The Produce Specialist is responsible for supporting and enhancing the performance of produce departments across multiple store locations within a designated region. This role ensures consistent execution of company standards for freshness, merchandising, and profitability. The Specialist acts as a subject matter expert, trainer, and advisor to store-level teams and management, while building strong vendor and grower relationships to secure high-quality produce and competitive pricing.
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Key Responsibilities- Must be Bilingual-Spanish Regional Oversight & Merchandising
Visit assigned stores regularly to evaluate produce department operations, merchandising standards, and customer service.
Provide guidance and direction to store produce managers on product displays, seasonal merchandising, and promotional execution.
Ensure brand consistency across all stores while tailoring strategies to local market needs.
Product Quality & Freshness
Monitor product handling, rotation, and storage practices across all stores to reduce shrink and maintain peak freshness.
Develop and implement best practices for food safety and sanitation compliance region-wide.
Identify opportunities to expand assortment with high-quality, locally sourced or seasonal produce.
Training & Development
Train and mentor produce managers and associates in product knowledge, merchandising techniques, and customer engagement.
Facilitate workshops and regional meetings to share best practices and introduce new programs.
Support succession planning by identifying and developing high-potential produce leaders.
Inventory & Procurement
Collaborate with procurement teams and vendors to ensure supply chain consistency and competitive pricing.
Assist stores with ordering practices, promotional planning, and inventory management.
Analyze sales data to forecast needs and optimize product mix for each market.
Sales & Performance
Monitor produce department sales performance across stores, identifying strengths and opportunities.
Develop and implement strategies to drive produce sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
Partner with store directors and regional leadership to achieve departmental and company sales goals.
Vendor & Community Relations
Build strong partnerships with growers, distributors, and local farms.
Negotiate promotions and sourcing opportunities that align with company standards.
Represent the company at produce industry events, trade shows, and community partnerships.
Qualifications
5+ years of progressive experience in grocery retail produce management, with multi-store or regional oversight strongly preferred.
Extensive knowledge of produce varieties, seasonality, merchandising techniques, and industry trends.
Proven ability to train, motivate, and develop store-level teams.
Strong analytical skills to assess performance metrics, sales data, and inventory trends.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to influence without direct authority.
Ability to travel frequently within the assigned region.
Flexibility to work varying hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Core Competencies
Leadership & Influence across multiple teams.
Expertise in produce sourcing, handling, and merchandising.
Strong business acumen and sales focus.
Training and coaching skills.
Relationship building with vendors and internal teams.
Problem-solving and adaptability in diverse retail environments.
Produce Manager • Dallas, Texas, US