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

Whole Foods Market is a renowned leader in the grocery industry, known not only for offering high-quality organic and natural products but also for its strong commitment to community, sustainability, and positive social impact. As a company, Whole Foods Market goes beyond traditional retail by nurturing personal growth among employees and creating meaningful change within communities and globally. The company’s overarching mission is to nourish people and the planet, which translates into initiatives such as promoting better eating habits, funding grants for school gardens, improving access to fresh and healthy foods in underserved areas, and working toward alleviating poverty in developing countries. Whole Foods Market prides itself on being a world-changer, setting the standard of excellence for grocery retail through values that emphasize sustainability, ethical sourcing, and environmental stewardship. Joining the team at Whole Foods Market means becoming part of a passionate, purpose-driven organization dedicated to making a real difference not just in the immediate community, but on a nationwide and international scale.

The role available is an Assistant Team Leader position, focusing on supporting daily operational activities at the store level to enhance profitability, ensure compliance, and foster an exceptional customer and team experience. This position plays a critical part in supporting the Team Leader by managing various functions such as sales, buying, merchandising, labor control, and regulatory compliance. The Assistant Team Leader is expected to lead and develop team members by cultivating a positive working environment, mentoring for growth, and maintaining high standards in retail execution. Responsibilities include working closely with the Team Leader to analyze sales and labor reports, develop creative store layouts, maintain and build vendor relationships, and resolve team concerns effectively. The candidate will often act as the point person in the Team Leader’s absence, thus requiring strong leadership and decision-making skills.

Fundamentally, this role requires an individual who embodies Whole Foods Market’s core values, possesses high energy, enthusiasm, and a growth mindset. The Assistant Team Leader should have excellent interpersonal and motivational skills, ability to teach and mentor others constructively, and a solid understanding of product knowledge and regulatory policies. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other operations-related applications will support the management of financial performance, inventory, and labor scheduling. Experience requirements include at least 18 months of retail team member experience with a minimum of 6 months in a supervisory capacity.

The physical demands of the role include lifting up to 50 pounds, long periods of standing and walking, the ability to perform various motions such as bending and twisting, and flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays when needed. The position pays hourly with a wage range of $21.55 to $35.00, commensurate with experience, and includes access to comprehensive benefits known as "Whole Benefits," which cover store discounts, paid time off, financial wellness programs, health and wellness support, and other team member perks. Whole Foods Market is committed to fair and equal employment opportunities, hiring and promoting individuals based on qualifications and business needs without discrimination.