Job Title: Produce Assistant Manager
Company Overview
Market Fresh is Guelph’s premier independent gourmet grocer focused on local producers and products. We have been in operation for over 25 years and pride ourselves on offering exceptional customer service and quality food. Our full-service grocery store includes a scratch bakery, butcher shop, deli, commercial kitchen, Gourmet to Go Cafe, full kitchen, garden centre and giftware area. Market Fresh is a celebration of fine food—making us a destination shopping experience for community members and visitors. Our MF in the Community program seeks to raise awareness and funding for local not-for-profit programs and charities aligned to our mission to buy local, be local, support local.
Position Summary
Market Fresh is seeking an experienced Produce Assistant Manager who is passionate about fresh food and even more passionate about leading people. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys coaching, motivating, and developing a team while ensuring the Produce Department consistently delivers an outstanding shopping experience.
Working closely with the Produce Manager, you'll provide day-to-day leadership to a team of Produce Clerks, fostering a positive, accountable, and customer-focused culture. You'll also play a key role in merchandising, inventory management, quality control, and department operations, ensuring our produce department reflects the high standards Market Fresh is known for.
We're looking for a leader who understands that a great department starts with a great team.
Job Structure
This is a full-time, salaried position. Work schedule includes weekends and holidays as required. Some 6:00am start time availability is required. Paid vacation accrual is at 4%. Health insurance plan is included and life insurance benefits are available after 6-months of full-time employment.
Responsibilities
Team Leadership:
- Lead, coach, and support a team of Produce Associates to foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing work environment.
- Provide day-to-day direction, delegate tasks, and communicate priorities.
- Train, mentor, and develop team members through regular coaching and feedback.
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and exceptional customer service.
- Assist with scheduling, labour planning, and attendance management in partnership with the Produce Manager.
- Address employee concerns professionally while promoting a respectful and positive workplace culture.
Operations & Merchandising:
- Assist in the daily operation of the Produce Department, ensuring shelves and displays are fully stocked, fresh, and visually appealing.
- Maintain high standards for product quality by monitoring freshness, rotating inventory, and minimizing shrink.
- Support ordering, receiving, inventory management, and stock replenishment.
- Execute seasonal displays and merchandising plans that maximize sales while showcasing premium products.
- Monitor department performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.
Customer Experience:
- Lead by example in delivering knowledgeable, friendly, and personalized customer service.
- Build positive relationships with customers by providing produce expertise and product recommendations.
- Resolve customer concerns promptly and professionally.
- Create a welcoming department that reflects Market Fresh's commitment to quality and hospitality.
Food Safety & Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, health, and workplace safety standards.
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe workspaces for both customers and staff.
- Ensure proper handling, storage, rotation, and merchandising of fresh produce.
Administrative Support:
- Assist with inventory counts, ordering, receiving documentation, and department reporting.
- Support departmental planning, promotions, and seasonal initiatives.
- Communicate effectively with leadership and other departments to ensure smooth daily operations.
Qualifications
- 1-2 years of leadership or supervisory experience, preferably in produce, grocery, or another fresh food retail environment.
- Strong knowledge of fresh produce, including handling, merchandising, quality standards, and inventory management.
- Passion for leading, coaching, and developing a successful team.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
- Customer-focused with a commitment to exceptional service.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in refrigerated environments.
- Flexible availability, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Accessibility Accommodation Statement
Market Fresh is committed to providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Accommodations are available upon request.
Pay: $48,000.00-$52,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Store discount
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- What motivated you to apply for this position, and why do you believe you're a good fit for the role?
- Please describe your weekly availability for work.
Work Location: In person
