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Grocery Team Leader (Department Manager)

Job Description

Provides overall leadership to the Grocery team. Responsible for all aspects of daily operations including profitability, expense control, buying, merchandising, labor, regulatory compliance and special projects as assigned. Accountable for Team Member hiring, development, corrective actions and separations. All Whole Foods Market Retail jobs require ensuring a positive company image by providing courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and Team Members at all times. All positions must be performed in accordance with team and store Standard Operating Procedures. Further, Team Members must be prepared and able to perform the duties inherent in other Team Member job descriptions. All positions must strive to support WFM core values and goals, promote national, regional, and store programs and initiatives, and ensure adherence to all applicable health and safety regulations including Food Safety and regulatory duties required in the department.

Job Responsibilities

  • Holds ATLs, supervisors and Team Members accountable for delivering outstanding customer service. 

  • Builds a positive work environment of outstanding teamwork, mutual respect and exceptional morale. 

  • Makes hiring and separation decisions. 

  • Accountable for monitoring and achieving sales, purchasing, and labor targets. 

  • Maintains proper product assortment, merchandising, and inventory control.  

  • Establishes and maintains collaborative and productive working relationships with department leaders and with vendors. 

  • Sustains exceptional level of knowledge / awareness of relevant competitors and industry trends. 

  • Sets and achieves the highest standards of retail execution. 

  • Fosters and encourages a positive environment of outstanding teamwork, mutual respect, and exceptional morale. 

  • Maintains awareness of customer flows and needs and directs Team Members as necessary to satisfy and delight customers; responds promptly to customer needs and questions. 

  • Selects, trains, develops, mentors, motivates, and counsels Team Members in a manner that sustains a high-performance team and minimizes turnover. 

  • Provides timely, thorough, and thoughtful performance evaluations. 

  • Consistently communicates and models WFM vision and goals.

Job Skills

  • Sustains exceptional level of knowledge and awareness of relevant competitors and industry trends. 

  • Advanced knowledge of products, buying, pricing, merchandising, and inventory management. 

  • Food safety certification.  If not currently certified, will commit to completing certification within 6 months. 

  • Excellent interpersonal, motivational, team building, and customer relationship skills. 

  • Capable of teaching others in a positive and constructive manner. 

  • Product knowledge. 

  • Advanced knowledge of regulatory and safety policies and procedures. 

  • Proficient mathematical skills for assessing financial performance, monitoring profitability, and managing inventory. 

  • Demonstrated decision-making ability, leadership skills, and ability to prioritize and delegate. 

  • Proficiency with email, Microsoft Office, and operations-related applications. 

Experience

  • 24+ months retail experience including 12+ months of team leadership experience.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds. 

  • In an 8-hour work day: standing/walking 6-8 hours. 

  • Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling. 

  • Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting and reaching. 

  • Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals. 

  • Exposure to temperatures: <32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), >90 degrees Fahrenheit. 

  • Ability to work in a wet and cold environment. 

  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. 

  • Ability to use tools and equipment, including box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.

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. This document does not reflect all job duties or requirements for every position. 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 or geographic 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. Completion of certain milestones such as obtaining an advanced degree or certification, time in current position, or developing skills to perform at the higher-level role do not guarantee a promotion. 

      At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

      Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.

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      Average salary estimate

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      $45000K
      $60000K

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      What You Should Know About Grocery Team Leader (Department Manager), Whole Foods Market

      At Whole Foods Market in Mt. Pleasant - Charleston, we're on the lookout for a dynamic Grocery Team Leader (Department Manager) who is ready to make a significant impact in our grocery department. In this role, you will provide overall leadership to the grocery team, driving daily operations that contribute to family meals and community wellness. Your responsibilities will include ensuring profitability, managing expenses, overseeing inventory, and creating an engaging shopping experience for our customers. You're not just managing a department; you're guiding a team dedicated to exceeding customer expectations while promoting Whole Foods' core values and initiatives. With your expertise, you'll hire and develop team members, fostering a strong team environment where everyone feels valued. You'll monitor sales and targets, maintain product assortment, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, making every day in the store a positive experience for both customers and staff. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, have a passion for leadership, and are committed to maintaining high retail standards, then the Grocery Team Leader role is perfect for you. Come join us and lead with passion to make every meal meaningful!

      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Grocery Team Leader (Department Manager) Role at Whole Foods Market
      What are the key responsibilities of a Grocery Team Leader at Whole Foods Market?

      As a Grocery Team Leader at Whole Foods Market, your key responsibilities include leading the grocery team, managing daily operations, ensuring profitability, maintaining inventory control, and upholding customer service excellence. You will also be involved in hiring, training, and developing team members, as well as monitoring sales performance and compliance with health and safety regulations.

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      What qualifications are necessary to become a Grocery Team Leader at Whole Foods Market?

      To qualify for the Grocery Team Leader position at Whole Foods Market, candidates should have a minimum of 24 months of retail experience, including at least 12 months in team leadership. Advanced knowledge of products, merchandising, and inventory management is essential, as well as strong interpersonal and motivational skills. Food safety certification is also required, or you must commit to obtaining it within six months of hire.

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      How does Whole Foods Market support the development of Grocery Team Leaders?

      Whole Foods Market is committed to the growth of its Grocery Team Leaders through extensive training and development programs. You'll have opportunities to enhance your leadership skills and product knowledge, as well as receive feedback through performance evaluations. The company fosters a culture that encourages teamwork and personal development to help you realize your full potential.

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      What kind of work environment can a Grocery Team Leader expect at Whole Foods Market?

      As a Grocery Team Leader at Whole Foods Market, you can expect a vibrant and teamwork-oriented work environment. The culture promotes mutual respect and high morale, where your contributions are valued. You’ll collaborate closely with department leaders and vendors, allowing for creative input and shared responsibilities in creating a fantastic grocery shopping experience for customers.

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      What physical requirements are associated with the Grocery Team Leader position at Whole Foods Market?

      The Grocery Team Leader role requires physical stamina, as you’ll be standing or walking for 6-8 hours a day, lifting up to 50 pounds, and performing various physical tasks like bending and stretching. You should be adaptable to fluctuating temperatures, as well as willing to work a flexible schedule that may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

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      Common Interview Questions for Grocery Team Leader (Department Manager)
      How do you prioritize tasks as a Grocery Team Leader?

      When asked about prioritization, highlight your method for managing time and tasks effectively, such as using a prioritization matrix or identifying daily goals. Emphasize that you focus on customer needs and team morale while ensuring compliance with operational standards, which helps you balance immediate demands with long-term goals.

      Join Rise to see the full answer
      Describe a time when you resolved a conflict within your team.

      For this question, share a specific example of a conflict you faced and the steps you took to mediate it. Explain how you listened to both parties, facilitated open communication, and encouraged collaboration to reach a resolution. Discuss what you learned from the experience and how it made you a more effective leader.

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      What strategies do you use to motivate your team?

      Discuss various motivational strategies you've employed, such as recognizing achievements, providing growth opportunities, and fostering a supportive environment. Highlight how you tailor your approach to individual team members based on their needs and aspirations to inspire high performance.

      Join Rise to see the full answer
      How do you ensure compliance with health and safety regulations?

      Explain the importance of compliance and your proactive approach to ensuring your team adheres to regulations. You might mention regular training sessions, routine audits, and fostering an environment where team members feel comfortable discussing compliance issues.

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      What do you believe is the most important quality of a successful Grocery Team Leader?

      Reflect on the qualities that make a great leader in a grocery setting, such as empathy, resilience, and strong communication skills. Share how these traits enable you to effectively support your team while driving operational success and customer satisfaction.

      Join Rise to see the full answer
      How do you handle underperformance in your team?

      Describe your approach to addressing underperformance, focusing on open communication and constructive feedback. Emphasize your commitment to providing support and guidance to help team members improve their performance rather than resorting to punitive measures.

      Join Rise to see the full answer
      Can you give an example of how you have improved sales in your department?

      Share a specific initiative you've led that positively impacted sales, such as implementing new merchandising strategies or improving customer engagement. Highlight the thought process behind your strategies and how you tracked their success.

      Join Rise to see the full answer
      How do you maintain a positive work environment for your employees?

      Discuss the practices you implement to cultivate positivity, such as encouraging teamwork, celebrating successes, and providing opportunities for personal growth. Share how you actively foster a culture of mutual respect and inclusion to ensure all team members feel valued.

      Join Rise to see the full answer
      What is your approach to inventory management?

      Highlight your strategies for effective inventory management, such as regular audits, using technology to track stock levels, and analyzing sales data to predict trends. Explain how your attention to detail helps maintain optimal stock levels without wasting resources.

      Join Rise to see the full answer
      How do you handle customer complaints?

      Share your customer service philosophy, emphasizing the importance of active listening and promptly addressing customer concerns. Provide an example of a complaint you effectively resolved, illustrating your dedication to ensuring a positive shopping experience.

      Join Rise to see the full answer
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      Our mission at Whole Foods Market is to attract people who are passionate about great food, the communities in which they live, and the fair treatment of our planet and all of its inhabitants. We want these people to bring their passion into the w...

      130 jobs
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      FUNDING
      DEPARTMENTS
      SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
      TEAM SIZE
      EMPLOYMENT TYPE
      Full-time, on-site
      DATE POSTED
      April 12, 2025

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