Prepared Foods Lead

We are a cooperative; cooperation is at the heart of everything we do. At our Co-op, we believe cooperation means creating space for everyone. We strive to bring individuals together from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences to achieve shared goals. We practice kindness and foster a workplace where respect, acceptance, equity, honesty, and belonging are more than values, they are lived every day.

Why? Because connection strengthens us. It helps us build the ecosystem we want to work in and be part of.

And…because kindness matters Kindness nurtures community, and communities thrive when we all work together. If you’re passionate about community and making a difference, we’d love to work with you.

Position Overview:

Under the direction of the Prepared Foods Department Manager or Assistant Department Manager, this role helps to support daily operations of the Prepared Foods department, specifically with a focus in the Cheese area, ensuring sound operation, growth, and profitability.  This role communicates needs and shares insights in order to help grow business metrics.  This role demonstrates a high level of customer service, modeling the behaviors to ensure the team is aware and meet expectations in line with the stated goals and policies of the cooperative. This role has or acquires the knowledge to efficiently complete the daily procedures needed for department success, specifically but not limited to the following:  stocks, prepares, packages and maintains product supporting the department management team when requested and or needed.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Play a role in supporting the daily operations of the Prepared Foods department and Cheese area, including scheduling, staffing, and customer service
2. Promote Cheese sales, consult with customers and assist in the department operations
3. Promote Prepared Foods sales, consult with customers and assist in the department operations
4. Responsible for assisting and maintaining inventory, pricing, special promotions
5. Follows guidelines and policies established by assigned merchandiser to assess new products, maintain margins, and interact with other designated staff
6. Stock and rotate product
7. Order product on a regular basis, including special order requests, working with employees, sales representatives, and vendors when needed
8. Train, coach, supervise and motivate department staff as needed
9. Partners with Dept. Manager and Assistant Dept. Manager to help resolve staff issues as needed
10. Help to set goals and meet standards, monitor compliance, and carry out all appropriate personnel actions in a timely manner
11. Have a basic knowledge of open book management; be able to talk knowledgably on shrink, purchases and margins as it pertains to the department
12. Maintain operations of the department in the absence of the Dept. Manager and/or Assistant Department manager, partnering with Store Manager when needed
13. Ensure products sold at the Co-op meet Co-op standards and are from approved vendor sources
14. Prioritize effectively and balance competing demands
15. Check Co-op email daily
16. Set standard for expected behavior in adhering to all food safety procedures
17. Participate in department meetings and complete all required trainings for the purpose of maintaining Co-op standards
18. Adhere to all Co-op policies, procedures and employee code of conduct
19. Other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Experience and Attributes:

1. High school diploma or equivalent
2. One year of supervisory experience preferred
3. One plus years and knowledge of local growers and product
4. Ability to represent the Co-op in a positive manner
5. Ability to multi-task
6. Proficiency in ECRS POS system and processes
7. Set an excellent example for new employees
8. Proficiency in use of computer software, Office 365, Excel and Word
9. Successful completion of Co-op customer service training
10. Serve Safe certification acquired as needed
11. Excellent follow through

Equipment Used:

Computer register, scanner, adding machines, computer, knives, box cutters, slicer, U-boats, carts, baler, pallet jack, label gun, lifting belt, and phone system.

Attendance Requirements: 

Flexible hours, including weekend and evening shifts.  Availability to be scheduled to work any day of the week, according to department needs.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employees are people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds. We share a common passion for our member-owned Co-op, communities, and for improving people's lives.

Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion and many other parts of one’s identity. Every point of view helps shape our success, and fostering inclusion is everyone's responsibility.