Dairy Team Lead

Earth Fare, Inc.; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance

401k and Retirement Planning

Paid Time Off

Store Discount

Flexible Scheduling

Job summary

Earth Fare, Inc. is seeking a Dairy Team Lead to oversee daily operations, maintain product quality, and ensure food safety within the Dairy Department. You will drive merchandising excellence, manage inventory, and deliver a superior shopping experience in collaboration with store leadership.

The role emphasizes ownership, accountability, and operational leadership, with a focus on stocking, labeling, and supporting sales and profitability goals across the department.

Qualifications

• Experience in grocery, dairy, or perishable departments preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper storage practices.
• Understanding of inventory control, shrink management, and merchandising standards.
• Familiarity with natural and organic products and dietary considerations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily Dairy Department operations to ensure efficiency and consistency.
• Maintain product quality, dating, rotation, and storage for freshness and safety.
• Ensure shelves are stocked, faced, labeled, and aligned with guidelines.
• Support department sales, gross profit, and shrink goals through proper ordering.
• Provide knowledgeable customer service regarding dairy products and dietary needs.
• Collaborate with store leadership and other departments to deliver an exceptional shopping experience.
• Demonstrate ownership and leadership within the Dairy Department even without direct supervision.

Skills

Grocery/dairy experience

Food safety knowledge

Inventory control

Merchandising standards

Organizational skills

Independent work ethic

Flexible schedule

Job description

Earth Fare Team MembersAt Earth Fare Our Team Members ensure that our customers’ visit to our store is fulfilling, having had all their questions answered and their shopping needs met. We hope that each customer leaves with a sense of having experienced community, knowing that we are excited to see them again soon.Earth Fare’s Mission is helping people live healthy lives. Our Team Members guide our customers to select not only healthy food they can trust, but products for wellbeing and the household that are held to the same high standards as all of the food on our shelves.Dairy Team LeadThe Dairy Team Lead at Earth Fare is responsible for the daily operation and overall performance of the Dairy Department. This role leads the function of the department by ensuring product quality, accurate merchandising, inventory control, and compliance with Earth Fare standards, while modeling the company’s Mission, Conviction, and Purpose.The Dairy Team Lead is accountable for executing standard operating procedures, maintaining proper stocking and rotation, minimizing shrink, and supporting sales and gross profit goals. This position ensures a clean, organized, and food-safe department and works collaboratively with store leadership and team members across departments to deliver an exceptional shopping experience. While this role does not include direct supervisory responsibility, it requires a high level of ownership, accountability, and operational leadership within the Dairy Department.Contributions:Department Operations:Oversee the daily operation of the Dairy Department to ensure efficient workflows and consistent execution.Execute standard operating procedures related to stocking, rotation, pricing, signage, and inventory control.Product Quality & Food Safety:Ensure all dairy products meet Earth Fare quality standards.Maintain proper rotation, dating, and storage practices to ensure freshness and food safety.Minimize shrink through proactive inventory management and attention to expiration dates.Merchandising:Maintain accurate and attractive merchandising in alignment with Earth Fare guidelines.Ensure shelves are fully stocked, properly faced, and clearly labeled to support customer shopping experience.Inventory & Financial Performance:Support department sales, gross profit, and shrink goals through effective ordering and inventory control.Monitor product movement and adjust ordering to align with sales trends and seasonal needs.Customer Service:Provide knowledgeable and friendly customer service by answering questions related to dairy products, ingredients, and dietary needs.Support Earth Fare’s mission by helping customers make informed, healthy choices.Collaboration & Leadership:Work collaboratively with store leadership and Team Members across departments to support overall store operations.Demonstrate ownership, accountability, and operational leadership within the Dairy Department despite no direct supervisory responsibility.Department Conditions:Maintain a clean, organized, and safe department, including coolers, backstock areas, and equipment.Ensure compliance with company standards, food safety regulations, and sanitation requirements.Required Knowledge and Experience:Experience working in a grocery, dairy, or perishable food department preferred.Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper storage of refrigerated products.Understanding of inventory control, shrink management, and merchandising standards.Familiarity with natural and organic food products and common dietary considerations preferred.Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.Ability to work independently with a high level of ownership and accountability.Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.Environmental Conditions & Physical Demands:Work in a fast-paced retail environment with a focus on customer service.Frequent exposure to refrigerated and cold environments.Lifting: Up to 50 pounds frequently; up to 75 pounds occasionally (e.g., large cuts of meat, heavy boxes of stock)Reaching: Frequent reaching in all directions (e.g., handling meat products, moving large boxes)Standing: Long periods, often in one spot (e.g., cutting meat, overseeing inventory)Pulling/Pushing: Significant; frequent pushing/pulling of heavy carts or pallet jacks (e.g., transporting heavy stock, moving equipment)Why Work for Earth Fare?Great Benefits:Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance for full-time employees401k and Retirement PlanningPaid Time Off20% Store Discount and discounted hot bar and salad barFlexible SchedulingSupportive Working Environment:Our Team Members and Leadership work together to co-create a working environment where each person’s unique traits and talents are valued. We believe that every person’s role is important and that clear communication and respect for one another are paramount to shaping our experience at work each day.Opportunities for Growth:Empowering and developing our Team Members is integral to our company values. We ensure that each person has the support, tools, and knowledge to master their current roles. We encourage our Team Members to express interest in learning new skills and pursuing opportunities for advancement.Community Relationships:We encourage our Team Members to cultivate community relationships that will positively impact our neighbors, partners, and the environment. We do this through a conscious effort to partner with outside organizations and host supportive community events.