Produce Operations Specialist

The Produce Operations Specialist supports execution of the division merchandising and operational strategy by monitoring, coaching, and reinforcing produce department standards across assigned stores. This role partners with Store Directors and Produce Department Managers to improve sales, gross profit, labor performance, and overall department execution through training, evaluation, and hands-on field support.

• Travel regularly to assigned stores to support Produce Department Managers and store teams in executing merchandising and operational plans.
• Coach and support department leadership to achieve sales, gross profit, and labor targets.
• Partner with Store Directors and department leadership on produce merchandising, operational execution, and customer service standards.
• Conduct store visits to evaluate department presentation, cleanliness, policy compliance, and program execution.
• Measure store-level performance using sales results, gross profit, and labor percent metrics.
• Execute and follow up on division plans through store visits, reviewing results and observing department conditions.
• Assess the effectiveness of training programs by reviewing evaluations and on-the-job performance.
• Provide hands-on guidance to store associates in product knowledge, selling techniques, merchandising standards, and understanding of profit and loss.
• Train Produce Department Managers on business fundamentals, operational controls, and department leadership.
• Provide performance feedback and input to Store Directors regarding Produce Department Manager performance.

• Direct: None
• Indirect: Provides coaching, guidance, and development support to produce department leadership and store teams.

• Multi-state divisional responsibility
• Supports a range of store formats and markets, including urban and rural locations

Education and Experience

• College degree or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Minimum of five years of grocery retail experience with broad operational knowledge across Fresh, Grocery, and Front-End departments.
• Prior experience as a Produce Department Manager and Store Director.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of produce operations, merchandising execution, and retail fundamentals.
• Proven ability to coach and influence leaders without direct supervisory authority.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills, including the use of sales, gross, and labor data.
• Working understanding of profit and loss principles.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively engage with a wide range of associates and leaders in both field and office settings.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively across multiple locations.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a hands-on, results-oriented approach.

• Division-wide travel required, up to approximately 70%, including overnight travel.
• Must have reliable transportation and availability for extended field travel.

• Work is performed in a combination of office and retail store environments.
• Heavy field presence with extensive time spent traveling between locations.
• Regular use of computers, phones, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and observe department conditions for extended periods while in stores.