Prepared Foods Team Leader (Culinary & Deli Department Manager)
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Hourly
Range $23.60 - $42.50
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Store discount
financial wellness programs
Wellness support programs
Team member perks
Job Description
Whole Foods Market is a renowned American supermarket chain known for its focus on organic and natural food products. Founded in 1980, it has grown to become a leader in the grocery industry by emphasizing quality, sustainability, and community involvement. Whole Foods Market is more than just a grocery store; it is a purpose-driven company dedicated to nourishing people and the planet. The company prioritizes improving how people eat, supporting educational garden initiatives, increasing access to fresh food in underserved areas, and contributing to poverty alleviation worldwide. Whole Foods Market fosters a culture that values personal growth, teamwork, and meaningful social impact, making it an employer of choice for those who aim to create change beyond just the workplace.
The role of Prepared Foods Team Leader at Whole Foods Market is a critical management position responsible for overseeing the daily operations and success of the Prepared Foods department. This role requires leadership skills to guide a team of associates and supervisors in delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining high standards of retail execution. The Team Leader is responsible for managing department profitability, controlling expenses, executing buying and merchandising strategies, and ensuring regulatory compliance, including food safety protocols. Hiring, training, developing, and mentoring team members are central to this role to build a high-performance team that supports the store’s vision and values.
The position involves strategic labor management to meet sales and labor targets while maintaining proper product assortment and inventory control. Collaboration with other department leaders and vendors is vital to support a productive working environment and achieve business goals. The Team Leader must stay informed about industry and competitor trends, using insights to sustain a competitive edge. The work environment demands physical abilities such as lifting up to 50 pounds, working in various temperature conditions, and maintaining flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Whole Foods Market values diversity and inclusiveness, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all candidates. The wage range for this role is $23.60 to $42.50 hourly, commensurate with experience, along with access to Whole Benefits that include paid time off, health and wellness support, financial wellness programs, and team member discounts. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about food, sustainability, leadership, and community impact who want to thrive in a dynamic and values-driven retail environment.
The role of Prepared Foods Team Leader at Whole Foods Market is a critical management position responsible for overseeing the daily operations and success of the Prepared Foods department. This role requires leadership skills to guide a team of associates and supervisors in delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining high standards of retail execution. The Team Leader is responsible for managing department profitability, controlling expenses, executing buying and merchandising strategies, and ensuring regulatory compliance, including food safety protocols. Hiring, training, developing, and mentoring team members are central to this role to build a high-performance team that supports the store’s vision and values.
The position involves strategic labor management to meet sales and labor targets while maintaining proper product assortment and inventory control. Collaboration with other department leaders and vendors is vital to support a productive working environment and achieve business goals. The Team Leader must stay informed about industry and competitor trends, using insights to sustain a competitive edge. The work environment demands physical abilities such as lifting up to 50 pounds, working in various temperature conditions, and maintaining flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Whole Foods Market values diversity and inclusiveness, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all candidates. The wage range for this role is $23.60 to $42.50 hourly, commensurate with experience, along with access to Whole Benefits that include paid time off, health and wellness support, financial wellness programs, and team member discounts. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about food, sustainability, leadership, and community impact who want to thrive in a dynamic and values-driven retail environment.
Job Requirements
- Ability to lift 50 pounds
- ability to stand or walk for 6-8 hours in an 8-hour workday
- hand use including single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling
- ability to perform motions such as bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching
- exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals
- ability to work in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit, and 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
- ability to use ladders as needed
Job Qualifications
- Minimum 24 months retail experience including 12 months of team leadership experience
- advanced knowledge of products, buying, pricing, merchandising, and inventory management
- food safety certification or willingness to obtain within 6 months
- excellent interpersonal, motivational, team building, and customer relationship skills
- capable of teaching others in a positive and constructive manner
- 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 as necessary to satisfy and delight customers
- respond promptly to customer needs and questions
- 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)
Job Location
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