Produce Department Leader/ Assistant Department Leader

Job Type: Location Type: On-site

 

Description

Tokyo Central is excited to announce the grand opening of our brand-new location in Emeryville, CA! We’re bringing authentic Japanese flavors, premium groceries, and exceptional service to the East Bay – and we’re looking for passionate team members to join our growing family.

Our mission is to share the richness of Japanese and Asian food culture with our communities, providing excellent service, value, and a memorable experience to every customer. We take pride in maintaining high standards of quality and presentation, celebrating diversity among our team, and creating an environment where both employees and customers feel part of a global family.

The Produce Department Leader is responsible for directing and overseeing all activities related to the Produce Department’s daily operations. This includes managing associates, maintaining high-quality standards for fresh produce, ensuring excellent customer service, controlling inventory, and meeting financial objectives. The leader acts as the key point of contact between store management, vendors, and staff, ensuring a clean, organized, and visually appealing department that reflects the company’s brand image and commitment to excellence.

This position requires strong leadership, product knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment while promoting teamwork, safety, and productivity.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise, train, and coach all Produce Department staff to ensure efficient operations, excellent service, and adherence to company standards.
• Create and manage daily, weekly, and monthly work schedules to align with labor budgets and operational needs.
• Conduct regular team meetings to communicate updates, goals, and performance expectations.
• Provide ongoing feedback, recognize achievements, and address performance issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Foster a respectful and supportive work environment that promotes collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

2. Department Operations

• Oversee the overall presentation, cleanliness, and organization of the Produce Department, ensuring displays are well-stocked, properly rotated, and visually appealing.
• Maintain freshness and product quality through proper storage, temperature control, and rotation (FIFO method).
• Monitor daily operations, ensuring compliance with company policies, merchandising guidelines, and safety regulations.
• Work closely with other departments to coordinate promotions, cross-merchandising, and seasonal events.
• Ensure all produce is handled and displayed in a way that minimizes waste, shrink, and spoilage.

3. Inventory Control & Ordering

• Forecast sales and adjust orders to meet demand while minimizing overstock and product loss.
• Place accurate and timely orders with approved vendors and distributors.
• Verify deliveries, inspect products for quality and accuracy, and resolve discrepancies with suppliers.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and participate in monthly or quarterly inventory counts.
• Monitor sales reports, adjust pricing and displays accordingly, and analyze trends to improve profitability.

4. Customer Service

• Deliver exceptional service to every customer, providing product knowledge, storage tips, and preparation ideas when needed.
• Resolve customer concerns or complaints promptly and courteously.
• Set the example for professional conduct, communication, and courtesy at all times.
• Engage customers through sampling programs, promotions, and seasonal product displays.

5. Financial & Sales Accountability

• Assist in developing sales and margin goals for the department in coordination with store management.
• Monitor daily sales, identify areas of improvement, and develop action plans to achieve or exceed targets.
• Track department expenses and contribute to cost control through efficient ordering, waste reduction, and labor management.
• Ensure all pricing, signage, and promotional materials are accurate and up to date.

6. Safety, Sanitation & Compliance

• Enforce proper food handling, safety, and sanitation procedures per company and local health department standards.
• Conduct routine inspections of refrigeration units, prep areas, and storage spaces to ensure compliance and efficiency.
• Ensure all associates follow personal hygiene, PPE, and equipment-use guidelines.
• Maintain up-to-date records of temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and equipment maintenance.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in a retail grocery or produce department, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Strong understanding of produce handling, seasonal trends, food safety, and product rotation.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective team and customer interactions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) and familiarity with POS or inventory systems.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Flexible schedule availability, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Japanese) preferred.
• Previous experience with Marukai/Tokyo Central or similar Asian market environments.
• Basic understanding of merchandising principles and visual display techniques.
• Knowledge of profit margins, shrink management, and sales analysis.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced retail setting with exposure to temperature changes, moisture, and perishable goods.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying items up to 50 lbs.
• Regular use of knives, cutters, and produce-handling equipment (e.g., scales, wrappers, pallet jacks).

Performance Expectations

• Maintain department freshness, cleanliness, and product availability at all times.
• Consistently meet or exceed department sales goals and shrink targets.
• Lead by example in professionalism, teamwork, and customer service.
• Develop staff through mentoring, delegation, and skill-building opportunities.

Cross-Training & Departmental Flexibility
To support operational excellence and employee development, this role includes cross-training and collaboration across departments. Team members may be assigned tasks outside their primary area

Requirements
• Be able to adapt to different store environments during the training period, as well as being able to help other departments when needed .
• Be able to demonstrate small team management abilities. Team sizes can be from 0~ 10 employees. Management skills are required for the Produce department lead and assistant department lead positions. The overall direction, coordination, and evaluation will be reviewed. Management activities include but are not limited to: Interviewing; Training Employees; Planning, Assigning, and Directing Work; Addressing Complaints and Resolving Problems with employees and customers.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a produce supervisor in a middle to large scale high-end market. Current Tokyo Central Produce department leader/assistant department lead are welcome to apply.
• Strong knowledge of Produce team procedures and policies. A thorough understanding of different types of produce, their seasonality, and quality knowledge which ensuring proper inventory management for the produce freshness.
• Ability to read and interpret English documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to use English to write routine reports and correspondences. Ability to speak English effectively before groups such as our customers and/or employees. The ability to speak Japanese and/or Spanish is not required but can be a huge plus.
• Basic mathematical skills are required. This includes, but not limited to, the ability to calculate figures and amounts. Also, to add, subtract, divide, and multiply using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals are necessary.
• General reasoning ability is required. This position needs the leader to be able to interpret a variety of instructions that can be in the form of written, oral, in diagram, or scheduled forms. They need to have the ability to resolve conflicts in such a manner as to create a win-win situation. And they need to have the ability to analyze a variety of situations and to think things through to create a solution and to implement that said solution.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly need to work near moving mechanical parts. The employee will occasionally be exposed to extreme heat and/or cold, to electrical shock, and be at risk of burning. The noise level in the work environment will usually be loud. Due to the duties, safety will need to be followed.

Marukai is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E Verify.

Marukai is very aware of the COVID-19 pandemic and practices the highest and safest levels of precautions to keep associates safe with sanitizing practices, social distancing, personal protective equipment, and safety screening in adherence with the Health Department, CDC, State, Local, and Federal laws.

All Candidates must be able to work evening shifts, weekends, and holidays.