New Store Bakery Associate Team Leader (Assistant Department Manager) - Seekonk, MA - Summer 2026

Whole Foods Market is a renowned leader in the natural and organic foods retail industry, dedicated to nurturing your personal and professional growth while making a meaningful difference in the world. Founded on principles that emphasize sustainability, health, and community welfare, Whole Foods Market goes beyond being merely a grocery store. The company is passionately focused on nourishing people and the planet, committing to impactful initiatives such as improving dietary habits, funding educational grants for school gardens, providing access to nutritious food in underserved food deserts, and working towards alleviating poverty in developing regions. With a dynamic and inclusive work environment, Whole Foods Market equips its team members to become change-makers, setting high standards of excellence and revolutionizing the grocery shopping experience.

Joining Whole Foods Market means you are embracing a role that centers on more than just daily tasks—it’s about inspiring transformation at local and global levels through your work. The company’s core values emphasize teamwork, respect, community involvement, and innovation, which resonate throughout every department and position. Employment at Whole Foods Market is available on a full-time or part-time basis, with a competitive hourly wage ranging from $20.05 to $35.00, depending on experience. Employees also benefit from the company's "Whole Benefits" program, which includes store discounts, paid time off, financial wellness support, health and wellness programs, and various other perks to support work-life balance and personal development.

The Team Leader Assistant role at Whole Foods Market embodies a leadership position integral to daily retail operations. The role involves supporting the Team Leader in managing various facets of store performance, including profitability analysis, expense control, purchasing, merchandising, labor management, and compliance with regulatory and safety standards. As a key member of the management team, the Assistant helps design attractive store layouts and merchandising displays that draw customers’ attention and boost sales.

This role demands a proactive and knowledgeable leader who can maintain excellent vendor relationships, implement strategic labor and sales plans in collaboration with the Team Leader, and manage special projects effectively. Besides operational responsibilities, the Assistant is expected to foster a positive work environment that encourages teamwork, mutual respect, and high morale among staff. They take on the responsibility of training, mentoring, motivating, and evaluating team members to build a high-performing team and reduce turnover.

Customer satisfaction is central to this role, which requires continuous awareness of customer flow and needs within the store. The Assistant promptly addresses customer inquiries and issues, ensuring an outstanding shopping experience that aligns with Whole Foods Market’s reputation for exceptional customer service. In the absence of the Team Leader, the Assistant serves as the primary point of contact and decision-maker within the department, requiring decisive leadership skills and the ability to handle multiple responsibilities concurrently.

This position is suited for individuals with a high energy level, enthusiasm for the company’s products and values, and a growth mindset oriented towards increased responsibility and ownership. Candidates should demonstrate advanced product knowledge and a strong grasp of regulatory and safety policies, alongside excellent interpersonal, motivational, and team-building skills. Proficiency in digital communication and operational software, including Microsoft Office and email, is essential to execute the role efficiently.

Whole Foods Market values diversity and equal opportunity and accommodates flexible scheduling, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The job also entails physical requirements like lifting up to 50 pounds, standing or walking for extended periods, and exposure to varying temperatures and cleaning chemicals, reflecting the dynamic environment of a retail grocery store. Those looking to grow within a supportive, values-driven company will find this position rewarding as it allows them to directly contribute to the mission of nourishing people and the planet while advancing their own career prospects.