Specialty Associate Team Leader (Beer, Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Assistant Department Manager)

Whole Foods Market is a premier natural and organic foods supermarket committed to nourishing people and the planet. Founded on the principles of sustainability, quality, and community engagement, the company has revolutionized the grocery industry by offering fresh, responsibly sourced products while promoting health and environmental stewardship. With a focus on improving how people eat, funding school gardens, addressing food deserts by providing access to healthy foods, and combating poverty in developing countries, Whole Foods Market stands out not just as a retailer but as a leader in social impact and advocacy. The company fosters a culture of growth, opportunity, and meaningful change, where employees are empowered to contribute to both community and global well-being alongside their professional careers.

This position offers the opportunity to join a dedicated team in a fast-paced, retail environment focused on operational excellence and customer satisfaction. The role is a leadership capacity that assists the Team Leader in managing daily store operations, including profitability, expense control, purchasing, merchandising, labor coordination, regulatory compliance, and special projects. The successful candidate will lead, develop, and motivate Team Members to foster a high-performance team culture and maintain outstanding workplace morale. Acting as a departmental authority and point person in the absence of the Team Leader, this role demands a proactive, customer-oriented approach, with a commitment to Whole Foods Market’s core values and standards.

The role requires overseeing creative store layout and product merchandising to optimize customer experience and sales performance. Collaborating with the Team Leader to meet sales, purchasing, and labor budget targets, the position also involves analyzing sales reports and assisting in annual sales and expense projections. In addition, this leader will drive initiatives to resolve team concerns, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations including food safety, and maintain a positive environment based on teamwork and mutual respect. Excellence in retail execution and customer service is paramount.

Employees in this role should bring high energy, enthusiasm, and an affinity for Whole Foods Market’s products, values, and mission. In-depth knowledge of specialty products, regulatory policies, and safety procedures is expected. Strong interpersonal, coaching, and mentoring skills are essential for developing team members and minimizing turnover. The ideal candidate will demonstrate mastery in decision-making, priority setting, and delegation. Proficiency in email, Microsoft Office, and operational applications supports efficient store management. Experience requirements include at least 18 months of retail Team Member experience and 6 months of supervisory experience.

Physical demands include the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform activities such as standing, walking, bending, and using equipment. The role may require working flexible schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays. Whole Foods Market offers a competitive wage range of $21.55 to $35.00 hourly, commensurate with experience, with comprehensive Whole Benefits that include health and wellness support, paid time off, financial wellness programs, store discounts, and more. This position is a gateway to meaningful career growth in a values-driven, dynamic retail setting dedicated to impacting communities positively and advancing sustainability worldwide.