Frozen Department Lead

Horizon Goodwill; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Horizon Goodwill in Maryland is seeking a Frozen Department Lead to oversee daily operations of the frozen foods section, including ordering, stocking, merchandising, inventory, and food safety to ensure a premium on-shelf experience for shoppers.

You will own the floor: manage cold chain integrity, FIFO rotation, cleanliness of cases and doors, accurate pricing, signage, and quick retrieval of items while assisting customers with dietary labels and product queries.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in grocery or retail, specifically in frozen or perishable departments.
• Must be 18 or older (for tobacco/lottery sales in this jurisdiction).
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in sub-zero environments with proper gear.

Responsibilities

• Oversee ordering, delivery and inventory of all frozen products; verify counts and inspect for thawing or temperature abuse.
• Maintain cold chain integrity and strict FIFO rotation.
• Keep freezer cases stocked, clean, and well organized with visible pricing and signage.
• Ensure sanitation of freezer shelves, doors, and back stock areas; monitor temperatures and report issues.
• Assist customers with item locations and dietary labeling information.

Skills

Inventory management

Cold chain awareness

Temperature monitoring

Customer engagement

Job description

Job Summary:The Frozen Department Lead is responsible for the daily execution, ordering, merchandising, inventory, and food safety of the frozen foods section. In this role, you focus on maintaining a high-quality inventory—managing everything from frozen entrees and vegetables to ice cream—ensuring premium organization and preventing product loss through diligent temperature management. The Frozen Lead is the "owner" of the floor, ensuring every freezer door reveals a fully stocked, organized, and frost-free selection for our shoppers.Essential Functions1. Inventory & Stock ManagementReceiving & Verification: Oversee the ordering, delivery and inventory of all frozen products; verify piece counts against invoices and inspect for signs of thawing or "temperature abuse" during transit.Cold Chain Integrity: Prioritize the immediate breakdown and stocking of frozen loads to maintain the cold chain and prevent "shrink".Stocking & Rotation: Ensure freezer cases are fully stocked and strictly follow FIFO (First-In, First-Out) rotation to ensure older inventory moves first.2. Merchandising & PresentationCase Design: Maintain clean, organized, and visually appealing displays. Ensure "fast movers" (like ice or popular frozen dinners) are easily accessible.Frost Management: Regularly check for and clear ice buildup on shelving and glass doors to ensure visibility and a premium shopping experience.Signage: Ensure all items have accurate pricing tags, and seasonal items (like frozen desserts in summer) are highlighted with appropriate signage.3. Department Standards & SafetySanitation: Maintain the cleanliness of freezer shelves, glass doors, and walk-in freezers. Ensure floors in the "Back Stock" freezer are clear of debris and ice hazards.Temperature Monitoring: Conduct and log regular temperature checks of all freezer units. Proactively identify and report any units cycling incorrectly or hovering near the danger zone.Equipment Care: Ensure freezer doors are sealed properly, and gaskets are clean and intact to maintain energy efficiency and food safety.4. Customer EngagementAct as the department expert, assisting customers in locating items and answering questions about dietary labels (e.g., gluten-free or vegetarian frozen options).Monitor customer feedback regarding product variety and report trends or specific requests to the Store Manager for future ordering.CompetenciesOral/Written CommunicationArticulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms. Immediate reporting of any refrigeration equipment malfunctions to the Store Manager to prevent catastrophic inventory loss.Critical Thinking/Problem SolvingObtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data to make decisions and overcome problems.Teamwork/CollaborationWork within a team structure and can negotiate and manage conflict. Exhibit a positive workplace attitude that encourages advancement towards common goals.Digital TechnologyDemonstrate personal accountability, effective work habits, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. Demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly, and ability to learn from mistakes.Temperature AwarenessProactive management of the "cold chain" to ensure no product is lost to thawing or equipment failure.MerchandisingFreezer doors and shelves must be clean and "faced" (products pulled to the front) throughout the shift.Detail OrientedHigh attention to detail regarding labeling and organizing items that often look similar in packaging.ReliabilityPunctuality is a must—our customers rely on us being open and ready.Education and experienceQualificationsAge Requirement: Must be 18 or older (required for tobacco/lottery sales in this jurisdiction).Physical Requirements: Ability to lift to 50 lbs. and maneuver heavy U-boats or pallets of frozen goods. Comfort working in a sub-zero environment (walk-in freezers) for extended periods while wearing appropriate thermal gear.Experience: 1–2 years of experience in a grocery or retail environment, specifically within a frozen or perishable department.Certifications: Ability to obtain a Maryland Food Handler’s card or equivalent local certification if required.Career PathsShift ManagerAssistant ManagerStore Manager