Launch Your Career: Produce Department Manager at the Defense Commissary Agency
Are you a retail professional looking to apply your skills in a mission-driven environment? The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is currently accepting applications for a Produce Department Manager in West Point, New York. This unique role blends high-level retail management with the pride of serving our military community.
Job Responsibilities
As a Produce Department Manager, you will be the operational backbone of the fresh food section. Key duties include:
- Inventory Management: Forecasting demand and managing the procurement of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Merchandising: Creating attractive displays and managing seasonal promotions.
- Quality Control: Inspecting inventory for freshness, trimming, and proper rotation.
- Supervision: Managing store personnel to ensure safety and productivity.
- Sanitation: Maintaining strict compliance with health and safety regulations.
Requirements
To succeed in this role, candidates must demonstrate:
- Strong knowledge of retail food procurement and merchandising techniques.
- The ability to handle physical tasks, including lifting items over 40 pounds.
- Commitment to safety and sanitation standards.
- Federal service requirements, including appropriate time-in-grade where applicable.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $59,465 - $77,306 |
| Location | West Point, New York |
| Work Schedule | Irregular (includes nights/weekends) |
| Security Clearance | Other |
Benefits
Employees of the Defense Commissary Agency enjoy a robust suite of federal benefits, including competitive salary packages, health insurance options, retirement benefits (FERS), and opportunities for career progression through the Commissary Career Program.
Application Tips
- Mind the Limit: Your resume MUST be two pages or less. Submitting more will disqualify you.
- Be Specific: For every job listed in your resume, include the number of hours worked per week.
- Verify Documentation: Ensure your SF-50 forms are accurate and uploaded as PDF files.
Serving those who serve our country is a rewarding career path. If you are a talented retail manager who values quality, order, and teamwork, we encourage you to apply for the Produce Department Manager position at West Point today.
Why This Produce Department Manager Job Matters
Take charge of the freshness and quality standards for our military community at West Point as a Produce Department Manager.
Produce Department Manager Job Overview
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is seeking a dedicated Produce Department Manager to join our team in West Point, New York. In this role, you will be the face of fresh quality, ensuring that military service members and their families have access to the highest-grade fruits and vegetables. You will oversee the end-to-end management of the produce department, including inventory, merchandising, sanitation, and staff supervision.
Requirements for Produce Department Manager
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must meet specialized experience requirements equivalent to GS-5 grade level.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted.
- Must be able to stand, stoop, kneel, bend, and climb for extended periods.
- Must pass a background check and maintain suitability standards.
- Must complete the online application by the specified closing date.
Preferred Qualifications for Produce Department Manager
- Prior experience managing a commissary, supermarket, or large-scale retail food department.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement retail merchandising strategies.
- Strong technical knowledge of inventory control, procurement, and supply chain logistics in a food-retail setting.
- Proven leadership experience in training and supervising store personnel.
- Education in business administration, public administration, or agricultural economics.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with step increases.
- ✓Access to comprehensive federal health and life insurance programs.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the Commissary Career Program (CCP).
- ✓Relocation assistance where authorized.
💡 How to Apply Produce Department Manager Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Produce Department Manager Job
- Register for a USAJOBS account and complete your federal profile.
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your produce retail experience and meets the two-page limit.
- Gather necessary documentation, including SF-50 forms for current/former federal employees.
- Review the position questionnaire and align your resume experience with the core competencies.
- Submit your complete application package via the official portal before the deadline.
- Monitor your status through your USAJOBS account portal.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; excess pages will result in immediate disqualification.
- Use standard, legible fonts like Lato or Calibri and save your resume as a PDF.
- Clearly define your work hours per week; 'Full-Time' or '40 hours' must be explicitly stated.
- Double-check that your SF-50 is the most recent version if applying for a promotion.
- Submit your application early to allow time for the system's virus scan process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary responsibility of a Produce Department Manager?
You are responsible for the entire life cycle of produce items, including forecasting demand, ordering, pricing, inventory management, and maintaining high sanitation standards on the sales floor.
Is a college degree required for this position?
While education can be used to meet qualifications, it is not strictly required if you possess the necessary specialized experience at the required grade level.
What physical demands should I expect in this role?
You will need to lift items weighing up to 40 pounds regularly and perform tasks such as bending and standing for long durations in both room-temperature and refrigerated storage areas.
Job from Defense Commissary Agency
The Defense Commissary Agency operates over 200 stores worldwide, providing quality grocery products to military service members, retirees, and their families. With annual sales exceeding $4 billion, DeCA is a massive operation that relies on dedicated leaders to maintain the high standards our military families expect and deserve.