Produce Merchandiser

Welcome to Rouses! 

Our family-owned company has a long-standing commitment to provide our customers with the best quality, value and service every time they shop our stores. Great people make a company a great place to shop, work and build a career. Our team members are the foundation of who we are, why we have been successful for three generations and the reason we will continue to thrive for generations to come.

We are committed to being the area's leader in service, value, professionalism and clean stores. Rouses is growing and we're searching for leaders to grow with us. We look for leaders who can put the customer first, deliver results, develop talent, empower their teams and create excitement to sustain our reputation as “Best Place to Work.” At Rouses, each person brings their skills and passion to a fast-paced, ever-changing retail environment.

The Produce Merchandiser is an extension of the Store Support Office staff based in the Asset & Profit Protection team. They are a partner and resource to store leaders in the Produce departments ensuring company processes, policies and standards are effectively and consistently implemented. They regularly visit assigned stores to assess overall department performance including customer service, profit performance, production, product presentation, inventory management, freshness standards, food safety, sanitation conditions and team member scheduling. This individual is self-motivated and requires limited direction to achieve their objectives. 

The position reports to the Produce Director.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Evaluating the departments using a standardized checklist through a continuous improvement lens; key focus areas include: o customer service, profitability, operations, merchandising, safety and sanitation.
• Reinforcing best practices and standards with teams, explaining the “why,” and the “how” to achieve results, offering training and support to facilitate performance improvement
• Certifying fresh Department Managers in Rouses Market processes and operations standards
• Communicating effectively with department managers and team members about department operations, new/changing processes, identified areas of focus, course correction and praise
• Analyzing budgeted and actual sales, credits, labor hours and other levers to determine opportunities and solutions
• Collaborating with Managers to establish improvement plans and track progress toward agreed-upon goals
• Training department team members when new processes are introduced or as needs are identified
• Managing upward feedback to the Training Specialist, VP of APP, Regional Directors of Operations, Store Directors, etc.
• Coaching managers on their strengths and opportunities for ensuring the success of their department
• Testing new products and programs in partnership with the Produce Director
• Delivering exceptional customer service experiences while in stores
• Completing required price checks, paperwork, forms, etc. accurately and on time
• Recapping monthly physical inventory data and auditing the inventory process on-site, as needed
• Other duties, as assigned

Qualifications:

• Current Food Safety Management Certification, or the ability to acquire one within 90 days of hire
• Strong knowledge of grocery retail Produce products and operations
• 3+ years of experience in a Produce department leadership role
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency using web apps, category analyzer, POM’s, Excel, Power Point and other tools
• Able to work a flexible schedule
• Valid driver's license, auto insurance limits of 100/300/100 and reliable transportation
• Ability to pass a criminal background check, driving history check and drug screen
• Physical Requirements:
• Able to stand and walk for extended periods of time
• Able to drive for extended periods, as necessary to visit assigned store locations
• Able to see products to determine PLU/UPC codes, freshness standards and quality
• Able to stoop, squat, reach and maneuver to move product, boxes, bags, shelving, carts and equipment
• Able to distinguish between different tastes, smells and product composition/textures
• Able to lift 50 lbs.