Prepared Foods Associate Team Leader (Culinary & Deli Assistant Department Manager)
Posted on October 24, 2025
Whole Foods Market is a leading natural and organic foods supermarket chain committed to nourishing people and the planet. Founded with a mission to improve how people eat and live, Whole Foods Market goes beyond being just a grocery store by actively engaging in community enrichment, environmental stewardship, and global sustainability efforts. The company invests in programs such as funding school garden grants, increasing access to fresh, healthy food in underserved areas, and alleviating poverty in developing countries. These initiatives underscore the company’s dedication to creating meaningful change beyond retail success. As a pioneer in the grocery industry, Whole Foods Market consistently sets high standards for product quality, sustainability, and customer service, fostering an environment where employees are valued as integral contributors to its purpose and vision.
The Team Leader Assistant role at Whole Foods Market is a dynamic leadership position pivotal to daily store operations and overall team success. This role supports the Team Leader in managing profitability, expense controls, buying, merchandising, labor, and compliance with regulatory standards. Acting as a liaison within the team, the Team Leader Assistant helps develop Team Members through coaching, mentoring, and motivation, ensuring the cultivation of a high-performance and engaged workforce. This position demands a proactive, enthusiastic individual who embraces the company’s core values and strives to inspire others while maintaining excellence in retail execution.
In this capacity, the Team Leader Assistant will assist in achieving sales, purchasing, and labor targets, handle special projects, and serve as the point person in the Team Leader’s absence. Key responsibilities include maintaining creative store layouts and merchandising strategies, managing vendor relations, analyzing sales and labor reports, and maintaining compliance with safety and food regulatory policies. The role requires excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, a strong growth mindset, and proficiency in operational applications and financial assessments.
Whole Foods Market offers a competitive wage range from $20.05 to $35.00 hourly, commensurate with experience, along with comprehensive Whole Benefits that may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, store discounts, and more. The company provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants, emphasizing qualifications and business needs. Working at Whole Foods Market means contributing to a purpose-driven company that values personal growth, community impact, and sustainability while delivering exceptional customer experiences. The Team Leader Assistant position offers a career path for motivated individuals seeking leadership roles within a supportive and innovative grocery retail environment.
                - high school diploma or equivalent
 - 18 plus months retail Team Member experience
 - 6 plus months supervisory experience
 - ability to lift 50 pounds
 - able to stand and walk 6 to 8 hours per day
 - capable of bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching
 - able to work in wet and dry conditions
 - exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals
 - ability to work flexible schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays
 - ability to use tools and equipment including knives, box cutters, pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery
 - may require use of ladders