Launch Your Career as a Produce Department Manager with the Defense Commissary Agency

Are you a retail professional with a passion for excellence and a desire to serve the military community? The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is currently accepting applications for a Produce Department Manager at our Fort Eustis, Virginia facility. This position offers a unique blend of high-level retail management and meaningful service to those who protect our nation.

Job Responsibilities

The Produce Department Manager is a key operational leader. Your day-to-day duties will be dynamic and multifaceted, ensuring the highest standards of food quality and store presentation. Key responsibilities include:

Operations Management: Oversee the full spectrum of produce operations, from demand forecasting and ordering to final inventory management.
Merchandising: Design and execute seasonal and promotional displays to create an engaging, attractive shopping environment for our patrons.
Quality Control: Ensure all items are properly cleaned, trimmed, and rotated, adhering strictly to health and safety regulations.
Leadership: Supervise and mentor staff, providing both administrative guidance and technical training on the use of professional cutting tools and equipment.
Facility Maintenance: Monitor the physical condition of storage rooms and display cases to ensure sanitary, safe conditions at all times.

Requirements

Success in this role requires a blend of professional experience and physical capability. To qualify, you must:

Possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-6 grade level (or equivalent), or relevant graduate education.
Be comfortable with the physical demands of the role, including lifting objects over 40 pounds and standing for extended durations.
Have a deep understanding of food retail management and procurement techniques.
Be able to navigate varied environments, such as chill rooms and busy retail aisles.

Requirements Comparison Table

Qualification Type	Minimum Requirement
Experience	1 Year of specialized experience at GS-6 level
Education	1.5 Years of relevant graduate study
Physical Strength	40+ lbs lifting capability
Documentation	2-page max resume

Salary Overview

This position is graded at the GS-8 level. The annual salary range is $56,713 to $73,724, depending on qualifications and prior federal service history. As a federal position, this role offers stability and a structured career path within the federal government.

Benefits

Working for DeCA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the military community. Employees enjoy:

A stable, professional work environment.
Opportunities for specialized training through the Commissary Career Program.
Access to federal employee benefits programs.
A sense of purpose in supporting active-duty families.

Application Tips for Success

Federal applications are highly structured. To stand out and ensure your application is reviewed:

Respect the Limits: Your resume must not exceed two pages. This is a hard requirement for this announcement.
Be Detailed: Ensure your resume clearly lists the hours worked per week for every position to help HR verify your experience level.
Use the Right Format: Upload your documents as PDFs and ensure they are legible. Avoid complex portfolio files that may not scan correctly.
Answer Carefully: When completing the questionnaire, be honest and accurate about your competencies to ensure your rating matches your actual experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the work schedule for this position? *A: The position is subject to an irregular tour of duty. This may include nights, weekends, and holidays, as is common in retail management.

Q: Is relocation assistance available? *A: Yes, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is authorized for this position for eligible candidates.

Q: How will I be notified of my status? *A: You will receive automated notifications through your USAJOBS account regarding your application status, referral, and final selection.

If you are ready to take the next step in your retail management career while contributing to a mission that supports our military service members, the Produce Department Manager role at Fort Eustis is an excellent opportunity. We encourage you to review the full details and submit your application before the closing date. Your leadership can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who serve our country.

Why This Produce Department Manager Job Matters

Take charge of fresh food operations and support military families at the Defense Commissary Agency in Fort Eustis.

Produce Department Manager Job Overview

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is seeking a motivated and skilled Produce Department Manager to lead fresh product operations at our Fort Eustis, Virginia location. In this role, you will be responsible for the entire life cycle of produce within the commissary—from forecasting demand and ordering to ensuring high-quality display and sanitation. You will play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for military service members and their families by providing access to top-tier fresh produce in a professional, customer-focused environment.

Requirements for Produce Department Manager

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-6 grade level, or one and a half years of graduate-level education in a related field.
Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted and over 40 pounds with assistance.
Ability to work in various environments, including climate-controlled store floors and colder storage facilities.
Must be able to stand, stoop, kneel, and bend for prolonged periods.
Resume must be limited to exactly two pages or fewer.
Must meet time-in-grade requirements for current or former federal employees.

Preferred Qualifications for Produce Department Manager

Demonstrated experience in retail food procurement and distribution.
Proven background in managing a commercial retail food store or specific departments within a grocery chain.
Strong technical skills in retail merchandising and inventory control.
Experience developing and interpreting operational policies and safety standards for retail environments.
Proficiency in supervising staff within a fast-paced retail or commissary setting.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with defined pay scales.
✓Support for military family readiness.
✓Opportunity to work in a stable, established government agency.
✓Potential for career growth within the Commissary Career Program.
✓Relocation assistance may be authorized for qualified candidates.

💡 How to Apply Produce Department Manager Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Produce Department Manager Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less and includes all required work details.
Submit your online application through the provided portal.
Upload all required documentation, including your most recent SF-50 if applicable.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire to confirm your qualifications.

💡 General Tips

Double-check that your resume is no longer than two pages; excess length will lead to automatic disqualification.
Be specific about hours worked per week for all part-time roles listed in your experience.
Ensure your document uploads (PDF format recommended) are clear and legible.
Allow extra time for your documents to pass through the mandatory virus scan before the closing deadline.
Carefully review the eligibility section to ensure you are selecting the correct status for your profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of a Produce Department Manager?

You are responsible for the entire produce lifecycle, including ordering, receiving, pricing, displaying, and maintaining the inventory of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Can I use education to qualify for this position?

Yes, if you possess graduate-level education in business, public administration, or agricultural economics, it may be used to meet the qualification requirements, either on its own or in combination with experience.

What if my resume exceeds the two-page limit?

Per the job announcement, resumes longer than two pages will be removed from consideration. Keep your document concise and focused on the relevant experience listed in the job description.

Job from Defense Commissary Agency

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is much more than a grocery store. It is a vital international retail chain that operates over 235 commissaries worldwide, generating more than $4 billion in annual sales. Our primary mission is to enhance the quality of life for military service members and their families. By providing quality groceries at a significant savings, we help ensure our military families remain ready and resilient. We are a diverse, 13,000-strong workforce, and we are looking for leaders who share our commitment to service and quality.