Dairy Department Manager

Hy-Vee; Spring Lake Park (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Hy-Vee in Minnesota seeks a Dairy Department Manager to lead a high-traffic dairy section, ensuring fresh, well-stocked products and a superior customer experience. You will guide a team, set department standards, and collaborate with store leadership to reach goals.

You will analyze sales trends, plan promotions, manage ordering and inventory, and maintain safety and sanitation standards. This role starts with an hourly wage of 18.00–22.50 and requires a proactive, hands-on leader.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One or more years of related work experience preferred.
• Strong customer service and leadership abilities in retail.
• Ability to recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate department staff.
• Ability to manage scheduling, ordering, pricing, and bookkeeping.

Responsibilities

• Set and uphold department standards for customer service, cleanliness, sanitation, team relations, and profitability.
• Build a friendly atmosphere by encouraging staff to greet and engage with customers and lead by example.
• Assist customers in finding products and handling heavy purchases to enhance the visit.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate department employees; manage performance matters as needed.
• Coordinate scheduling, daily work plans, and department goals with store leadership.
• Oversee ordering, replenishment, pricing, invoicing, and department bookkeeping.
• Analyze weekly/monthly sales trends and plan promotions/displays.
• Maintain proper product temperatures and freshness standards.

Skills

Customer service

Team leadership

Problem solving

Math skills

Communication

Discretion

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Description:

Job Title: Dairy Department Manager Department: Dairy FLSA: Hourly Revision Date: 07/2026

About Hy-Vee

At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a passion for customer service, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to being part of a team that strives to make our customers' lives easier, healthier and happier.

The Role and Why It's Important

As the Dairy Department Manager at Hy-Vee, you'll lead one of our highest-traffic departments and make sure customers always find fresh, well-stocked products when they need them. From managing your team and setting department standards to analyzing sales trends and planning promotions, your leadership directly shapes the customer experience and the department's success. If you're someone who leads by example, takes pride in running a tight ship, and enjoys developing a team that delivers great results, this role is a great fit for you.

What You'll Do

• Set and uphold department standards for customer service, cleanliness, sanitation, team relations, and overall profitability
• Build a friendly, welcoming atmosphere by encouraging your team to greet and engage with customers and leading by example
• Assist customers with finding products, reaching items, carrying heavy purchases, and going the extra mile to make their visit a great one
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate department employees, and handle performance and disciplinary matters as needed
• Coordinate scheduling, daily work plans, and department goals in partnership with store leadership
• Oversee ordering, replenishment, pricing, invoicing, and department bookkeeping
• Analyze weekly and monthly sales trends, prepare ad projections, and plan promotions and displays
• Ensure proper product temperatures, storage procedures, and freshness standards to minimize shrink
• Understand and troubleshoot department equipment and coordinate maintenance as needed
• Conduct department inventory and manage product pre-orders
• Maintain compliance with Hy-Vee's dress code, hygiene standards, and all company policies
• Assist in other store areas and take on special projects as needed

You’ll receive direction and support from:

District Store Director, Store Manager, and Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home

Your Skills

• Deliver outstanding customer service and inspire your team to do the same
• Lead, motivate, and develop a team in a fast-paced retail environment
• Solve practical problems and make sound decisions with a variety of variables
• Use basic math skills, including fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Communicate clearly in writing and verbally with customers, employees, and vendors
• Handle confidential information, including employee compensation, sales data, and inventory reports, with discretion
• High school diploma or equivalent required; one or more years of related work experience preferred

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required One or more years of related work experience preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing 100 pounds or more, with or without mechanical assistance
• Continuously stand and walk on hard surfaces for extended periods
• Where applicable to the role: ability to operate pallet jacks, forklifts, or similar material-handling equipment (required operator certification must be completed prior to independent use)
• Work in cooler or freezer environments for extended periods
• Where applicable to the role: ability to safely use sharp knives and blades to cut, trim, or grind product
• Where applicable to the role, and in accordance with applicable age and legal requirements: operate a cardboard baler or compactor
• Where applicable to the role: perform repetitive motions associated with dough mixing, scaling, and proofing
• Ability to unload, lift, stock, and rotate incoming truck freight and merchandise

Reporting Relationships

Accountable and Reports to: Store Director, Store Manager, and Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home Direct Reports: Dairy Department Employees

Work Environment

This is a fast-moving, hands-on role where no two days are the same. You may frequently work in areas with temperature extremes and dampness, which is standard for a dairy environment. The role also involves working with and around standard store equipment and may include exposure to electrical equipment, cleaning products, or solvents. Safety is always a priority, and training is provided to help ensure a safe and supportive work environment.

The anticipated hourly starting wage for this position is $18.00 to $22.50 depending on experience.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.