Perishable Manager - Valparaiso Calumet Ave

Perishable Manager

The Perishable Manager is a key member of the store leadership team, responsible for overseeing the store's Perishables Departments (including Produce, Meat, Seafood, Deli/Sushi, Bakery, and Floral) and supporting the Store Director in daily operations. This exempt-level position drives execution, supports profitable operations, ensures outstanding customer service, and leads department managers and staff to uphold Strack & Van Til's standards of excellence, safety, and compliance. The Perishable Manager actively promotes the company's mission, vision, and values through effective leadership and a people-first approach.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to: Store Director and/or Assistant Store Director.
• Direct Reports: Floral, Produce, Bakery, Deli/Sushi, Meat, Seafood

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Supervision

• Assists all Perishable Managers in managing all aspects of department operations and acts as the department lead in their absence.
• Directly supervises the Floral, Produce, Bakery, Deli/Sushi, Meat, Seafood teams, providing direction, training, and performance feedback.
• Helps plan and execute effective schedules and labor management strategies to optimize productivity and service.

Customer Experience & Merchandising

• Maintains fully stocked and organized displays across assigned areas, ensuring merchandise is attractively presented and accurately priced.
• Ensures all team members deliver prompt, courteous, and knowledgeable service to enhance the customer shopping experience.
• Supports promotional setups, end caps, and seasonal transitions to drive traffic and sales.

Inventory & Operational Excellence

• Assists in monitoring and maintaining inventory levels, stock rotation, and shrink control processes across all departments.
• Partners with vendors, receiving, and department leads to ensure product availability, freshness, and accuracy.
• Reviews sales reports and performance data to identify trends and make actionable recommendations.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensures compliance with all company policies, food safety standards, and health regulations within assigned areas.
• Trains team members on safe work habits, product handling, and proper sanitation procedures.
• Conducts regular walk-throughs and spot checks to uphold cleanliness, safety, and merchandising standards.

Collaboration & Communication

• Works closely with the perishable departments to implement department goals, special projects, and store-wide initiatives.
• Facilitates team meetings and cross-functional communication with other departments to maintain consistency and efficiency.
• Provides input on hiring decisions and contributes to the professional development of reporting staff.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required; additional retail or leadership training preferred.
• Minimum of 24 years of grocery or retail leadership experience, with responsibility for supervising employees and managing inventory.
• Certified in food safety.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with the ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Solid knowledge of grocery operations, including dairy, frozen, GM, and HBC categories.
• Effective communicator with a customer-first mindset and commitment to high service standards.
• Proficient in basic reporting, scheduling, and inventory tools.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to frequently lift up to 40 pounds and perform physical tasks such as bending, stocking, and prolonged standing.
• Work areas include refrigerated spaces and dry storage, subject to temperature changes.
• Fast-paced retail environment with standard exposure to store equipment and cleaning agents.

Nondisclosure & Confidentiality:

Responsibility

• Access to sensitive sales, labor, and inventory data across assigned departments.
• Authorized to manage department budgets, recommend supply needs, and provide operational feedback.

Strack & Van Til is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

We are committed to creating a respectable, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.