Assistant Produce Manager/ BuyerOur client in Cincinnati, OH has an immediate opening for an Assistant Produce Manager/ Buyer on a direct hire basis.Company Profile:Established Grocery RetailerTeam atmosphere and environmentPassion for serving customersAssistant Produce Manager/Buyer:The Assistant Produce Manager/Buyer will manage daily operations within the produce department to ensure freshness, quality, and customer satisfaction. In addition, you will be learning, with the goal of transitioning into a Produce Buyer role. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in retail produce management, robust knowledge of produce products, strong inventory management skills, vendor relations/negotiations, and financial acumen within the retail grocery industry.Maintain fresh and full produce items through effective ordering and stock management.Implement product merchandising strategies to enhance visual appeal and sales.Utilize daily sales data to minimize shrinkage by managing production output effectively.Make informed purchasing decisions based on sales, profit, and market trends.Forecast market trends and evaluate supplier options regarding quality, prices, terms, and support.Coordinate freight for timely and efficient delivery of produce.Procure new and existing products while maintaining optimal inventory levels and turns.Monitor and adjust inventory levels to meet customer demand and reduce waste.Interview, hire, train, and develop department employees.Conduct regular employee performance evaluations and provide feedback.Plan and direct departmental work assignments to ensure smooth operations.Address customer requests and concerns professionally to enhance satisfaction.Ensure compliance with state, local, and company health and safety policies.Collaborate with leadership to execute company directives and promotional campaigns effectively.Implement strategies aligned with company goals and growth objectives.Establish and enforce operational policies consistent with organizational objectives.Regularly evaluate departmental operations and report results to the main office.Develop and maintain effective communication channels within the department.Use Google Docs and Spreadsheets for documentation and data analysis.Leverage PowerBi for advanced data analytics and reporting.Utilize BRData for inventory and procurement management.Assistant Produce Manager/ Buyer Background Profile:Degree in Business Management, Marketing or related field and five or more years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of experience and/or higher education preferred.Five or more years of retail produce management experience required.Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.Proven ability to train and develop employees effectively.Exceptional customer service skills.Strong written and oral communication abilities.Proficiency in multitasking within a fast-paced environment.In-depth knowledge of government regulations and strong analytical skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Software.Proficiency in Retail Math.Ability to maneuver weights of 50 pounds consistently.Capable of working in warm, wet, and cold environments as required by the job.Ability to work on your feet for most of the day.Must be able to speak English; bilingual in any language is a plus.Able to be trained to operate forklifts daily.Features and Benefits:Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance PlansPaid Vacation Time401k PlanEmployee Discount