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

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
Part-time
Hourly
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $20.05 - $35.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

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

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a leading natural and organic foods supermarket brand committed to nurturing the health and well-being of people and the planet. Established as a pioneer in quality grocery retail, the company has built a reputation for setting high standards in food safety, sustainability, and social responsibility. Whole Foods Market aims not only to offer fresh and healthy food but also to support community initiatives, such as funding school garden grants and improving access to nutritious foods in underserved areas, including food deserts. The company focuses on fostering positive change by tackling poverty in developing countries and promoting sustainable agriculture globally. Employees at Whole Foods Market are part of a mission-driven organization that values personal growth and meaningful impact beyond traditional retail duties. Working at Whole Foods Market means joining a team of world-changers who continuously revolutionize the grocery industry by emphasizing health, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

The role on offer entails assisting the Team Leader in managing daily store operations with a focus on profitability, expense control, purchasing, merchandising, labor management, regulatory compliance, and various special projects. The position is integral within the store’s leadership structure, providing direct support to ensure operational excellence and a positive customer experience. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and developing team members, maintaining a high standard of retail execution, and fostering an atmosphere of teamwork and exceptional morale. This role also demands comprehensive product knowledge, the ability to analyze sales and labor reports, and the capacity to maintain strong vendor relationships. The candidate will often serve as the point of contact and departmental leader in the absence of the Team Leader, requiring decisiveness, strong leadership skills, and excellent communication.

This position requires adherence to Whole Foods Market’s core values and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations, including those related to food safety. A positive company image must be consistently upheld through courteous and efficient service to customers and colleagues. Candidates must also be adaptable and prepared to perform a variety of duties as needed within the team framework. The wage range for this position is $20.05 to $35.00 hourly, depending on experience. Whole Foods Market offers comprehensive "Whole Benefits" for both full-time and part-time employees, which include store discounts, paid time off, financial wellness programs, and health and wellness support, reflecting the company’s commitment to the welfare of its team members. The work environment supports diversity and inclusion, welcoming qualified candidates regardless of personal characteristics and emphasizing equal employment opportunities across all levels of the company.

Job Requirements

  • 18+ months retail Team Member experience
  • 6+ months supervisory experience
  • ability to lift 50 pounds
  • standing or walking for 6-8 hours during an 8-hour work day
  • hand use including single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling
  • ability to perform bending, twisting, squatting and reaching motions
  • exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals
  • ability to work in temperatures ranging from freezing to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit
  • ability to work in wet and dry conditions
  • availability to work flexible schedules including nights, weekends and holidays
  • ability to safely use tools and equipment such as knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, heavy machinery
  • ability to use ladders

Job Qualifications

  • High energy and enthusiasm
  • 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
  • advanced 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 and leadership skills
  • 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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