The Produce Specialist is responsible for supporting and enhancing the performance of produce departments across multiple store locations within a designated region. This role ensures consistent execution of company standards for freshness, merchandising, and profitability. The  Specialist acts as a subject matter expert, trainer, and advisor to store-level teams and management, while building strong vendor and grower relationships to secure high-quality produce and competitive pricing.

Key Responsibilities- Must be Bilingual-Spanish

Regional Oversight & Merchandising

• Visit assigned stores regularly to evaluate produce department operations, merchandising standards, and customer service.

• Provide guidance and direction to store produce managers on product displays, seasonal merchandising, and promotional execution.

• Ensure brand consistency across all stores while tailoring strategies to local market needs.

Product Quality & Freshness

• Monitor product handling, rotation, and storage practices across all stores to reduce shrink and maintain peak freshness.

• Develop and implement best practices for food safety and sanitation compliance region-wide.

• Identify opportunities to expand assortment with high-quality, locally sourced or seasonal produce.

Training & Development

• Train and mentor produce managers and associates in product knowledge, merchandising techniques, and customer engagement.

• Facilitate workshops and regional meetings to share best practices and introduce new programs.

• Support succession planning by identifying and developing high-potential produce leaders.

Inventory & Procurement

• Collaborate with procurement teams and vendors to ensure supply chain consistency and competitive pricing.

• Assist stores with ordering practices, promotional planning, and inventory management.

• Analyze sales data to forecast needs and optimize product mix for each market.

Sales & Performance

• Monitor produce department sales performance across stores, identifying strengths and opportunities.

• Develop and implement strategies to drive produce sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

• Partner with store directors and regional leadership to achieve departmental and company sales goals.

Vendor & Community Relations

• Build strong partnerships with growers, distributors, and local farms.

• Negotiate promotions and sourcing opportunities that align with company standards.

• Represent the company at produce industry events, trade shows, and community partnerships.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in grocery retail produce management, with multi-store or regional oversight strongly preferred.

• Extensive knowledge of produce varieties, seasonality, merchandising techniques, and industry trends.

• Proven ability to train, motivate, and develop store-level teams.

• Strong analytical skills to assess performance metrics, sales data, and inventory trends.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to influence without direct authority.

• Ability to travel frequently within the assigned region.

• Flexibility to work varying hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Influence across multiple teams.

• Expertise in produce sourcing, handling, and merchandising.

• Strong business acumen and sales focus.

• Training and coaching skills.

• Relationship building with vendors and internal teams.

• Problem-solving and adaptability in diverse retail environments.