structured statements outlining the functions and nutritional value of the products.
• Ongoing enhancement of product expertise.
• Using email and information systems software when necessary.
• If no other competent employee is present, it might be necessary to handle the tasks of finalizing DSR and closing out cash transactions.
• Working a schedule based on store needs which includes evenings, weekends, holidays. Position requires working five days, 40 hours per week and attending mandatory store meetings.
• The duties for this role do not extend to being the general manager on duty at the store.

Qualification of Fresh Produce Associate:

• The preference is for candidates with a high school diploma, GED, or a similar certification.
• Candidates with at least one year of exposure in a grocery, retail, or produce atmosphere are preferred, and those with a natural foods background are especially welcome.
• Candidates with at least one year of supervisory experience are preferred.
• Meeting the obligatory food safety training standards and certifications as mandated by regulations, and ensuring that certifications are renewed and properly registered if necessary, is crucial.
• Skill in adapting to changing priorities and remaining committed to the task at hand.
• Maintain a heightened awareness of timeliness when completing assignments.
• Show proficiency in handling customer interactions.
• Demonstrating superb organization skills with meticulous attention to details.
• Skill in understanding guidance and executing tasks accordingly.
• Applicants should possess cashier training and be skilled in counting various forms of currency.
• Possesses expertise in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook

Benefits of Fresh Produce Associate:

• Birthday bonus pay
• Compensation for 5 holidays when the stores are shut
• Accrued paid time off, such as sick days and vacation leave, which expands as an employee's tenure with the company lengthens
• Paid nutrition education
• The special discount offered to Good4u employees is still in effect
• Customer appreciation and rewards are the primary focus of the Npower initiative, aiming to acknowledge and incentivize the company's loyal patrons
• Routine, planned salary hikes
• Opportunities for advancement and personal career enhancement
• An initiative centered on enhancing health and overall quality of life
• EAP is a beneficial employee benefit that provides access to counseling and support services
• Employee referral program
• Health insurance plans that encompass medical, dental, and vision benefits are important for overall well-being and healthcare coverage
• Paid parental leave
• Employees can take advantage of paid medical leave, which is facilitated by short-term disability insurance funded by the company
• The organization has secured short-term disability coverage for its workforce
• Life insurance policy funded by the company
• Optional benefits, such as hospital indemnity, accident insurance, long-term disability coverage, and term life insurance
• A 401k retirement savings plan with an optional company contribution based on the employer's decision
• Healthcare and dependent care FSAs allow individuals to save money on eligible healthcare and childcare costs through payroll deductions before taxes are taken out
• Employer-matched health savings account (HSA) benefit

Physical Requirements of Fresh Produce Associate:

• The necessary physical capacity includes the ability to consistently lift or transport objects weighing 10 lbs., frequently transport objects weighing 11-20 lbs., and occasionally handle items weighing 21-50 lbs. There should also be the capability to occasionally transport loads of 51-100 lbs. with the help of a team.
• Needs to demonstrate the capacity to frequently apply strength to push or pull loads up to 15 lbs with occasional handling of objects weighing between 16 and 100 lbs.
• Basic computer skills such as data entry and mouse operation are necessary on a sporadic basis.
• The ability to consistently walk, stand, utilize precise hand movements, grasp, and stretch outward is required throughout the work period.
• Ability to frequently reach above chest level is essential.
• Should be able to sit, stoop, squat, and scale on occasion as necessary.
• Candidates must be comfortable working with cutting-edge tools and equipment in addition to being exposed to dust, odors, and tight working conditions on a regular basis.
• Ability to operate in environments that may include noise, low temperatures, high temperatures, dampness, outdoor exposure, heights, and physical strain on occasion.