Produce Department Manager

Hy-Vee, Inc.; Cresco (IA); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 28,930,000; Full time

Job summary

Hy-Vee, Inc. in Cresco, IA is seeking a Produce Department Manager to lead the produce team, ensure freshness and quality, and drive profitability. You will build displays, write ads, develop staff, and guide department performance to enhance the customer experience.

The ideal candidate has strong customer service and leadership abilities, with a keen eye for detail and a focus on team development. This is a full-time, hourly role with a focus on delivering a helpful smile in every aisle.

Qualifications

• Customer service mindset for a welcoming store atmosphere.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team to high standards in a fast-paced retail setting.
• Strong communication with customers, employees, and vendors.
• Ability to analyze sales trends to inform pricing and promotions.
• Experience managing inventory and shrink control.
• Proven problem-solving skills with limited standardization.
• Experience developing staff and fostering teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Set the standard for customer service, employee relations, cleanliness and department profitability.
• Greet customers, assist needs, and promptly resolve concerns.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and develop department staff.
• Determine goals with the Store Director and establish schedules and daily plans.
• Oversee salad bar operations, inventory, and display planning.
• Inspect signage and pricing; order products for replenishment.
• Analyze weekly/monthly sales, projections, and ad copy; write ads.
• Manage department bookkeeping, invoices, and financial procedures.
• Conduct inventory with proper temperatures and storage procedures.
• Receive and stock shipments; oversee equipment maintenance.
• Approve employee discipline and asset transfers as needed.
• Attend meetings and training; assist with special projects.

Skills

Customer service

Leadership

Communication

Sales analysis

Inventory management

Problem solving

Team development

Education

High school diploma

Produce sanitation courses

Job description

Additional Considerations (if any):Must be 18+-At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise “a helpful smile in every aisle” and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.Job Description:Job Title: Produce Department ManagerDepartment: ProduceFLSA: HourlyRevision Date: 07/2026About Hy-VeeAt 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 ImportantAt Hy-Vee, the produce department sets the tone for the entire store, and the Produce Department Manager is the person who makes it shine. In this role, you'll set the standard for freshness, quality, customer service, and team performance while managing all aspects of department operations. From building displays and writing ads to developing your team and driving profitability, your leadership has a direct impact on how customers experience Hy-Vee every day.If you're a motivated leader with a passion for fresh product, a sharp eye for detail, and a talent for building great teams, we'd love to have you on board.What You'll DoNo two shifts are exactly the same, but here's what you can expect:Set the standard for customer service, employee relations, cleanliness, sanitation, professional appearance, and overall department profitabilityCreate a friendly, welcoming atmosphere by modeling great customer service and encouraging your team to do the sameGreet customers warmly, assist them with their needs, and handle and resolve customer concerns promptly and professionallyRecruit, hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and develop all department employeesDetermine department goals in partnership with the Store Director and establish weekly schedules and daily work plansSupervise salad bar employees by planning, scheduling, and overseeing the overall operation, including conducting inventoryInspect signage, displays, and merchandise for quality and quantity; order product for replenishment and ensure competitive pricingAnalyze weekly and monthly sales and trends, prepare ad projections, and write adsPlan displays, promotions, and determine pre-orders to drive sales and customer engagementManage department bookkeeping, including extending and posting invoices and overseeing financial proceduresConduct department inventory and ensure proper temperatures and storage procedures are maintained to guarantee freshness and control shrinkUnderstand and troubleshoot department equipment and ensure maintenance is performed as neededUnload trucks, check in delivered merchandise, and place product in appropriate storage areasHave authority to approve employee discipline and recommend transfers, discharges, and salary changesAttend meetings, seminars, and continuing education as assignedAnswer the phone promptly and provide friendly, helpful service to customers who call, including taking product ordersFollow Hy-Vee's dress code, hygiene standards, and all department and company guidelinesPitch in with departmental duties and other tasks or special projects as they come upYour SkillsTo be successful in this role, you'll need to be able to:Bring commitment to Hy-Vee's mission and a genuine passion for delivering an outstanding customer and team experienceLead, motivate, and develop a team while maintaining high standards in a fast-paced retail environmentSolve practical problems and make sound decisions with a variety of variables and limited standardizationApply math skills including fractions, decimals, and percentages to pricing, sales analysis, and inventory tasksCommunicate clearly and professionally through written correspondence, interviews, and daily interactions with customers, employees, and vendorsAnalyze sales data and trends to make informed decisions about product, promotions, and department operationsHandle confidential information including employee compensation, sales and profit sheets, inventory reports, and warehouse pricing with discretionReporting RelationshipsAccountable and Reports to: Store Director; Store Manager; Assistant Managers of GM, Perishables, and Store OperationsDirect Reports: Produce Department EmployeesEducation and ExperienceHigh school diploma or equivalent experienceOn-the-job training plus produce and sanitation courses requiredOver one year of related work experience preferredPhysical Requirements Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing 100 pounds or more, with or without mechanical assistanceContinuously stand and walk on hard surfaces for extended periodsWhere 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 periodsWhere applicable to the role: ability to safely use sharp knives and blades to cut, trim, or grind productWhere applicable to the role, and in accordance with applicable age and legal requirements: operate a cardboard baler or compactorWhere applicable to the role: perform repetitive motions associated with dough mixing, scaling, and proofingAbility to unload, lift, stock, and rotate incoming truck freight and merchandiseWorking EnvironmentThis is a fast-moving role where things stay busy and engaging. You'll work in the produce department and can expect frequent exposure to temperature extremes and dampness, as well as possible equipment movement hazards from a pallet jack, electrical equipment, and cleaning chemicals and solvents. Safety is always a priority, and training is provided to help ensure a safe and supportive work environment.Are you ready to smile, apply today.Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.