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Prepared Foods Team Leader (Culinary & Deli Department Manager)

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
Part-time
Hourly
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $23.60 - $42.50
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

Store discount
Paid Time Off
Financial wellness
Health and wellness support programs
Team member perks

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a renowned leader in the grocery industry, dedicated to nourishing people and the planet. Established as a vibrant community-focused company, Whole Foods Market is more than just a grocery store; it’s a movement toward healthier living, sustainability, and meaningful social impact. The company invests in initiatives such as funding grants for school gardens, providing access to fresh and healthy food in underserved communities, and alleviating poverty in developing countries. Whole Foods Market continuously strives to set standards of excellence and revolutionize how groceries are sourced, merchandised, and delivered to customers. As a part of their team, employees are empowered to make a difference both locally and globally while growing personally and professionally within an inspiring work environment.

The role offered is for a leadership position within the Prepared Foods department, responsible for directing all facets of daily operations, including profitability, expense control, buying, merchandising, labor management, regulatory compliance, and special projects. This position holds accountability for hiring, developing, and managing team members, ensuring exemplary customer service aligned with company values and industry best practices. The role demands collaboration with department leaders and vendors to maintain optimal product assortment, sales targets, and inventory control. The job also emphasizes fostering a positive working culture characterized by mutual respect, outstanding teamwork, and exceptional morale. Safety, food hygiene, and operational compliance are critical components, and the candidate must be committed to meeting these rigorous standards. The compensation for this role ranges hourly between $23.60 and $42.50, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market extends comprehensive benefits to both full-time and part-time team members, including health support, financial wellness programs, paid time off, and extensive team member perks. The business encourages equal employment opportunities and fosters an inclusive workplace where all team members are respected and valued. Individuals who thrive in this position are those with leadership capability, drive for operational excellence, and passion for advancing Whole Foods Market’s mission in creating healthier communities and protecting the planet.

Job Requirements

  • Minimum 24 months retail experience including 12 months or more of team leadership experience
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds
  • Ability to stand and walk for 6 to 8 hours during an eight-hour workday
  • Hand use including single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling
  • Capability to perform motions like bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching
  • Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals
  • Ability to work in temperatures ranging from below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) to 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

  • Advanced knowledge of products, buying, pricing, merchandising, and inventory management
  • Food safety certification or commitment to complete within six months
  • Excellent interpersonal, motivational, team building, and customer relationship skills
  • Capability 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

  • Hold assistant team leaders, supervisors, and team members accountable for delivering outstanding customer service
  • Build a positive work environment of outstanding teamwork, mutual respect, and exceptional 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 and productive working relationships with department leaders and vendors
  • Sustain an exceptional level of knowledge and awareness of relevant competitors and industry trends
  • Set and achieve the highest standards of retail execution
  • Foster and encourage a positive environment of outstanding teamwork, mutual respect, and exceptional morale
  • Maintain awareness of customer flows and needs and direct team members to satisfy and delight customers
  • Select, train, develop, mentor, motivate, and counsel team members to sustain a high-performance team and minimize turnover
  • Provide timely, thorough, and thoughtful performance evaluations
  • Consistently communicate and model Whole Foods Market vision and goals

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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