Produce Associate Team Leader (Assistant Department Manager)

Whole Foods Market is a leading grocery retailer committed to nourishing people and the planet through sustainable practices and community involvement. As a pioneer in organic and natural food retailing, Whole Foods Market emphasizes ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and a strong dedication to customer well-being. The company is well-known for its high standards in product quality and customer service, continually setting the benchmark for excellence in the grocery industry. With a focus on personal growth and meaningful change, Whole Foods Market actively supports initiatives such as funding grants for school gardens, increasing access to healthy food in underserved communities, and alleviating poverty in developing countries. This commitment reflects the company’s broader mission to impact both local communities and the world positively through everyday business practices.

The role available is a leadership position assisting the Team Leader in managing daily store operations. This includes driving profitability, expense control, merchandising, buying, labor management, compliance with regulatory standards, and completing special projects as assigned. The position requires leading, developing, and mentoring team members to ensure a high-performing, motivated workforce that delivers exceptional service. Candidates will be responsible for upholding Whole Foods Market's values, maintaining a positive store environment, and promoting various company programs and initiatives.

This role supports the Team Leader by helping achieve sales, purchasing, and labor targets, analyzing performance data, and managing vendor relationships. It involves setting and maintaining high standards in store layout and product presentation, resolving team conflicts, and stepping in as the department leader when the Team Leader is absent. A key aspect of this position includes fostering a collaborative team culture that encourages mutual respect and outstanding morale, ensuring the store is responsive to customer needs and queries, and maintaining compliance with food safety and health regulations.

This position requires at least 18 months of retail team member experience and a minimum of 6 months in a supervisory role. Operatives must be capable of performing various physical tasks including lifting up to 50 pounds, standing or walking for extended periods, and handling store equipment safely. The work schedule may include nights, weekends, and holidays, reflecting the dynamic nature of retail operations. Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office and operations-related applications, along with advanced product knowledge and strong leadership abilities, are essential to succeed.

The wage range for this role is $20.05 to $35.00 hourly, depending on experience. Whole Foods Market offers an extensive benefits package called "Whole Benefits," which includes store discounts, paid time off, health and wellness programs, financial support resources, and other perks for both full-time and part-time team members. Candidates are encouraged to apply directly through Whole Foods Market's official recruitment channels to ensure application accuracy and legitimacy.