Prepared Foods Team Leader (Culinary & Deli Department Manager)

Portsmouth, NH, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Part-time

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Range $23.60 - $42.50

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Store discount

financial wellness programs

Health and wellness support

Dental Insurance

flexible schedule

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a renowned specialty grocery retailer recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality natural and organic foods. Founded with a mission to nourish people and the planet, Whole Foods Market prioritizes sustainability, community involvement, and healthful living. The company isn’t just focused on selling groceries; it actively contributes to improving the way people eat and lives within the communities it serves. This includes funding grants for school gardens, ensuring access to fresh and healthy food in underserved areas known as food deserts, and supporting poverty alleviation efforts in developing countries. The culture at Whole Foods Market is deeply rooted in making a meaningful difference, promoting environmental stewardship, and fostering a positive impact from local neighborhoods to global communities.

Whole Foods Market operates as a leader in the grocery industry, setting high standards for product quality, customer experience, and team member engagement. With a commitment to sustainability and wellness, it strives to revolutionize how grocery stores operate by integrating ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and comprehensive employee benefits. Team members are encouraged to grow personally and professionally, contributing to a workplace that values integrity, teamwork, and innovation.

The Prepared Foods Team Leader role at Whole Foods Market entails comprehensive leadership responsibilities for the Prepared Foods department, an essential division focused on delivering fresh, ready-to-eat meal options. In this position, you will be responsible for managing all daily operations including profitability, expense control, purchasing, merchandising, labor management, and compliance with health and safety regulations. The role requires ensuring a positive shopping experience for customers by providing excellent service and maintaining a welcoming, efficient, and well-organized department. Hiring, developing, and retaining a talented team is a critical part of this position, with emphasis on motivating staff, conducting performance evaluations, and fostering a supportive work environment.

As a leader, you will hold assistant team leaders, supervisors, and team members accountable to deliver superior customer service, monitoring sales and labor targets, and maintaining inventory standards. Collaboration with department leaders and vendors is also crucial to sustain product assortment and align with market trends. This role demands advanced product knowledge, regulatory insight, strong financial acumen, and the ability to lead and train others effectively. The position encourages ongoing professional development and requires a commitment to Whole Foods Market’s core values and vision.

The work environment includes physical demands such as lifting up to 50 pounds, standing or walking for extended periods, and operating various types of equipment safely. Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays is necessary to meet the retail schedule. Whole Foods Market offers a competitive wage range of $23.60 to $42.50 per hour, commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health, wellness, and financial support programs for both full-time and part-time team members. This opportunity is ideal for experienced retail leaders passionate about food, health, and community impact, eager to advance their career within a values-driven company.

Job Requirements

Must be able to lift 50 pounds
standing or walking 6-8 hours per day
ability to perform hand use skills like grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling
ability to bend, twist, squat and reach
exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals
exposure to temperatures below freezing, refrigerated, and above 90 degrees
ability to work in wet and dry conditions
ability to work flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays
ability to use tools and equipment including knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks and heavy machinery
may require ladder use

Job Qualifications

Retail leadership experience of 12 or more months
total retail experience of 24 or more months
advanced knowledge of products, buying, pricing, merchandising, and inventory management
food safety certification or commitment to obtain within 6 months
excellent interpersonal, motivational, and team building skills
capability to teach others constructively
proficiency in regulatory and safety policies
proficient mathematical skills for financial assessment
demonstrated decision-making and leadership skills
proficiency with email, Microsoft Office, and operations applications

Job Duties

Hold assistant team leaders, supervisors, and team members accountable for delivering outstanding customer service
build a positive work environment with teamwork, mutual respect, and high morale
make hiring and separation decisions
monitor and achieve sales, purchasing, and labor targets
maintain proper product assortment, merchandising, and inventory control
establish and maintain collaborative relationships with department leaders and vendors
sustain knowledge of competitors and industry trends
set and achieve highest standards of retail execution
direct team members to satisfy customer needs and respond promptly
select, train, develop, mentor, motivate, and counsel team members
provide timely and thoughtful performance evaluations
communicate and model Whole Foods Market vision and goals