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 dedicated to nourishing people and the planet. Founded with a commitment to excellence in personal health, community well-being, and environmental sustainability, the company has revolutionized the grocery industry by setting high standards in product quality and ethical sourcing. Whole Foods Market goes beyond traditional grocery retailing, addressing critical issues such as improving nutrition, supporting school garden programs through grants, increasing access to fresh and healthy food in underserved communities known as food deserts, and participating in poverty alleviation efforts in developing countries. As a company known for its socially responsible practices and world-changing initiatives, working at Whole Foods Market means becoming part of a larger mission that impacts local communities and global ecosystems alike. This ethos of making a meaningful difference defines the culture and values at Whole Foods Market.
The role offered is an essential leadership position assisting the Team Leader in various operational aspects, including profitability management, expense control, buying, merchandising, labor planning, regulatory compliance, and special projects. The staff member in this position will be responsible for leading and developing team members while ensuring excellent service and fostering a positive environment aligned with the company’s core values. This role requires an individual who not only possesses advanced product knowledge and leadership skills but also demonstrates a passion for personal growth and empowerment of others. The candidate will play a pivotal role in setting store standards for retail execution and customer satisfaction by continuously improving store layout and merchandising strategies. With a salary range of $20.05 to $35.00 hourly based on experience, this full-time opportunity offers a rewarding career path supported by comprehensive benefits known as "Whole Benefits," including health insurance, retirement plans, store discounts, and paid time off.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the Team Leader to meet sales, purchasing, and labor targets while maintaining strong vendor relationships and ensuring accurate paperwork processing. The role requires problem-solving skills for resolving team concerns and stepping in as the acting manager when necessary. An emphasis on teamwork, mutual respect, and high morale will be key to creating an outstanding workplace culture. The candidate must be comfortable coaching and mentoring team members, providing regular performance evaluations, and striving to uphold the highest standards of store operations and safety. Given the dynamic and customer-focused nature of the grocery retail industry, the position demands a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays. Physical stamina is also necessary as the role involves lifting up to 50 pounds, standing or walking for extended periods, and performing various manual tasks in conditions that may include temperature extremes and exposure to approved cleaning chemicals. By joining Whole Foods Market in this leadership capacity, the individual will contribute directly to both the business's success and the company's broader purpose of enhancing community health and sustainability.
                - 18+ months retail Team Member experience
 - 6+ months of supervisory experience
 - Ability to lift 50 pounds
 - Ability to stand and walk 6-8 hours in an 8-hour work day
 - Capable of single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling
 - Ability to perform bending, twisting, squatting and reaching motions
 - Ability to work in wet and dry conditions
 - Ability to work flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays
 - Ability to use tools and equipment including knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery
 - May require use of ladders