This position assists the Grocery & Wellness Manager in managing operations and staff in the Grocery & Wellness departments. Additionally is responsible for selecting, pricing and promoting designated products in the Grocery & Wellness departments.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities 

• Department Operations – 
  • Assists in setting the department's annual budget.
  • Develops, refines, and communicates department procedures for all aspects of departmental operations including (but not limited to) ordering, receiving, stocking, and merchandising.
  • Oversees and participates in periodic inventory counts.
  • Ensures competitive pricing; conducts pricing, product, and merchandising comparisons and purchase items following guidelines and strategic plan
  • Develops and sustains relationships with suppliers and vendors, investigate new sources for locally and sustainably produced items
  • Supports Buyers and, as a Buyer, negotiates with suppliers for favorable prices and quality, aligning purchasing with Guidelines, sales trends, and operational needs.
  • Receives large deliveries following established procedures, obtain credit for incorrect or damaged products and record for the Finance Department
  • Place orders and ensure regular stock and supply for specials, maintain attractive and fully stocked rotated sections to optimize sales and customer satisfaction
  • Categorize and file invoices on time, ensure accurate pricing and update POS records regularly
  • Conduct product research through various sources like local vendors, market trends, customers’ requests and improve purchasing decisions
  • Provides product information for promotions and advertising; collaborates with Marketing & Purchasing team to identify new cost-effective promotional opportunities. 
  • Assists with Promotions Liason duties 
• Staff Management and Supervision
  • Supervises work performance, output, and conduct of Department staff (buyers, stockers/receivers, etc.) to ensure compliance with policies, procedures and Mariposa’s expectations.
  • Models supportive and participatory leadership, promotes team building, increases accountability, and motivates staff to achieve goals.
  • Supports the department staff in receiving appropriate onboarding, training, and feedback to perform their jobs. 
  • Recommends coaching and corrective actions as needed and in accordance with Mariposa policies. 
• Maintenance and Security
  • Ensures that all staff learn and use safe practices on the job, addresses safety and security concerns promptly, using appropriate channels.
  • Share delivery schedule with Lead Receiver and receiving staff, noting changes as they arise. Monitors condition of departmental areas, equipment, furnishings and ensure clean and orderly condition, consistent with Health Department standards for perishable products
  • Researches and recommends repair or replacement as needed. 
  • Ensure that unsellable items are returned or properly disposed of as per established procedures including keeping shrinkage records
  • Follows established policies when handling problematic customers and/or suspected shoplifters; holds department staff accountable for the same. 
• Customer Service
  • Provide customers and members multiple product options to ensure customer satisfaction
  • Offer additional product information, samples and assistance as needed, this includes referring the customer to another business if we are unable to obtain their desired product
  • Knows, upholds, models, and enforces Mariposa’s customer service expectations.
  • Communicate effectively with members regarding product details, pricing and arrival date
  • Support staff as needed to resolve customer issues and concerns in a calm and friendly way
  • Provides coaching, counseling, and/or corrective action to improve future customer service experiences.
• Communication & Collaboration
  • Communicates honestly and professionally in a manner that shows mutual respect for all employees.
  • Collaborates with leadership from other departments.
  • Resolves conflicts respectfully and directly with individuals in a timely manner and asks for assistance from appropriate personnel as needed.
  • Participates actively in department and all-staff meetings and/or retreats.
  • Accepts and offers feedback and suggestions openly and in a manner that respects the inherent value of the individual.
• Other
  • Supports Mariposa Food Co-op’s mission to provide greater food access to our community.
  • Works to proactively live out Mariposa’s values of inclusion, anti-oppression, and anti-racism specifically.
  • Employs a leadership style that encourages and empowers other staff.
  • Actively listens to new ideas and encourages the team to achieve self-sufficiency when possible. 

Required Experience, Skills, and Abilities 

• 2+ years experience in Grocery Retail Management.
• 2+ years supervisory experience.
• Advanced knowledge with Microsoft Office (especially Excel!), Gmail, Google Drive, and POS database systems.
• Proven experience working with the natural foods industry; knowledge of relevant terms, classifications and practices.
• Excellent spoken and written communications skills with the ability to tailor communications to different contexts; creative problem solving skills, comfortable with public speaking.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with diverse teams.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated sense of urgency.

Additional Experience, Skills, and Abilities 

• Experience designing, constructing and maintaining product displays
• Experience with category management
• Experience with co-operative business models and elements of democratic workplaces such as: using consensus, interpersonal mediation, grievances, collectives
• Knowledge of or experience with regional food co-ops and/or regional natural foods supply chains

Essential Physical Requirements 

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50lbs as needed throughout the day. 
• Must be able to walk, stand, bend, climb stairs/ladders, and reach for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work in cold, wet, and enclosed environments for extended periods of time.
• Fine motor skills required to operate tools, devices, and computers.
• Adjustable vision focus needed for reading detailed pricing information on screens or paper.
• Must be able to operate light equipment such as freight lift.