The Produce Department Manager successfully manages the day-to-day operations of the produce department in a customer focused, safe, and efficient manner.  The role is also responsible for assisting in the development of a goal oriented team accountable for meeting company standards.

Joining NWCI gives you the opportunity for growth and development throughout the company, an attractive and competitive salary and benefits package, and to be part of a dynamic and diverse culture.

NWCI is a leading retailer to under-served rural communities and urban neighborhood markets in the following regions: Northern Canada, Western Canada, rural Alaska, the South Pacific islands, and the Caribbean. Our stores offer a broad range of products and services with an emphasis on food. Our value offer is to be the best local shopping choice for everyday household and local lifestyle needs. Check out northwest.ca for more information.

Key Accountabilities:
 

Provide excellent customer service.
Focus on customer service as a top priority by creating strong customer relationships and providing excellent customer service Monitor and adjust customer service levels as needed Deal with customer complaints and requests quickly and effectively Address and respond to all customer inquiries Schedule staff to maximize customer service and fulfill business needs
Manage the Produce Department to maximize sales and profits.
Ensure that the Produce Departments is ready for business, stocked and maintained throughout the day.
Ensure that product is ordered according to planned timelines and criteria Fully support and participate in all advertising campaigns as directed through Procurement and Marketing Ensure that seasonal and promotional merchandising is planned and executed to maximize sales, profits and create customer excitement
Ensure produce displays are per marketing directions Complete business segment inventories as required Monitor gross profit; investigate and rectify variances Monitor and control inventory levels by ordering product weekly; minimize over/under stocks, maximize in-stocks to develop sales, inventory turns and return on investment Monitor inventory levels and shrink reduction; rotate stock to guarantee freshness
Ensure that the daily operating disciplines, as described in the Produce Manual are consistently met.
Adhere to the department cleaning schedule and to all approved cleaning/ sanitation techniques. Responsible for crisping, trimming, wrapping and displaying produce in merchandise cases and on produce tables. Ensure that product preparation areas, merchandise cases, tables and equipment are clean, safe and sanitary. Ensure that product is correctly received, inspected, cleaned, dated, priced, stored and rotated upon receipt (FIFO) Ensure that product is packaged according to company standards Maintain equipment as directed by the manufacturer and Facility Maintenance. Ensure equipment is calibrated and working properly.
Support, train and develop staff so that staff provides outstanding customer service, and are familiar with the correct handling and preparation of products.
Through on-going communication keep staff abreast of key activities Manage staff schedules in order to meet customer and business needs Supervise, coach and develop employees Work with supervisors to recruit, train, lead and develop produce employees

Desired Skills & Experience:

• 3+ years of management experience in retail produce
• High School or Secondary School diploma or a combination of experience and education required
• Basic math and reading skills a must
• Computer knowledge and ability using Excel and Outlook
• Able to correctly manage time to meet deadlines and targets and to manage subordinates to do the same

Working Conditions:

• Able to stand for long periods of time throughout shift
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs on a consistent basis
• Able to stoop and bend on a regular basis
• Ability to work in varying conditions from heat to cool (as low as 20° Fahrenheit/-6.66° Celsius)
• Fast paced work environment
• Ability to work flexible hours, shifts and days including morning to evening, weekends, overnight and public holidays
• Able to work inside and outside the building

Positions will be advertised externally; however internal candidates will receive first consideration based on qualifications. NWC employees are encouraged to bring forward applications of external candidates that meet the qualifications of this position.

NOTE: If an existing employee is selected for a posted position they will be required to remain in that position a minimum of one year prior to applying for other posted positions unless authorized by their current supervisor. New employees to the company must also remain in their position a minimum of one year prior to applying for posted positions unless authorized by their supervisor. This position adheres to the Corporate Job Posting Guidelines.

A competitive salary is being offered along with opportunities to learn, develop and advance throughout the organization. We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.