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Meat Team Leader (Department Manager)

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
Part-time
Hourly
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $23.60 - $42.50
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
financial wellness programs
Employee Discounts
Wellness support programs

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a well-established leader in the retail grocery industry, known not only for its high-quality natural and organic products but also for its commitment to sustainability and community enrichment. As a purpose-driven company, Whole Foods Market's mission extends beyond selling groceries to fostering personal growth, nurturing communities, and championing environmental stewardship. The company supports initiatives such as funding school garden grants, increasing access to nutritious food in underserved areas, alleviating poverty globally, and striving to set new standards of excellence within the grocery market. Team Members at Whole Foods Market are not merely employees; they are world-changers who actively contribute to creating healthier communities locally and worldwide. Whole Foods Market offers a supportive workplace culture that values teamwork, mutual respect, and the professional and personal development of its employees. The retail environment is dynamic and fast-paced, focused on delivering exceptional customer service while maintaining high standards of food safety and store operations.

The Meat Team Leader is a pivotal role within Whole Foods Market’s store operations, tasked with overseeing the Meat department’s daily functions to ensure profitability, compliance, and operational excellence. This leadership position requires managing all aspects of the department, including buying, merchandising, expense and labor control, and regulatory adherence. The Meat Team Leader is responsible for hiring, training, mentoring, and managing team members to foster a high-performance and motivated workforce. They act as a key liaison between store leadership, vendors, and the meat department’s team, ensuring all business goals and customer expectations are met or exceeded. Part of the role involves maintaining an in-depth understanding of industry trends, competitors’ activities, and food safety regulations to keep the department competitive and compliant. The position includes developing and delivering performance evaluations, addressing corrective actions, and supporting team members’ safety and security.

The Meat Team Leader leads by example, championing Whole Foods Market’s vision and core values which include nourishing people and the planet, inspiring healthy eating habits, and promoting sustainability. The role requires strong decision-making abilities, advanced product knowledge, excellent interpersonal skills, and a proactive approach to maintaining exceptional retail standards. Candidates for this role should expect to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays to meet business demands. Compensation is competitive within the retail sector, with an hourly wage range from $23.60 to $42.50, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market provides extensive benefits under the “Whole Benefits” program, which supports both full-time and part-time team members through health and wellness programs, paid time off, financial wellness resources, and employee discounts. This leadership role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the store’s success and the broader community, making it ideal for experienced retail professionals passionate about quality, safety, and community engagement.

Job Requirements

  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds
  • Be able to stand and walk for 6-8 hours in an 8-hour workday
  • Use hands for grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling
  • Perform motions such as bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching
  • Be exposed to FDA approved cleaning chemicals
  • Work in temperatures near freezing, refrigerated, and warm environments
  • Ability to work in wet and cold conditions
  • Handle knives and cutting equipment safely
  • Work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Use tools and equipment including box cutters and electric pallet jacks

Job Qualifications

  • Certified Meat Journeyman or equivalent training
  • Food safety certification or commitment to complete within 6 months
  • Advanced knowledge of products, buying, pricing, merchandising, and inventory management
  • Excellent interpersonal, motivational, team building, and customer relationship skills
  • Capable of teaching others positively and constructively
  • Thorough product knowledge
  • Advanced knowledge of regulatory and safety policies and procedures
  • Proficient mathematical skills
  • Demonstrated decision-making and leadership skills
  • Proficiency with email, Microsoft Office, and operations-related applications
  • 24+ months retail experience including 12+ months team leadership experience

Job Duties

  • Hold assistant team leaders, supervisors, and team members accountable for delivering outstanding customer service
  • Make hiring and separation decisions in partnership with store leadership
  • Monitor and achieve sales, purchasing, and labor targets
  • Project annual sales and expenses and prepare operating budget
  • Manage ordering and inventory to achieve targeted profit margin
  • Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with departmental and store leadership
  • Foster a positive environment of teamwork, respect, and morale
  • Maintain awareness of customer needs and deploy team members accordingly
  • Select, train, develop, mentor, and motivate team members
  • Communicate and maintain team member safety and security standards
  • Provide timely and thorough performance evaluations
  • Consistently communicate and model Whole Foods Market vision and goals

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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