Fresh Foods Technician

Acosta, Inc.; Oregon; Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Acosta seeks a Fresh Foods Technician to be the go-to expert for Fresh Foods, Bakery, Deli, Produce and Meat operations. The role involves coaching, field execution, and independent travel to multiple retail locations to drive store performance.

You will train associates on plan‑o‑gram execution, support openings and remodels, and deliver insights through store visit and category reports.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 0–3 years hands-on retail Fresh Foods, Bakery, Deli, Produce or Meat operations experience.
• Proven technical experience supporting daily department operations, merchandising and production.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the go-to expert for Fresh Foods, Bakery/Deli, Produce and Meat operations.
• Travel independently to assigned retail locations with clear objectives and outcomes.
• Represent the company professionally in-store and ensure teams meet standards.
• Communicate before, during, and after visits; provide progress updates and recaps.
• Assist with store openings, remodels, plan-o-grams, and production support as needed.
• Maintain program documentation and merchandising tools for consistent execution.
• Develop and deliver reporting: store visit reports, monthly/category performance reviews, annual reviews.

Skills

Fresh Foods operations

Plan‑o‑gram execution

Training others

Merchandising standards

Communication

Time management

Travel willingness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

As a Fresh Foods Technician , you'll serve as the go‑to expert for Fresh Foods, Bakery, and/or Deli, Produce and Meat operations—combining hands‑on technical expertise with coaching, training, and field execution. This role is ideal for professionals who enjoy working independently, traveling to retail locations, and making a visible impact on store performance.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted subject matter expert , recognized by internal teams, clients, and retail partners for deep product knowledge, operational excellence, and procedural accuracy.
• Represent the company professionally in-store , ensuring customer teams are fully equipped to handle department complexities and operational standards.
• Travel independently to assigned retail locations , planning store visits in advance with clear objectives, agendas, and desired outcomes.
• Communicate effectively before, during, and after store visits , coordinating resources, providing progress updates, and delivering visit recaps to stakeholders.
• Support new store openings, remodels, and resets , including:
  • Assisting with setting cases to plan‑o‑grams
  • Training associates on plan‑o‑gram execution and production standards
  • Providing production support to meet volume needs before and after openings
• Execute and maintain new item setups , seasonal transitions, and ongoing plan‑o‑gram updates based on business needs.
• Maintain program documentation , merchandising tools, and category-specific manuals to support consistent execution.
• Develop and deliver reporting and insights , including:
  • Store visit reports
  • Monthly category performance reports with trend analysis and seasonal recommendations
  • Annual category reviews and ad‑hoc analysis as needed
• Collaborate regularly with merchandisers and leadership , sharing updates, introducing new programs or items, and aligning on execution strategies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support business and client objectives.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of 0 - 3 years of hands‑on experience in retail Fresh Foods, Bakery, and/or Deli, Produce and Meat operations
• Proven technical experience supporting daily department operations, merchandising, and production

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of Fresh Foods, Bakery, and/or Deli, Produce and Meat department operations , including production processes and merchandising standards
• Ability to set up displays , execute plan‑o‑grams , and participate in resets and remodels independently or as part of a team
• Comfortable training and guiding others through hands‑on, in‑store execution
• Strong organizational, communication, and time‑management skills
• Work independently while managing multiple store visits and priorities
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to assigned retail locations

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Stand, walk, and work on‑site in retail environments for extended periods
• Lift and carry up to 40 pounds
• Ability to travel regularly as part of the role