Prepared Foods Team Leader (Culinary & Deli Department Manager)

Lake Oswego, OR, USA|

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $25.10 - $42.50

Benefits

Store discount

Paid Time Off

financial wellness programs

Health and wellness support programs

Team member perks

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a renowned grocery chain committed to nourishing people and the planet through its comprehensive approach to food quality, sustainability, and community engagement. As a leader in the natural and organic foods industry, Whole Foods Market not only offers a wide range of high-quality products but also invests in meaningful causes such as funding grants for school gardens, improving access to fresh and healthy food in underserved areas, and alleviating poverty in developing countries. The company strives to create a positive impact locally and globally, aligning its business objectives with broader social and environmental goals. This dedication has established Whole Foods Market as more than just a grocery store — it is a movement towards better health and sustainable living for all.

The Prepared Foods Manager role at Whole Foods Market embodies a critical leadership position within the retail environment where daily operational excellence is paramount. This full-time position offers an hourly wage ranging approximately from $25.10 to $42.50, commensurate with experience. The role is responsible for all aspects of the Prepared Foods team's operations, including profitability, expense control, purchasing, merchandising, labor management, regulatory compliance, and special projects. The manager will lead hiring, development, performance management, and team separations while ensuring an outstanding customer service experience at all levels. The Prepared Foods Manager must foster a positive work culture inclusive of teamwork, mutual respect, and high morale.

The position demands advanced product knowledge, expertise in buying and pricing strategies, inventory control, and team leadership skills. Candidates must possess food safety certification or be willing to acquire it promptly. Whole Foods Market expects the manager to maintain an exceptional awareness of industry trends, competitive landscape, and customer needs. The role requires proficiency in essential business software such as Microsoft Office and operational applications. Physically, the manager will be expected to handle tasks requiring lifting up to 50 pounds, prolonged standing or walking, and the use of various tools and equipment. Flexibility in scheduling, including nights, weekends, and holidays, is also required.

This leadership role plays a pivotal part in upholding Whole Foods Market's core values, driving the brand's vision, and executing store standards to maintain the high-quality reputation of the Prepared Foods department. The manager will establish productive vendor relationships, sustain inventory control, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Joining Whole Foods Market means becoming part of a company dedicated to making a meaningful difference not only within the immediate community but also on a global scale, all while providing significant opportunities for professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Job Requirements

24 plus months retail experience including 12 plus months of team leadership experience
Ability to lift 50 pounds
Capability to stand or walk for 6 to 8 hours in an 8-hour work day
Use of single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling hand motions
Ability to bend, twist, squat, and reach
Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals
Ability to work in temperatures from below freezing to above 90 degrees Fahrenheit
Ability to work in wet and dry conditions
Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays
Ability to use 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 obtain within 6 months
Excellent interpersonal, motivational, team building, and customer relationship skills
Capability to teach others in a positive and constructive manner
Comprehensive product knowledge
Advanced knowledge of regulatory and safety policies and procedures
Proficient mathematical skills for financial assessment and inventory management
Demonstrated leadership skills, decision-making ability, and capacity to prioritize and delegate
Proficiency with email, Microsoft Office, and operational applications

Job Duties

Hold ATL, 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 relationships with department leaders and vendors
Sustain exceptional knowledge and awareness of competitors and industry trends
Set and achieve the highest standards of retail execution
Maintain awareness of customer flows and direct Team Members as needed
Select, train, develop, mentor, motivate, and counsel Team Members
Provide timely and thoughtful performance evaluations
Consistently communicate and model Whole Foods Market vision and goals