Become a Produce Department Manager with the Defense Commissary Agency
Are you a retail management professional with a passion for excellence? The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is currently accepting applications for a Produce Department Manager at Fort Myer, Virginia. This role is central to our mission, ensuring that military service members and their families have access to high-quality fresh produce. If you are organized, safety-conscious, and ready to lead a team in a fast-paced retail environment, we invite you to apply.
Job Responsibilities
As a Produce Department Manager, your duties are both strategic and hands-on:
- Demand Forecasting: Predicting product needs to maintain ideal inventory levels.
- Merchandising: Designing attractive seasonal and promotional displays to boost sales.
- Department Oversight: Ensuring all produce is properly cleaned, trimmed, rotated, and culled for maximum freshness.
- Team Leadership: Supervising and training staff on equipment safety and retail standards.
- Compliance: Maintaining strict adherence to sanitation and safety protocols to protect our customers.
Comparison: Retail Manager vs. DeCA Produce Manager
| Feature | General Retail Manager | DeCA Produce Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Sales & Profit Margins | Quality & Military Benefit |
| Environment | Commercial Supermarket | Military Commissary |
| Staffing | Varies | Government Service (GS) Structure |
| Mission | Corporate Goals | Service Member Support |
Requirements
To be considered, applicants must provide a comprehensive resume detailing their work history. Key requirements include:
- Specialized experience in retail food procurement and management.
- Physical ability to perform tasks in varied climate conditions (including cold storage).
- Proof of federal service if currently employed by the government (SF-50).
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position ranges from $63,940 to $83,119 per year, commensurate with experience. Employees enjoy the standard benefits of federal service, including potential for career advancement and the satisfaction of supporting military families.
Application Tips
- Focus on Quality: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your specific duties for every job held.
- Mind the Page Count: Do not exceed the two-page limit; extra pages will result in immediate disqualification.
- Stay Current: Ensure all SF-50 documentation is up to date if you are a federal employee.
This role offers a unique opportunity to combine your retail management skills with service to the military community. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a challenging, rewarding position in Fort Myer, apply today through the USAJOBS portal.
Why This Produce Department Manager Job Matters
Lead the way in retail excellence at Fort Myer and ensure military families have access to the quality produce they deserve.
Produce Department Manager Job Overview
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Produce Department Manager to join our team at Fort Myer, Virginia. As a leader in our commissary operations, you will oversee the full lifecycle of fresh produce, from procurement and inventory management to creating visually stunning displays that enhance the shopping experience for our service members and their families. This is a vital role within our mission to provide a high-quality, cost-effective grocery benefit to those who serve our nation.
Requirements for Produce Department Manager
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to perform physical labor, including lifting up to 40 pounds unassisted and occasionally more with assistance.
- Capacity to work in varying environments, including chill/frozen storage and outdoor conditions.
- Must meet time-in-grade and time-after-competitive-appointment requirements as a current or former federal employee.
- Proficiency in retail food merchandising and inventory management.
- Submission of a professional resume not exceeding two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Produce Department Manager
- Experience managing a supermarket, commissary, or high-volume commercial retail food department.
- Technical expertise in produce procurement and distribution methods.
- Knowledge of retail food safety, sanitation regulations, and equipment maintenance.
- Academic background in business administration, public administration, or food industry management.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓Support for military family readiness programs.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within the Commissary Career Program.
- ✓Relocation incentives may be authorized for qualified candidates.
💡 How to Apply Produce Department Manager Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Produce Department Manager Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your relevant retail management experience (max 2 pages).
- Gather necessary documentation, including SF-50 forms and academic transcripts if using education to qualify.
- Access the USAJOBS online portal to complete the application questionnaire.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise and strictly adhere to the two-page limit.
- Ensure your resume includes hours worked per week for part-time positions.
- Test your documents to ensure they clear virus scans before the deadline.
- Use the resume builder tool to ensure all federal requirements are captured.
- Double-check that you have selected your desired eligibility category in the questionnaire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Produce Department Manager at DeCA?
You are responsible for forecasting demand, ordering, pricing, inventorying, and displaying all fresh produce while managing the staff responsible for department operations.
Can I use education to qualify for this position?
Yes, if you meet the educational requirements in business, public administration, or food industry management, you may qualify through a combination of experience and education.
Are there physical requirements for this job?
Yes, this role requires standing for long periods, bending, and the ability to lift up to 40 pounds regularly.
Job from Defense Commissary Agency
The Defense Commissary Agency operates a global network of over 200 commissaries, providing a crucial benefit to the military community. We support over 13,000 employees worldwide, fostering a culture of diversity and service. When you join our team, you are not just working at a grocery store—you are contributing to the quality of life for those who serve our nation.