It’s time to take a break from the recent coronavirus theme dominating the news lately. I think that’s probably all right — I suspect even welcomed at this point.
I thought I’d reflect a bit, seeing as how it is spring and produce managers are starting to get a little more antsy than usual. Summer is on the horizon and some early seasonal fruit is just beginning.
Which makes me wonder — why do produce clerks even want to become produce managers?
After all, it isn’t always “beer and skittles.” A produce manager has a lot of responsibility, managing a crew and all that entails, or dealing with customers and store managers and other supervision. Produce managers must write accurate orders. They’re in early to get the department in order, and the ones working late on weekends, taking monthly or quarterly inventory.
Managing a produce department is an absorbing, sometimes thankless job.
Yet it remains one of the more sought-after positions in a grocery chain. As a clerk I used to hear people describe the area produce managers in terms of “amazing” or even “colorful” characters.
They were often one of the more well-regarded leaders in a store. Something I aspired to become someday, starting out in this crazy game. The reasons for this were few, but still note-worthy, including:
- Being in charge of writing the labor schedule. This is a nice little freedom to have — even though a manager still has to work a lot of odd hours, it’s nice to be able to have some control over shifts and times, including your own.
- Earning a quarterly bonus. Back in the day, this was actually a reality. The better the produce department performed in terms of sales, gross profit and shrink, the better the bonus. A little incentive goes a long way. And the bigger the volume the bigger the bonus, so this was one reason to earn your way up to a flagship store. I don’t hear much about bonuses for produce managers anymore. Maybe it’s time to rekindle the conversation.
- Having merchandising control. This was a big reason for this kid to be a produce manager. As an assistant I couldn’t wait for the manager to go on vacation so I could re-arrange the displays. Later, as a produce manager, merchandising as I saw fit was one of the great job satisfactions, trying out new ideas and entering merchandising contests to spur additional sales.
A produce manager runs one of the most profitable and attractive store departments. It’s a lot of work but rewarding to see the cause and effect of decisions made, and to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Armand Lobato works for the Idaho Potato Commission. His 40 years’ experience in the produce business span a range of foodservice and retail positions. E-mail him at lobatoarmand@gmail.com.
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