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Prepared Foods Associate Team Leader (Culinary & Deli Assistant Department Manager)

Job Overview

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Compensation

Hourly
Range $21.55 - $35.00
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
financial wellness programs
Store discount
Wellness support programs
Team member perks

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a leading natural and organic foods supermarket committed to nourishing people and the planet. Founded with the aim of improving how people eat, this company has grown into a pioneering retailer that emphasizes sustainability, healthy lifestyles, and social responsibility. Beyond being just a grocery store, Whole Foods Market is a global movement and change agent, dedicated to initiatives such as funding grants for school gardens, providing access to fresh and healthy food in underserved areas, alleviating poverty in developing countries, and promoting environmental stewardship. Each team member contributes not only to the store’s success but also to meaningful community impact, embodying the company’s core values and revolutionary approach to the grocery industry. Whole Foods Market offers a vibrant working environment where employees grow personally and professionally, set high standards, and make a difference at local and global levels.

The role in focus is designed for an experienced professional who will assist the Team Leader in daily store operations, ensuring excellence in profitability, expense management, merchandising, regulatory compliance, and labor control. This leadership position involves direct involvement in merchandising and vendor relations, sales and labor target achievement, and team member development and motivation. The individual will act as the point person in the absence of the Team Leader and be responsible for fostering a positive and respectful team atmosphere while consistently delivering an exceptional customer service experience. This role calls for someone with advanced product knowledge, strong leadership skills, and a proactive mindset aligned with Whole Foods Market’s vision. The position requires a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays, with the ability to manage physical demands like lifting and prolonged standing. Whole Foods Market values a growth mindset, team building, and operational excellence, providing a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, and wellness programs. This is an hourly position with a wage range of $21.55 to $35.00 depending on experience and represents a rewarding career path within a respected retail brand.

Job Requirements

  • must be able to lift 50 pounds
  • standing/walking 6-8 hours in an 8-hour work day
  • hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling
  • work requires bending, twisting, squatting and reaching
  • exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals
  • exposure to temperatures: below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), above 90 degrees Fahrenheit
  • ability to work in wet and dry conditions
  • ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed
  • ability to use tools and equipment, including knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery
  • may require use of ladders

Job Qualifications

  • 18+ months retail Team Member experience
  • 6+ months supervisory experience
  • high energy, enthusiastic, and displays an affinity for products, core values, and company philosophy
  • growth mindset towards greater responsibility and ownership
  • desire to coach and mentor others for growth
  • excellent interpersonal, motivational, team building, and customer relationship skills
  • capable of teaching others in a positive and constructive manner
  • product knowledge
  • advanced knowledge of regulatory and safety policies and procedures
  • proficient mathematical skills for assessing financial performance, monitoring profitability, and managing inventory
  • demonstrated decision-making ability, leadership skills, and ability to prioritize and delegate
  • proficiency with email, Microsoft Office, and operations-related applications

Job Duties

  • develops and maintains creative store layout and product merchandising
  • works with Team Leader to achieve sales, purchasing, and labor targets
  • assists Team Leader in analysis of sales, reports, and labor
  • demonstrates advanced product knowledge and develops/maintains awareness of new products
  • maintains good vendor relationships, develops new vendor relations, and ensures all paperwork is properly submitted for vendor processing
  • works with Team Leader to resolve team concerns or issues
  • functions as point person and departmental person in charge in absence of Team Leader
  • sets and achieves the highest standards of retail execution
  • fosters and encourages a positive environment of outstanding teamwork, mutual respect, and exceptional morale
  • consistently communicates and models WFM vision and goals
  • maintains awareness of customer flows and needs and directs Team Members as necessary to satisfy and delight customers
  • responds promptly to customer needs and questions
  • selects, trains, develops, mentors, motivates, and counsels Team Members in a manner that sustains a high-performance team and minimizes turnover
  • provides timely, thorough, and thoughtful performance evaluations

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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