PRODUCE/ASST DEPT LEADER at Kroger in Issaquah, WA

Create an outstanding customer experience through exceptional service. Establish and maintain a safe, clean environment that encourages our customers to return. Achieve sales and profit goals established for the department and control all established quality assurance standards. Monitor all functions, duties and activities related to the Produce department. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Responsibilities

• Promote trust and respect among associates, with a positive attitude
• Communicate company, department, and job specific information to associates
• Establish department performance goals and empower associates to meet or exceed targets through teamwork
• Develop adequate scheduling to manage customer volume
• Train and develop associates on their job performance and participate in the performance appraisal process
• Create an environment that enables customers to feel welcome, important and appreciated by answering questions regarding products sold within the department and throughout the store; respond to questions, make suggestions, and locate products
• Inform customers of produce specials and offer product samples to help customers discover new items
• Review/inspect products for quality and freshness and take appropriate action
• Develop and implement a department business plan to achieve desired results
• Create and execute sales promotions in partnership with store management
• Inform and educate department associates about current, upcoming and special in-store promotions, especially promotions that affect the department
• Prepare and submit seasonal critiques for the sales and merchandising supervisor
• Implement the period promotional plan for the department
• Assist management in preparing the store/department budget, expense control, profit and loss reviews, and take appropriate action on all financial reports
• Schedule daily, weekly and monthly price changes by updating shelf tags and promotional signs
• Plan and organize the inventory process, maintain an awareness of inventory/stocking conditions, note any discrepancies, train department associates on inventory/stocking and Computer Assisted Ordering (CAO)
• Ensure proper temperatures in cases and coolers are maintained and temperature logs are maintained
• Reinforce safety programs by complying with safety procedures, identifying unsafe conditions, practicing preventive maintenance by properly inspecting equipment, notifying store management of any items in need of repair and of customer or employee accidents
• Report all safety risk, or issues, and illegal activity, including robbery, theft or fraud
• Adhere to all local, state and federal laws, and company guidelines
• Ability to work cooperatively in high paced and sometimes stressful environment
• Ability to manage conflict in a reasonable, nonconfrontational and cooperative manner
• Ability to act with honesty and integrity regarding customer and business information
• Ability to follow directions and seek assistance when necessary to resolve customer and business issues
• Provide support and assistance through direct interaction with minors, individuals with special needs, and/or older adults
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

Qualifications

MINIMUM

• Excellent oral/written communication skills
• Knowledge of basic math (counting, addition, subtraction)
• Ability to handle stressful situations
• Current food handlers permit once employed

DESIRED

• High School Diploma or GED
• Any management experience
• Any produce/retail experience
• Second language (speaking, reading and/or writing)

About the Team

The final rate of pay is determined at store level based on prior equivalent work experience.

To support and reward our hardworking and friendly associates, we offer much more than just a paycheck. We strive to feed your future by offering the ingredients you need to create your own recipe for success at work and in life. Our associates receive a full plate of benefits that promote their physical, emotional and financial well-being, including access to competitive health care and retirement benefits, paid time off, mental health resources, associate discounts and opportunities to learn, grow and advance. Our associates also get to help us make a difference in our communities through our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste and Framework for Action: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plans. Visit the thekrogerco.com to learn more about our work in the communities we serve and how our associates help us be a good neighbor.

Below is a list of some of the benefits we offer our associates.

Health & Well-being Benefits:

• Health care benefits
• Paid time off such as vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Mental and emotional support resources through our Employee Assistance Program

Financial Benefits:

• Participation in a 401(k) plan and/or participation in a Taft-Hartley pension fund, subject to certain eligibility requirements
• Group term life insurance eligible, depending on varying criteria by location and subject to certain eligibility requirements
• Potentially bonus eligible depending on varying criteria by location
• Associate discounts

Growth and Development Benefits:

• Tuition assistance, college scholarships and educational leave of absence, depending on varying criteria by location and subject to certain eligibility requirements
• Robust internal training and development resources to grow your career

We want the best for associates and our customers, and together, we strive to create a welcoming and engaging environment where you’ll love to work. If you are interested in becoming a valued member of our team, apply now. We look forward to getting to know you!

About the Company

Based in Washington, Qualify Food Centers (QFC) merged with The Kroger Company in 1998. Today, we’re proudly serving QFC customers in 59 stores throughout the Washington and Oregon.

As part of the Kroger family of companies, we take pride in bringing diverse teams with a passion for food and people together with one common purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. With a history of innovation, we work tirelessly to create amazing experiences for our customers, communities AND each other, with food at the heart of it all.

Here, people matter. That’s why we strive to provide the ingredients you need to create your own recipe for success at work and in life. We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you’re caring, purpose-driven and hungry to learn, your potential is unlimited.

Whether you’re seeking a part-time position or a new career path, we’ve got a fresh opportunity for you. Apply today to become part of our QFC family!

What you’ll receive from us:

The Kroger Family of Companies offers comprehensive benefits to support your Associate Well-Being, including Physical, Emotional, Financial and more. We'll help you thrive, with access to:

• A wide range of healthcare coverage, including affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.
• Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles with paid time off, including holiday and sick pay based on eligibility and length of service.
• Emotional and financial support with free counseling through our Employee Assistance Program and free, confidential financial tools and coaching with Goldman Sachs Ayco.
• Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.
• Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career, through our industry-leading Continuing Education program.
• Vast potential for growth, through an abundance of industry-leading training programs and diverse career pathways.

For more information about benefits and eligibility, please visit our Benefits Page!