Adams Fresh Manager - Deep River

Adamshtm; Connecticut; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading grocery retailer is seeking a Fresh Manager to oversee fresh food departments including produce and meat. This role focuses on ensuring quality and service while leading a team to drive sales and maintain safety practices. The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills and experience in grocery operations. Responsibilities include direct support for department leads, optimizing performance, and upholding company standards. This position requires flexibility and ability to work in various environments.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of leadership experience in grocery retail or fresh food operations.
• Strong knowledge of fresh departments like produce and meat.
• Proven ability to lead and develop diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Direct and support department leads in fresh food areas.
• Maintain high standards for product freshness and safety.
• Optimize department performance through inventory control.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Quality control

Safety culture

Job description

Posted Monday, February 16, 2026 at 5:00 AM

Job Summary:

We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced Fresh Manager to lead our fresh food departments and ensure an outstanding in-store experience. In this role, you'll oversee operations across Produce, Meat, Seafood, Deli, Bakery, Sushi and Floral, focusing on freshness, quality, safety, and service. The Fresh Manager plays a critical role in driving sales, managing shrink, and leading a strong team culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct, coach, and support department leads and team members in all fresh food areas.
• Maintain high standards for product freshness, merchandising, cleanliness, and food safety.
• Optimize department performance through effective ordering, inventory control, and waste reduction strategies.
• Collaborate with the Store Manager on sales goals, labor planning, and operational execution.
• Monitor sales, labor, and shrink metrics, taking action to meet or exceed targets.
• Oversee execution of seasonal promotions, product resets, and merchandising plans.
• Work with suppliers to select and maintain high quality perishable products.
• Foster a positive, high-performing team environment focused on customer service and continuous improvement.
• Adhere to all company safety standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.
• Retail Store Environment - temperatures vary based off department.

Schedule:

• Weekdays (45 hours) with some nights and/or weekends as needed with some overnight travel.
• Travel to various store locations including but not limited to Watertown, Deep River and East Lyme.
• Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Experience:

• Preferred: Three (3) – Five (5) years of leadership experience in grocery retail or fresh food operations.
• Preferred: Strong knowledge of fresh departments including produce, meat, bakery, and deli.
• Preferred: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams.
• Preferred: Familiarity with ordering systems, scheduling tools, and shrink control strategies.
• Preferred: ServeSafe or Food Safety Certification preferred or willingness to obtain.

Skills:

• Physical abilities : May be required to lift up to 80-85lbs.; standing, bending, lifting and twisting for up to 90% of your shift; frequently lifting product from various heights including floor level to over your head; Ability to stand or walk at least 10 hours daily; working in various temperature controlled environments; walking on a variety of flooring such as concrete, tile, carpet etc
• Strong communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with peers and leaders on a daily basis
• Organizational Skills: Ability to fulfill customer orders in a timely manner; ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Working in a team based environment: Working independently and as a team player to ensure our customers are receiving orders timely and with the highest quality
• Quality: Maintain integrity and high standards of product handling from all perspectives
• Safety Culture: Maintain and drive safety policies; driving for accountability of safe practicesthroughout shift