Produce Manager

Join to apply for the Produce Manager role at Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage
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USD $22.00/Hr.

Applications are accepted by 12/22/2025 (to be updated if the hiring timeline is extended).

The Produce Manager is responsible for the successful operation and profitability of the produce department, including training, directing, and monitoring all department staff. Department Managers are responsible for the success of their own department and are required to fulfill the duties of the Manager on Duty (MOD) on a scheduled basis.

• Providing world‑class customer service as a number one priority.
• Exemplifying integrity, responsibility, and excellence and adhering to all policies.
• Creating an inviting, full, and shopable department.
• Ordering for the produce department and maintaining accurate inventory levels.
• Managing margin, COGS, and overall department profitability including minimizing shrink and maximizing effective purchasing.
• Setting and maintaining the department on a daily basis, ensuring the produce rack is consistently fresh, full, and abundant throughout the day.
• Culling, crisping, rotating, and properly handling/storing produce.
• Ensuring only certified organic produce is ordered and received.
• Ensuring all in‑stock products/conditions meet company standards.
• Ensuring that all tools and equipment are cleaned in accordance with health department and company standards.
• Receiving all incoming produce orders per company standards.
• Offering and following up on special orders.
• Training and monitoring department personnel.
• Working with other department managers to cross‑train staff to accomplish all needed tasks.
• Conducting active and passive demos.
• Merchandising shelves, endcaps, and dynamic displays.
• Assisting in interviewing and hiring for department needs.
• Working with the store manager to address performance and/or disciplinary issues within the department.
• Handling register functions including backup cashiering, managing customer returns, addressing customer complaints, and covering register shift changes, including those for scheduled breaks.
• Maintaining the safety and security of customers and employees.
• Occasionally managing business disruptions to daily business such as loiterers, solicitation, emergency weather situations, bathroom misuse.
• Answering customer questions per company standards and policies, including the use of Structure/Function statements and/or statements of nutritional support.
• Continually increasing product knowledge.
• Utilizing email and IS programs as needed.
• Opening and closing of store.
• Completing DSR and the closing cash processes may be required in the absence of any other qualified employee.
• 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.

Although this is a general outline of job responsibilities, all employees are expected to be “hands on” and do whatever it takes to get the job done and make the company thrive.

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to obtain forklift certification.
• 1–2 years of experience in a grocery/retail/produce environment preferred; natural foods background is a plus.
• 1–2 years of experience supervising others preferred.
• Ability to pass food safety training courses and/or certifications as required by law and maintain compliance by keeping certifications up to date and registered if applicable.
• Ability to manage changing priorities and to stay focused with the task at hand.
• Sense of urgency in the completion of tasks.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to take direction and follow through.
• Must be cashier trained and able to count currency.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel and Outlook.

This job description is not an employment contract. It does not guarantee a job or that the above listed duties are the limit of responsibilities. The job and job description are subject to change with and without notice. Employees are required to accomplish any and all tasks assigned to them by their Manager and/or other Store Support Center manager that might not be listed in this job…