Produce Shift Lead- Part Time at Valley Natural Foods

Burnsville, Minnesota, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

22 Jun, 26

Salary

20.0

Posted On

24 Mar, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Customer Service, Coaching, Delegation, Ordering, Stocking, Financial Reporting Review, Time Management, Organization, Communication, Shrink/Waste Log Management, Merchandising, Shelf Tagging, Inventory Management, Leadership, Problem Solving, Safety Compliance

Industry

Food and Beverage Services

Description

Description The role of Produce Shift Lead involves providing great customer service to both internal and external customers while maintaining a safe and hazard free work environment. Our goal is Zero Employee Accidents. Daily duties will include providing prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable service to customers seeking information on produce, as well as helping to keep the department fully and attractively stocked. Additionally, the Produce Shift Lead will be responsible to help support, coach and delegate to staff in order to ensure efficient department operations. Ordering, Stocking and Backroom Greet and assist all customers Work with Produce Manager to review and achieve sales and margin goals for the department. Review departmental financial reports (sales, labor, margin, turns) with Produce Manager and take corrective action as needed Establish proficiency in time management, organization, and communication Ensure that items that do not meet our standards or are unable to sell are returned per proper standards Proficiency and diligence in pulling short-date or low-quality items, keeping an accurate shrink/waste log, and notifying Produce Management of large quantities before disposing of them High energy product, price, and merchandising ideas Place orders as directed to ensure regular supply in accordance with a fluctuating retail environment Occasionally receive orders not handled by Receiver, according to the established procedures Ensure accurate, up-to-date shelf tags, PLU's, sale signs and prices for department items Plan and maintain attractive, fully stocked, rotated, and faced sections of the department Stock displays full without overcrowding and/or rotate overstock into backstock Label items accurately with price tags or signs and notify Produce Manager of any discrepancies Check in items using the invoice copy to verify product count or damage and notify Manager of any discrepancies Keep backstock areas in order and notify Produce Manager or resolve out-of-stocks Update stocking list as orders arrive and rotate overstock into storage Replenish and cull product on the sales floor several times daily Business Leadership and Communication Work with Produce Manager to plan attractive displays, pricing featured produce to achieve margin and sales goals, and select items for specials and markdowns Direct staff and prepare items according to checklists or requests per VNF standards Participate in on-the-job training of new employees, helping to ensure they are properly trained Provide feedback for employee performance to Produce Management Take an active role in coaching employees to success in their job Find coverage for shifts vacated due to absence/illness when on the clock and notify Manager on Duty Ensure the department operations are running efficiently in absence of the department manager Proactively and continually seek and implement innovative solutions to increase quality, value, service and efficiency for our members and customers. Treat people with dignity and respect and behave ethically with integrity. Be an exemplar representation of VNF values Business Operations, Safety and Compliance Alert Management of potential theft or other emergencies Conduct price comparisons and review internal reports as directed Keep department areas - shelves, counters, aisles, backstock -- in clean, orderly condition Remove trash promptly, clean up spills, sweep floor as needed Keep department equipment in working order and advise Produce Manager of equipment problems Attend Produce staff meetings and other assigned training requirements and participate in inventory counts Identifies self as employee by being in VNF attire and nametag Perform any other duty as assigned by Management Team Are you passionate about fresh, local, and organic fruits and veggies? Do you enjoy leading a team while creating an exceptional shopping experience for your community? Valley Natural Foods is looking for a Part-Time Produce Shift Lead to help bring our Produce Department to life! At Valley, we’re more than a grocery store, we’re a community-owned co-op committed to sustainability, local partnerships, and nourishing people and the planet. Why You’ll Love Working Here: Community-Focused – Be part of a co-op that supports local farmers, sustainability, and healthy living. People-First Environment – Join a team that values kindness, respect, and teamwork. Great Benefits – Enjoy competitive pay, employee discounts, and opportunities for growth. Make a Difference – Help customers discover fresh, high-quality, and wholesome products. What You’ll Do: As a Produce Shift Lead, you’ll be a key part of our daily operations, supporting your team, delighting customers, and ensuring our department looks abundant and beautiful. Lead shifts in the Produce Department with a focus on teamwork and positive energy Support, coach, and guide team members throughout the day Maintain fresh, full, and visually appealing displays Assist customers with product questions, recommendations, and education Ensure quality standards, rotation, and food safety practices are followed Jump in where needed, stocking, facing, prepping, and problem-solving What We’re Looking For: Previous grocery or produce experience preferred Leadership or supervisory experience Passion for natural, organic, and local foods Strong communication and team-building skills Ability to stay organized and adaptable in a fast-paced environment Comfort working on your feet, bending, lifting up to 50 lbs, and staying active throughout your shift. Schedule & Hours: Part-time: Approximately 20–24 hours/week Includes morning and weekend shifts Flexibility to pick up extra shifts is a plus! Job Details & Benefits: 20% employee discount Paid time off and paid volunteering 401(k) matching for staff who are 18+ Employee referral program Valley Natural Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Requirements Mandatory Qualifications: High ethical standards with strong personal integrity Detail oriented and able to multi-task and remain flexible to the changing needs of the business and inherent nature of the produce department English proficiency. Strong organizational and communication skills (spoken, listening, & written) Ability to meet deadlines, coordinate projects, and work varied hours and days Demonstrated objectivity, neutrality, and ability to manage pressure Timely follow-through to commitments Proficiency in MS Office and POS systems Regular, predictable attendance Ability to lead and direct others in a courteous, understanding, and effective manner Conflict resolution, problem-solving, critical thinking, and understanding abilities Ability to influence others, drive innovation and change while confronting and resolving conflict positively Preferred Qualifications: Previous customer service and supervisory experience (1-3 years progressive) In-depth industry [produce] knowledge Strong aptitude to read financials and adapt to technology and needs of the business Previous experience in retail, grocery/co-ops, natural foods or related industry Physical Demands Ability to lift/push/pull/carry up to 30 pounds frequently; 30-50+ pounds occasionally Manual dexterity with ability to reach, grasp and utilize hands, wrists, and fingers for extended periods of time General range visual acuity to evaluate and interact in working environment for extended periods of time Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time Regular exposure to working in refrigerated environments Ability to climb ladders, kneel, crouch, and bend occasionally required Reports To: Produce Manager Supervises: Employees scheduled on shift, no exclusive authority Department, Status and Salary: Produce, Part Time, Hourly (At-Will) Valley Natural Foods Core Competencies Adaptability/Flexibility/Dependability Communication/Listening Skills Customer Service/Customer Focus Integrity/Ethics Sense of Urgency/Productivity Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills Work Environment/Safety/Job Knowledge Position Specific Competencies Decision Making/Judgment Initiative Product Knowledge Engagement Sense of Organization and Prioritization The information above is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performance by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. VNF management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary. This is not an employment contract and does not interfere with MN’s Employment At Will Law.

Responsibilities

The Produce Shift Lead is responsible for providing excellent customer service, maintaining a safe environment, and ensuring the department is fully and attractively stocked while supporting, coaching, and delegating tasks to staff for efficient operations. This role also involves working with the Produce Manager to review and achieve sales and margin goals, managing inventory, and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.