Posted 6 days ago
Prepared Foods Associate Team Leader (Culinary & Deli Assistant Department Manager)
Whole Foods Market
Breakroom Rating
9th of 112 grocery stores
Rating based on 1,350 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz
- People enjoy this job
- Good employer
- Recommended by students
- Respectful managers
- Good training
- Uninterrupted breaks
About the job
Job description from Whole Foods Market
A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth and creating meaningful change. Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. That means improving how people eat, funding grants for school gardens, providing access to fresh and healthy food to people living within food deserts, alleviating poverty in developing countries, and so much more. Working with us means you are making a difference within your community and beyond. We aren't just a grocery store: we're world-changers. And with your help, we will continue to set the standards of excellence and revolutionize the grocery industry.
Assists the Team Leader in all aspects of daily operations including profitability, expense control, buying, merchandising, labor, regulatory compliance and special projects as assigned. Leads and develops Team Members. All Whole Foods Market Retail jobs require ensuring a positive company image by providing courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and Team Members at all times. All positions must be performed in accordance with team and store Standard Operating Procedures. Further, Team Members must be prepared and able to perform the duties inherent in other Team Member job descriptions. All positions must strive to support WFM core values and goals, promote national, regional, and store programs and initiatives, and ensure adherence to all applicable health and safety regulations including Food Safety and regulatory duties required in the department.Job Responsibilities
- Develops and maintains creative store layout and product merchandising.
- Works with Team Leader to achieve sales, purchasing, and labor targets.
- Assists Team Leader in analysis of sales, reports and labor.
- Demonstrates advanced product knowledge and develops / maintains awareness of new products.
- Maintains good vendor relationships, develops new vendor relations, and ensures all paperwork is properly submitted for vendor processing.
- Works with Team Leader to resolve team concerns or issues.
- Functions as point person and departmental person in charge in absence of Team Leader.
- Sets and achieves the highest standards of retail execution.
- Fosters and encourages a positive environment of outstanding teamwork, mutual respect, and exceptional morale.
- Consistently communicates and models WFM vision and goals.
- Maintains awareness of customer flows and needs and directs Team Members as necessary to satisfy and delight customers; responds promptly to customer needs and questions.
- Selects, trains, develops, mentors, motivates, and counsels Team Members in a manner that sustains a high-performance team and minimizes turnover.
- Provides timely, thorough, and thoughtful performance evaluations.
Job Skills
- High energy, enthusiastic, and displays an affinity for our products, core values, and company philosophy.
- Growth mindset towards greater responsibility and ownership.
- Desire to coach and mentor others for growth.
- Excellent interpersonal, motivational, team building, and customer relationship skills.
- Capable of teaching others in a positive and constructive manner.
- Product knowledge.
- Advanced knowledge of regulatory and safety policies and procedures.
- Proficient mathematical skills for assessing financial performance, monitoring profitability, and managing inventory.
- Demonstrated decision-making ability, leadership skills, and ability to prioritize and delegate.
- Proficiency with email, Microsoft Office, and operations-related applications.
Experience
- 18+ months retail Team Member experience and 6+ months of supervisory experience.
Physical Requirements / Working Conditions
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
- In an 8-hour work day: standing/walking 6-8 hours.
- Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.
- Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting and reaching.
- Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals.
- Exposure to temperatures: <32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), >90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Ability to work in wet and dry conditions.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Ability to use tools and equipment, including knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.
- May require use of ladders.
Note: The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential responsibilities for the position and is not meant as an exhaustive list. This document does not reflect all job duties or requirements for every position. Requirements build as one progresses through the job levels, so any job duties required at a lower level may be required at the higher level in addition to the duties listed for that higher level. Duties, assignments, and other responsibilities may differ for similar positions based on business conditions, departmental or geographic location, and/or needs for the particular position. An individual must demonstrate successful performance in their current position before being considered for promotion. In addition, in order to promote into a higher-level position, a business need for the promotion must exist and the candidate must be considered the most qualified person for the new position. Completion of certain milestones such as obtaining an advanced degree or certification, time in current position, or developing skills to perform at the higher-level role do not guarantee a promotion.
The wage range for this position is $20.05-$35.00 Hourly, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits offers a wide range of benefits for Full and Part-Time Team Members, including eligibility for a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness, health & wellness support programs, and access to other Team Member perks. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire and may vary based on work location, length of service, and job type (such as regular or seasonal). Click here for benefit details.At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.
Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.
About Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market is a supermarket chain. They sell fresh produce, meat, and prepared meals, specializing in organic and high-quality foods.
The best things about working at Whole Foods Market
- 96% say they get paid time off
- 89% say their health insurance is affordable
- 81% say they have respectful managers
Featured by Whole Foods Market, based on 1,350 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz
What to expect from working at Whole Foods Market from Whole Foods Market
Perks of working at Whole Foods Market from Whole Foods Market
- 🤑 20% employee discount
- 🥳 Paid time off
- 🗓️ Flexible scheduling
- 😊 Health insurance with dental & vision
- 🌱 Growth opportunities
Company values from Whole Foods Market
Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. We’re a purpose-driven company that aims to set the standards of excellence for food retailers. Quality is a state of mind at Whole Foods Market.
Core Values: (1) We sell the highest quality natural and organic foods (2) We satisfy and delight our customers (3) We promote team member growth and happiness (4) We practice win-win partnerships with our suppliers (5) We create profits and prosperity (6) We care about our community and the environment
What Whole Foods Market employees say
1,350 Whole Foods Market employees have taken the Breakroom Quiz and told us what it’s really like to work there. Here’s everything they have told us:
Breakroom Rating for Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market
Based on 1,350 employees from Whole Foods Market who took the Breakroom Quiz
Grocery stores average
Based on 46,398 employees from grocery stores who took the Breakroom Quiz
Pay
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Okay
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Only some people get paid breaks
Do department managers at Whole Foods Market get paid breaks?
Sometimes. Only some people get paid breaks.
How we know this
55% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
Why this matters
Good jobs pay you for your break time.
You should get paid for all the time you’re at work, even when you’re on break.
Good
-
Most people get paid when they’re sick
Does Whole Foods Market pay department managers when they’re sick?
Yes. Most people get paid when they’re sick.
How we know this
67% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
Why this matters
Most US companies don’t have to pay you when you’re sick - only some states require it.
But we believe a good job should pay you when you can’t work because you’re sick. Everyone gets sick sometimes.
Good
-
Most people don’t do unpaid extra work
Do department managers at Whole Foods Market do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.
How we know this
90% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
Why this matters
You should be paid for all the work you do.
A good job pays you for every minute you spend working for your employer.
Hours and flexibility
-
Needs improving
-
Less than 4 weeks notice of work schedule
How far ahead of time do department managers find out their work schedule?
Most people find out their schedule less than four weeks ahead of time.
How we know this
- 0% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts one week or less ahead of time.
- 0% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts two weeks ahead of time.
- 100% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts three weeks ahead of time.
- 0% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts four weeks or more ahead of time.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
Why this matters
We believe your workplace should tell you your schedule at least 4 weeks ahead of time.
You need to know when you’ll be working so you can plan your life and know how much money you’ll earn.
Good
-
Most people don’t worry about their hours
Do department managers at Whole Foods Market worry about hours?
Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
How we know this
73% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
Why this matters
A good employer should give you the hours you need each week.
You shouldn’t have to struggle or beg for work time.
Good
-
Schedules don’t get changed at the last minute
Do Whole Foods Market managers change department managers schedules at the last minute?
Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
How we know this
73% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
Why this matters
If your bosses keep changing your schedule at the last minute, that shows they aren’t planning well.
Good jobs don’t switch your hours around without warning.
Good
-
Most people find it easy to take sick days
How easy is it for department managers to take sick days at Whole Foods Market?
Most people find it easy to take sick days.
How we know this
82% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes.
You should be able to stay home when you need to get better.
A good job should make it easy to take sick time and have clear steps for letting them know you’re sick.
Workplace
-
Good
-
Most people get breaks without interruption
Do department managers at Whole Foods Market get to take their breaks without interruption?
Most people get breaks without interruption.
How we know this
80% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
Why this matters
When you take a break it should be a proper rest. You should be able to do what you want to and not get pulled off it early.
Okay
-
Some people are stressed out
Is it stressful for department managers to work at Whole Foods Market?
Some people feel stressed out here.
How we know this
67% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
Why this matters
Work can be hard sometimes, but you shouldn’t feel stressed all the time.
Your boss should make sure there are enough people and resources to get the work done without feeling overwhelmed.
Good
-
Most people enjoy their job
Do department managers at Whole Foods Market enjoy their jobs?
Most people enjoy their job.
How we know this
90% of people report they enjoy their job.Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
Good
-
Most people recommend their team
Do department managers at Whole Foods Market recommend working with their team?
Most people recommend working with their team.
How we know this
83% of people report that they would recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
Why this matters
The people you work with every day are important. They can make the difference between a bad day and a good one.
Good
-
Most people get enough training
Do department managers get enough training when they start at Whole Foods Market?
Most people got enough training when they started.
How we know this
67% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
Why this matters
A good job should train you well from your first day, not just throw you into the deep end.
Nobody can do their job well without proper training at the start.
Good
-
Most people get support to advance
Do department managers get support to advance at Whole Foods Market?
Most people are given support to advance their career here.
How we know this
In the last year, 92% of people report being given support to advance their career here.Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
Why this matters
A good job should help you grow, if you want to.
This could mean getting better at your current job, learning new things, becoming a team leader, or taking on more duties.
This helps you build skills and earn more money.
Needs improving
-
Headquarters doesn't understand what's happening
Do department managers think Whole Foods Market’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?
Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
How we know this
73% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
Why this matters
In a good job, the people running the organization should support the workers who do the hands-on work.
To do this well, they need to know what’s really happening at each location.
This is extra important when an organization has many different sites.
Whole Foods Market job reviews
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Best thing
The employees seem happy to be there and the discount
Worst thing
More hours
6.8Customer service supervisor at Whole Foods Market, February 2026
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Best thing
That it’s slow and that there’s nothing much to do
Worst thing
Well standing up all day waiting for costumer to come in
8.3Employee at Whole Foods Market, January 2026
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Best thing
The best things was team members morale, working together, & strong communication.
Worst thing
Ever since Amazon bought Whole Foods Market. Things have gotten much worse.
4.9Employee at Whole Foods Market, December 2025
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Best thing
The people I work with are great but no one stays long because the pay is so bad
Worst thing
Pay is not great, workload is too much with low staffing and how busy it gets, I'm expected to do way too much with no time to get things done
3.2Customer service supervisor at Whole Foods Market, November 2025
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Best thing
Good pay, benefits, overall tasks that i enjoy doing, learning about aquatic life, flexible schedule, strong culture, easy job
Worst thing
Short staffed, people call out, one manager is hardly on the floor, managers go home about an hour early
6.2Seafood team member at Whole Foods Market, September 2025
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Best thing
I don’t have to talk to people often and it’s very easy.
Worst thing
I’m on my feet all day so it is tiring, I don’t get paid enough
7.5Team member at Whole Foods Market, September 2025
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Best thing
I have nice coworkers
Worst thing
There is no support from store management, the TLs are so overworked they don’t have time for their team members. There’s also a huge problem with favoritism
6.0Cashier at Whole Foods Market, June 2025
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Best thing
The company likes to educate you on things and some of the people there are the best friendliest people you ever want to work with.
Worst thing
I believe higher management doesn't utilize. They're people in the right right positions. At times they overworked people when they don't need to. If they use their personnel correctly.
7.8Cashier crew member at Whole Foods Market, May 2025
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Best thing
The crew members are definitely excellent people to work alongside. They are usually understanding of your frustrations with the work or some other team members.
Worst thing
Communication is typically poor. Often times I will figure out something is needed to be done *after* there's a problem. Lack of ingredients or other foods do not come in and some machine fails at least once a week.
Turnover rate is high and it seems like upper management isn't the biggest fan of filling roles, leaving humongous gaps for where work cannot be fulfilled so everyone gets stretched thin.
8.5Team member at Whole Foods Market, May 2025
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Best thing
I like the guaranteed 40 hours per week and approved overtime if needed.
Worst thing
Having to deal with issues such as late slam, regional visits
8.7Employee at Whole Foods Market, April 2025
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