Fresh Foods Technician at Acosta in Columbus, OH

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.

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

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