Lawrence-Fresh Specialist

Specialist: ProduceJob SummaryCo-op specialists work closely with department managers to consistently meet the needs of shoppers in a fast-paced service environment. Specialists are department leads. They assist the manager in reaching sales and profit goals established for the department, and monitor all established quality standards.Produce Specialists report to the Produce Manager and collaborate to guide daily operations of their department. They purchase, receive, price, prepare, merchandise, and return produce and products. Specialists demonstrate exceptional communication skills, support department staff through providing training and problem solving, prioritize and delegate tasks, and assist in monitoring adherence to customer service standards, food quality, and equipment operation and safety standards. Specialist Primary Duties & ResponsibilitiesCollaborate with department manager to guide daily operations within the departmentProvide exceptional, prompt and friendly service in person and over the phoneCalmly, courteously, and tactfully handle stressful situations and make a positive impression on staff and customers.Observe, adjust, and delegate tasks based on customer flow and department prioritiesWork with Manager to achieve cost, margin, expense and labor targets.Collaborate with the Manager to provide coaching, training and skills development within the teamSupport initiatives for improving department processesAct as point person when Manager is not on shift during severe weather, shoplifting and disruptive situations, troubleshooting or correcting mechanical failure of department equipment, and communicating maintenance needsComply with safety procedures and identify unsafe conditions; report all safety risks to store management (ex: items in need of repair, customer or employee accidents, safety risks or issues including robbery, theft, or fraud).Gain and maintain knowledge of cooperative ownership and business model practicesGain and maintain knowledge of products sold within the store and be able to respond to questions and make suggestions about products.Stay current with present, future, seasonal and special promotions and ads.Willing to work weekends and holidays.Reports to work as scheduled and on time.Produce Specialist - DutiesPurchase, receive, price, prepare, merchandise, and return produce and products in compliance with established practices and standardsServe and assist customers, explain products, flavor, taste and preparationSupports training for Safe Food Handling practices and safe equipment use including knives and production equipmentAssist with management of inventory and ensuring products are fresh and high qualityAssist with accurately updating and maintaining inventory in the Point of Sale systemEnsure that all production, inventory, prep, and display racks are properly stored, labeled, and rotated.Develop and maintain professional relationships with vendorsEfficiently and accurately receive, record, code and track invoicesEnsure department staff maintain a neat and clean department, including coolers, backstock and other storage spacesPhysical Requirements, Working Conditions + EquipmentWork requires standing/walking for 90% of a shift.Work requires the following motions: lifting up to 50 lbs., bending, twisting, squatting and reaching; hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pullingExposure to temperatures: 90 degrees Fahrenheit.Ability to work in a wet and cold environment.Ability to use tools and equipment, including box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machineryMust be able to work with various cleaning solutions, safely use sharp tools, and carefully operate all production equipment.Storewide Standards & ValuesAll co-op staff are expected to model and demonstrate the co-op's values of hospitality, inclusion, and accountability.Essential Qualifications, Skills, & ExperiencePast work record reflects dependability and integrityOpen availability of 35+ hours/weekFlexibility of schedule to adapt and respond to the needs of the department.Exceptional customer service skillsEffective organization and time management skillsProven ability to follow through on commitments, prioritize and reprioritize as necessaryExcellent interpersonal, motivational, team building, and customer relationship skillsMust have the ability to read written and interpret verbal or demonstrated instructions; write identifying information and make requests verbally or in writingMust be able to solve practical problems and work towards solutionsMust be able to perform simple addition and subtraction, as well as counting and recordingPreferred Skills & ExperienceThe ideal candidate will have lead or supervisory experience in a grocery/retail setting and the ability to use discretion to execute the daily operation of the department without direct supervision.Knowledge of health and safety standardsAbility to multitask and work quickly under pressureProduct knowledgeIntermediate skill with Microsoft Office Suite and digital communicationSalary & Benefits$ $17.50/hour20% employee discountvacation and paid time off accrualmedical, dental, vision insurance (at 30+ hours per week)free life insurance (at 30+ hours per week)401(k) retirement plan with up to 3% matchbirthday and service anniversary recognitionAbout UsWho says fresh, local and organic has to be exclusive? Not us. At The Merc Co+op, we think that all of us, every parent and caregiver, every coach, every friend, every teacher and every kid are hungry for affordable, healthy, delicious food. Our co-op is on a mission to make sure that everyone in our community has access The Merc Co+op is a grocery store owned by our community, not some corporate office 1,000 miles away. So, instead of focusing on Wall Street investors, we focus on what our neighbors want — nourishing everyone according to their budget and cooking style. We know how to get the best local food because we know our farmers by name. And, we're passionate about giving back to our community because we know that good food is just the beginning of what we can achieve by working together. So, if you want the neighborhood gathering place for fresh, healthy and delicious food, our doors are wide open — to everyone. Note: The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential responsibilities for the position and is not meant as an exhaustive list. Requirements build as one progresses through the job levels, so any job duties required at a lower level may be required at the higher level in addition to the duties listed for that higher level. Duties, assignments, and other responsibilities may differ for similar positions based on business conditions, departmental location, and/or needs for the particular position. An individual must demonstrate successful performance in their current position before being considered for promotion. In addition, in order to promote into a higher-level position, a business need for the promotion must exist and the candidate must be considered the most qualified person for the new position.