Job Summary:

We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced Fresh Manager to lead our fresh food departments and ensure an outstanding in-store experience. In this role, you'll oversee operations across Produce, Meat, Seafood, Deli, Bakery, Sushi and Floral, focusing on freshness, quality, safety, and service. The Fresh Manager plays a critical role in driving sales, managing shrink, and leading a strong team culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct, coach, and support department leads and team members in all fresh food areas.
• Maintain high standards for product freshness, merchandising, cleanliness, and food safety.
• Optimize department performance through effective ordering, inventory control, and waste reduction strategies.
• Collaborate with the Store Manager on sales goals, labor planning, and operational execution.
• Monitor sales, labor, and shrink metrics, taking action to meet or exceed targets.
• Oversee execution of seasonal promotions, product resets, and merchandising plans.
• Work with suppliers to select and maintain high quality perishable products.
• Foster a positive, high-performing team environment focused on customer service and continuous improvement.
• Adhere to all company safety standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership

Environment:

• Retail Store Environment - temperatures vary based off department

Schedule:

• Weekdays (45 hours) with some nights and/or weekends as needed with some overnight travel
• Travel to various store locations including but not limited to Watertown, Deep River and East Lyme.
• Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Experience:

• Preferred: Three (3) – Five (5) years of leadership experience in grocery retail or fresh food operations.
• Preferred: Strong knowledge of fresh departments including produce, meat, bakery, and deli.
• Preferred: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams.
• Preferred: Familiarity with ordering systems, scheduling tools, and shrink control strategies.
• Preferred: ServeSafe or Food Safety Certification preferred or willingness to obtain.

Skills:

• Physical abilities: May be required to lift up to 80-85lbs.; standing, bending, lifting and twisting for up to 90% of your shift; frequently lifting product from various heights including floor level to over your head; Ability to stand or walk at least 10 hours daily; working in various temperature controlled environments; walking on a variety of flooring such as concrete, tile, carpet etc
• Strong communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with peers and leaders on a daily basis
• Organizational Skills: Ability to fulfill customer orders in a timely manner; ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Working in a team based environment: Working independently and as a team player to ensure our customers are receiving orders timely and with the highest quality
• Quality: Maintain integrity and high standards of product handling from all perspectives
• Safety Culture: Maintain and drive safety policies; driving for accountability of safe practices throughout shift