Prepared Foods Team Leader

Whole Foods Market is seeking a skilled and proven leader to run our new Cleveland, Ohio Prepared Foods Team. Our Cleveland store will be the first store in the Cleveland area, and the Prepared Foods Team Leader (PFTL) will have the excitement of making this store a reality. The PFTL will ensure that Whole Foods Market’s Core Values are felt in all areas of the team. There will be multiple venues that capture the flavors of foods from around the world as well as displays that highlight our commitment to natural and organic goods. Because of this, the best candidate will be experienced in high-volume stores with experience in venue management. We believe that we have a greater purpose than simply selling good food. If you are a Prepared Foods Team Leader that has proven his or her ability to dream big and execute even bigger, we would like to speak with you. This position requires complete accountability for all aspects of team operations including, but not limited to the following: Team Member Development, Financial Leadership, Merchandising and Marketing Leadership, Communication, Community Outreach, Venue oversight, and compliance with all regulations and policies. The successful applicant will have strong leadership experience in a retail environment, knowledge of and passion for high-quality food, and a commitment to extraordinary customer service. Principle Duties and Responsibilities: TEAM MEMBER DEVELOPMENT 1. Consistently, communicates and models the Whole Foods Market vision and goal. 2. Interviews, selects, trains, develops, and counsels Team Members in a manner, which builds and sustains a high performing team and minimizes turn over. Make hiring, corrective and separation decisions with guidance of Store Team Leader. 3. Establishes and maintains a positive work environment, which sustains an exceptionally high level of Team Member morale. 4. Effectively delegates responsibility to others on team. 5. Works a variety of shifts as needed. 6. Supports Regional Prepared Foods programs. 7. Provides culinary knowledge in department when needed. 8. Maintains and follow daily, weekly and monthly cleaning schedules. 9. Understands and follows proper receiving procedures. 10. Effectively and accurately inventories product each month; train two team members for inventory. 11. Ensures that all safety and sanitation procedures are being followed and documented, including temp. logs, hand washing/gloves, cross contamination and uniforms. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 1. Meets and exceeds margin target each fiscal period. Effectively and immediately troubleshoot margin and financial issues when necessary. 2. Effectively manages labor budget and overtime. 3. Executes proper product mix to maintain margin as well as support new and existing products. MERCHANDISING/MARKETING MANAGEMENT 1. Develops and maintains creative store layout and product merchandising in support of regional vision. 2. Sustains an exceptional level of knowledge/awareness of relevant competitors and industry trends. 3. Exhibits retail excellence through effective case merchandising, cross merchandising, displays and sets. 4. Oversees menu planning, schematics and production for all venues. COMMUNICATION 1. Establishes and maintains collaborative and productive working relationship with Store Team Leader, Prepared Foods Coordinator, Team Leaders, and all Team Members. 2. Models and cultivates effective inter-department and inter-store communication. 3. Maintains an effective communication log in the department. 4. Provides and exemplifies excellent customer service.
REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge, skills and abilities required: 1. 2 years relevant experience as a Team Leader, Assistant Team Leader, supervisor or buyer (or equivalent). 2. Action plan for hiring team and proven success with team recruitment and selection. 3. Exposure to schedule writing, labor targets, effective scheduling in accordance to store sales. 4. Thorough knowledge of Prepared Foods related products, production, buying, pricing, merchandising and inventory management. 5. Food safety certification. If not currently certified, will commit to completing certification within 6 months. 6. Strong organizational skills. 7. Basic computer skills. 8. Analytical ability and proficiency in math. 9. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills necessary for good customer and team relations. 10. Capable of teaching others in a constructive and positive manner. 11. Ability to sell proactively and communicate effectively with customers. 12. Familiar with company purpose, policies, standards and merchandise. 13. Able to prioritize efficiently and delegate responsibilities. 14. Demonstrated decision-making ability, leadership skills and ability to prioritize. 15. Ability to perform physical requirements of position. 16. Ability to operate all necessary equipment. 17. Able to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays as required.