Produce / Floral Dept. Manager

If you are passionate about fresh, local, and sustainable food and have experience leading a dynamic team, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in our co-op and community!

Job Summary:
The Produce Manager at The Merc Co-op is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the produce and Floral departments, ensuring the highest quality standards for fresh fruits, vegetables, bouquets, live plants and related products. This position will require a hands-on leader who is committed to providing exceptional customer service, managing inventory, developing and implementing merchandising strategies, and maintaining an efficient, well-organized department. The Produce Manager will also work to foster a collaborative environment with the co-op team and contribute to the mission of providing healthy, local, and sustainable food choices to our community.

Storewide Standards & Values
All co-op staff are expected to model and demonstrate the co-op's values of hospitality, inclusion, and accountability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Department Leadership and Operations:
  • Supervise, train, and mentor the produce department team, ensuring that staff is knowledgeable, efficient, and motivated.
  • Create weekly schedules, ensuring adequate staffing for peak hours and appropriate coverage for shifts.
  • Maintain a positive, inclusive work environment that promotes teamwork, respect, and customer-focused service.
• Quality Control and Inventory Management:
  • Oversee the ordering, receiving, and storage of produce, ensuring freshness, quality, and proper rotation of stock.
  • Work closely with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely deliveries and competitive pricing.
  • Monitor inventory levels, conduct regular stock counts, and manage shrinkage to ensure profitability.
  • Ensure all produce is properly labeled with accurate pricing, signage, and any relevant product information.
• Customer Service and Community Engagement:
  • Greet and engage with customers, offering advice on produce selection, nutrition, and recipes.
  • Develop and maintain positive relationships with customers, responding to inquiries and resolving issues.
  • Organize and participate in community outreach activities, including product demos, tastings, and educational events.
  • Promote the co-op’s values of local, sustainable, and organic sourcing to customers.
• Merchandising and Sales Strategy:
  • Ensure the produce department is visually appealing, clean, and organized.
  • Develop and implement creative merchandising strategies to drive sales and highlight seasonal or specialty items.
  • Work with the marketing team to plan promotions, sales events, and social media campaigns related to produce.
• Financial Management:
  • Maintain budgetary control of the produce department by monitoring expenses and implementing cost-effective purchasing strategies.
  • Track sales data and make adjustments to the department’s product offerings based on trends, seasons, and customer preferences.
  • Prepare regular reports on sales, inventory, and labor performance for upper management.
• Safety and Compliance:
  • Ensure the department complies with all local health and safety regulations.
  • Maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to sanitation standards for produce storage and display.
  • Ensure staff is trained in proper food handling and safety protocols.

Qualifications:

• Proven management experience in Fresh food / produce departments, retail grocery, or a related field, (previous leadership experience in a Co-op is a plus)
• Strong leadership skills with experience in training and managing a team.
• Excellent knowledge of fresh produce, sourcing, and inventory management.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Exceptional communication and customer service skills.
• Knowledge of local, organic, and sustainable agriculture preferred.
• Availability of 40 hours/week
• Flexibility of schedule to adapt and respond to the needs of the store.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, etc…
• Basic proficiency with point-of-sale (POS) systems and inventory management software.
• Driver’s License is a plus when needed to pick up or deliver items or commute to KC store location utilizing The Merc company vehicles.

Physical Requirements, Working Conditions Equipment

• Work requires standing / walking for 90% of the shift.
• Must be able to regularly do the following motions: lifting up to 50 lbs., bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching; hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling.
• 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 use tools and equipment, including box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.
• Must be able to work with various cleaning solutions, safely use sharp tools, and carefully operate all production equipment.

About us

Who says fresh, local, and organic has to be exclusive? Not us. At The Merc Co op, we want to welcome everyone to the table where great food is served. We think that all of us, every parent and caregiver, every coach, every friend, every teacher, and every kid are hungry for affordable, healthy, delicious food. Our co-op is on a mission to make sure that everyone in our community has access!

The Merc Co op is owned by our community, not some corporate office 1,000 miles away. So, instead of focusing on Wall Street investors, we focus on what our neighbors want — nourishing everyone according to their budget and cooking style. We know how to get the best local food because we know our farmers by name. And we’re passionate about giving back to our community because we know that good food is just the beginning of what we can achieve by working together. So, if you want the neighborhood gathering place for fresh, healthy, and delicious food, our doors are wide open — to everyone.

Pay: $42,000 - $60,000 per year

Benefit opportunities include:

• 20% Employee Discount at both locations
• PTO
• Medical, Dental, STD, LTD, Vision insurance
• Free Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 3% match (100% vested after 1 year)
• Birthday and Service Anniversary Recognition
• up to 8 hours approved Community Outreach paid incentive per year
• Employee assistance Program
• access to several personal and professional development training courses
• Access to company paid (in person) 3rd-party Personal Financial Advisor