For those who have ever wondered about the different jobs in a supermarket, this article is for you. We have compiled details about the different positions in a supermarket, including job duties and pay rates. Keep reading to learn all about the different positions in a supermarket.
The Produce Department
The Produce Department Job Duties:
- Rotate stock daily to ensure fresh produce is available for shoppers
- Manage orders and deliveries for the department
- Monitor inventory
- Ensure compliance with food safety restrictions
- Cleaning bins, coolers, and shelves to maintain food safety
Job Pay Rate:$11-13/hr. base rate, up to $28/hr. base for management positions
Produce is a general term for products grown on a farm. That includes fruits and vegetables. The supermarket’s produce section is also where grocers may stock other fresh items such as nuts, herbs, or refrigerated juices.
Workers, also known as produce clerks, in this section have many responsibilities to keep their department neat and orderly. They may stock and rotate the merchandise. They may also arrange displays or choose products to feature.
To work in the produce section, store associates may require job-specific training. Some stores may require the employees to obtain a food handlers license. Classes about preventing cross-contamination or food-borne illnesses are required in some stores. The store policies and the state in which the store is operating determine the regulations and requirements.
Positions in the Produce Department: The entry-level position in the produce department is the produce clerk position. As employees gain experience and demonstrate that they do their job well, they are promoted to produce department manager. Associates with experience managing a department such as the produce section may go on to assistant store manager or even supermarket store manager.
The Meat and Seafood Department
The Meat and Seafood Department Job Duties:
- Maintain compliance with local health codes
- Ensure freezers, meat cases, and preparation areas are sanitary and safe
- Monitor inventory
- Fulfill special orders, including cutting the meats/fish
- Manage orders and deliveries for the department
Job Pay Rate:$11/hr. base rate, up to$23/hr. base rate for management positions
The meat and seafood section is where shoppers find fresh beef, poultry, and fish. Smaller stores may offer limited selection and services. The larger supermarkets may have a full-service department and associates ready to help customers choose a cut of meat or prepare a special order.
Meat preparation can be dangerous because of food-borne bacteria. To work in this supermarket area, meat department associates must have a working knowledge of the area’s health and safety codes. They must also competently operate the equipment and be familiar with the products the market carries.
Employees in the meat and seafood department, also called meat clerks, also need special training. Some store positions require tests or certifications to be considered for the job.
Safety is a priority in this department because of the risk of occupational injury. The meat manager and butchers use large equipment with sharp blades to process the different types and cuts of meat.
The meat and seafood department employees also stock glass cases and coolers with meat. Grocery store associates must keep meats at cool temperatures to prevent bacteria from growing. Meat department associates may spend time cleaning and sanitizing the area and equipment to meet high safety standards.
Positions in the Meat and Seafood Department: The meat and seafood department associates can be hired as clerks with little or no experience. Meat clerks who gain knowledge and experience in their department can get promoted to the department manager. Department managers can be cross-trained to learn other departments as well. With experience managing other departments, employees can get promoted to assistant store manager and store manager.
The Deli and Prepared Foods Department
The Deli and Prepared Foods Department Job Duties:
- Rotate deli items daily to ensure freshness for shoppers
- Monitor inventory
- Fulfill deli orders for shoppers during business hours
- Receive and fulfill special orders
- Unpack deliveries for the department
Job Pay Rate:$14/hr. base rate, up to $21/hr. base rate for management positions
Deli workers, also called deli clerks, maintain the deli section. Mid to large-sized supermarkets generally have a deli and prepared foods department, although smaller stores may not. This section offers specialty meats and cheeses that are not available in other areas of the supermarket.
Deli clerks prepare sliced to orders of fresh-cut meats and cheeses for sandwiches. They also prepare custom-made meat and cheese trays. Supermarket delis also prepare dishes like potato salad, rotisserie-cooked chickens, or cheese balls and dips for entertaining.
Supermarket employees who work in the deli and prepared foods must follow the store and local food handling regulations. Employees will require special training and certification to work in this department. They must be meticulous in maintaining food safety, preventing spoilage or contamination, and also provide customer service to deli patrons.
Positions in the Deli and Prepared Foods Department: Stores can hire deli clerks for the department without experience. This position is entry-level and requires willingness and ability to learn. Over time, associates in the deli section may be promoted to the department manager.
The Dairy Section
The Dairy Section Job Duties:
- Monitor inventory daily for freshness, check expiration dates, rotate products
- Maintain fully stocked shelves in the department
- Place orders with vendors
- Stock and unpack shipments as they arrive from delivery trucks
- Ensure compliance with safety and sanitation standards
Job Pay Rate:$12.50/hr. base rate, up to $21/hr. base rate for management positions
Dairy department employees work in a refrigerated section of the store that stocks dairy products, such as processed cheeses, creams, and yogurts.
Shoppers will notice that this section of the supermarket stays very cold. The reason is that milk can spoil at temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. As dairy products warm, bacteria can begin to grow. Employees in this department are tasked with regularly checking the thermometers in the shelves, bins, and cases to ensure safety. They will likely need to dress warm or wear layers because they will spend time in refrigerated coolers.
This specialty department may require special training, testing, or certification before or upon hire. The reason for this is that safety and sanitation are important in this department. Workers must be familiar with the department’s requirements to keep the products from spoiling. They may rotate the stock, keep the section clean, and maintain inventory.
Positions in the Dairy Department: The dairy department hires clerks without experience. Dairy department workers can work their way up to the department manager, and eventually even assistant store manager or store manager.
The Frozen Foods Section
The Frozen Foods Section Job Duties:
- Monitor inventory
- Check expiration dates
- Place vendor orders
- Stock deliveries
Job Pay Rate: $13 to $18/hr. base salary rate
Store associates in the frozen foods department work to stock and maintain freezer items. The frozen foods departments hold packaged dinners, vegetables, side items, desserts, and ice cream novelties that must remain frozen.
Employees frequently check the temperatures on thermometers in the cases and coolers to prevent products from spoiling. In the freezer section, the cases maintain a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower! Store associates must dress warmly or wear layers.
Store associates who work in the frozen food department have the primary responsibility of maintaining inventory. Products are not rotated as frequently here as they are in other sections of the market. As far as department management goes, this is one of the easier store sections to maintain.
Positions in the Frozen Foods Section: The frozen foods section offers an entry-level opportunity for those who want to work in the supermarket. Employees can gain experience in this department that lets them cross-train to work in other departments too. Over time, Management can promote dependable employees to the department manager.
The Bakery Department
The Bakery Department Job Duties:
- Bake items daily for sale
- Decorate cakes and other confections
- Monitor the bakery inventory
- Place orders with vendors
- Receive and fulfill special orders, i.e., birthday cakes
Job Pay Rate: $13 to $18/hour base salary rate
Supermarket customers go to the bakery department for fresh bread, muffins, cakes, cookies, pies, and more. Bakeries vary depending on the size of the market. Small bakery departments will have less of a selection available due to lower demand. Larger supermarkets offer a full-service bakery and often accommodate custom orders, like wedding cakes.
Employees who work in the bakery department, also called bakery clerks, have a specialized role. Because they may be the ones to prepare or package the goods. With that in mind, working in this department may require a food handlers license. This position may also require special training or experience.
Bakery associates get to practice creativity and skill in this department. Supermarkets capitalize on holidays and special events like the Super Bowl. They sell trays or themed packages for entertaining, gifting, and enjoying. Working in the bakery department can be a fun experience.
Positions in the Bakery Department: Supermarket managers can hire bakery department associates with little or no experience. Bakery clerks with experience can work toward being promoted to the bakery department manager. Department managers who stay in the business will likely continue to assistant store managers or grocery store managers.
The Pharmacy Department
The Pharmacy Department Job Duties:
- Verify physician orders for prescription medications
- Compound and dispense prescription pharmaceuticals
- Monitor inventory and reports
- Maintain compliance with regulatory authorities
- Educate consumers re medications
Job Pay Rate: an average of $14/hr. base rate, up to $70-80/hr. base rate for pharmacist positions
The supermarket pharmacy compounds and dispenses medications for shoppers. Pharmacists on staff also advise consumers about over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and medicinal herbs for purchase at the supermarket.
Many medium or big supermarkets offer full-service pharmacy services to patrons. Pharmacies attract more business for the store because shoppers enjoy the convenience of filling their medications while grocery shopping. It is a time saver for busy households.
Positions in the Pharmacy Department: Supermarket managers can hire pharmacy technicians for this entry-level position without any prior experience or training. High school education and the ability to perform job tasks such as customer service, operating a cash register, filling orders, and using computer systems are required.
There is a certification for pharmacy techs. It increases the employee’s skill set and makes them more desirable employees. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is beneficial for those wanting to go into the pharmacy technician field. Pharmacy technicians also need to have excellent communication skills. They may have to call doctors, talk with insurance carriers, or conference with professionals in the medical field to clarify information.
Licensed pharmacists supervise pharmacy techs. Pharmacists are Doctors. A pharmacist’s job requires a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, which is why the pay rate is so high.
The Stockroom
The Stockroom Job Duties:
- Move deliveries from receiving bays behind the supermarket to the shelves
- Maintain the stockroom
- Keep logs and records for deliveries
- Operate machinery such as pallet jacks, cardboard shredders, or trash compactors
- Train or supervise other stockers
Job Pay Rate:$12.50/hr. base rate
The stockroom is the part of the supermarket where delivery trucks unload deliveries of merchandise. Workers in the stockroom receive products at shipping docks. Then they record deliveries in the inventory logs. After that, store associates move the merchandise onto the sales floor.
The stockroom also serves as a place to hold equipment such as pallet jacks, additional shelving, and cardboard compactors. In some cases, these workers operate this heavy equipment with special training.
Some stores offer overnight shifts. Night shifts allow them to stock the store shelves after hours when the stores are empty and there are no shoppers around. Overnight positions may pay more and can be easier because they do not have to work with a lot of other employees.
Positions in the Stockroom: Stockroom associates are often hired with little or no experience. With experience in this department, store associates can be promoted to the department manager. Department managers often move on to experience managing other departments and seeking a position as an assistant store manager or store manager.
The Grocery Department
The Grocery Department Job Duties:
- Monitor the store inventory daily
- Maintain logs
- Check product expiration dates
- Place vendor orders
- Stock deliveries
- Oversee associates who stock the shelves
Job Pay Rate:$12.50/hr. base rate
Grocery clerks may work in many different parts of the store. The grocery section is a generalized term for the aisles and shelves that are not a part of any other grocery store section. Shoppers find a wide variety of items in the grocery department. Stores stock items as varied as:
- Baby items
- Boxed dinners
- Chips
- Household cleaners
- Pet food
- Sodas
Other duties include stocking or cleaning the grocery shelves and aisles. Grocery department associates maintain bulk bins and clearance sections where the markdown items go too. Working in the grocery section of the supermarket does not require any certification or license. It is an entry-level position. Most stores require a high school diploma or GED equivalent certificate. On hire, the store will train the grocery clerks.
Positions in the Grocery Department: Store management can hire the grocery department associates in the supermarket without any previous grocery experience. Store associates in the grocery section can get promoted to the department manager or assistant department manager. With experience as a department manager, employees can go on to manage the store.
Beer and Wine Department
Beer and Wine Department Job Duties:
- Monitor inventory regularly and maintain logs
- Check expiration dates
- Place vendor orders and stock deliveries
- Merchandising the products with consideration for unique, craft, and local specialties
- Maintain signage and pricing
- Plan for promotions and sales
Job Pay rate:$14/hr. base rate, up to $30-35/hr. base for management positions
Supermarkets may carry few varieties of alcoholic beverages. In larger supermarkets, departments will feature specialty beers or wines and entice shoppers with food pairings. Beer and wine sections are available in some upscale supermarkets, depending on local government regulations.
Employees in the beer and wine section, also called beer or wine clerks, must keep up a clean and safe working and shopping department. They may have to sweep floors, clean shelves, and maintain inventory logs.
Positions in the Beer and Wine Department: Beer and wine department associates can be hired as clerks with little or no experience. Department clerks with experience can get promoted to the department manager or assistant department manager.
The Floral Department
The Floral Department Job Duties:
- Design and create floral arrangements
- Organize, plan, schedule, and lead other floral associates
- Receive and fulfill special/custom orders
- Design displays
- Merchandising for holiday time and other special occasions to promote sales
Job Pay Rate:$14/hr. base rate, up to $17-18/hr. base for the Floral Department manager
Shoppers can find plants, flower arrangements, balloons, and small gift items in the floral department. Flowers stay more colorful and fresh-looking and last longer when they are chilled. So, many floral departments will place their merchandise inside refrigerated cases or shelves. Floralife, a floral arrangement provider, recommends storing flowers at 34-38 degrees Fahrenheit.
In smaller or medium-sized supermarkets, the floral department may be tiny or nonexistent. Shoppers may find a self-service model where the floral arrangements are pre-made and displayed for grab-and-go shopping.
In larger stores, customers can find a full-service floral shop. Some upscale supermarkets sell even rare or exotic flowers, with higher prices to match the higher quality. There are different positions in the floral department. The entry-level position is called a floral department clerk. Once an individual has demonstrated an aptitude for the role, stores may promote the clerk position to floral assistant. Floral assistants may then go on to become Floral department managers.
Positions in the Floral Department: Floral department associates can be trained to perform the department job duties. With experience, Supermarket managers can promote floral department employees. They could become an assistant department manager or department manager.
Health and Beauty Department
Health and Beauty Department Job Duties:
- Ensure adequate stock on hand for sale
- Monitor expiration dates
- Track inventory
- Place orders
- Stock new merchandise
- Rotate signage and displays seasonally
- Provide customer service and make product recommendations
Job Pay Rate: starts at $14/hr. base rate, up to$16.62/hr. base rate for department manager
The store employees who work in the supermarket’s beauty section are also called clerks or cosmetics associates.
Supermarkets leverage their convenience to get shoppers to buy things that don’t qualify as groceries. To compete with other stores selling cosmetics and beauty items, supermarkets strive to offer creative merchandising and competitive pricing that shoppers can’t resist.
Merchandisers place personal care items in the health and beauty section of the supermarket. Other items shoppers find here include:
- Cosmetics
- Lotions
- Personal hygeine products
- Shampoo
- Shaving products.
- Soap
Supermarkets do not miss opportunities to sell merchandise, so the health and beauty department is generally dressed up with special lighting, signage, and displays to attract shoppers. Health and beauty clerks may set up displays, arrange products, and help customers find their needs.
Positions in the Health and Beauty Department: The health and beauty department associates are typically hired as clerks with little or no experience. Clerks who display an aptitude for anticipating customer needs and gain knowledge and experience in their department can get promoted to the department manager. Department managers can be cross-trained to learn other departments as well. With experience managing other departments, employees can get promoted to assistant store manager and store manager.
The Front End Position
The Front End Job Duties:
- Oversee cashiers, baggers, and customer service desk associates
- Monitor the flow of checkout lanes for speed and efficiency
- Receive complaints or service issues and report to the supermarket store manager
- Maintain front end cleanliness and visual appeal
- Assist in store loss prevention efforts
- Greet patrons entering and leaving the store or department
- Run the cash register and process financial transactions
Job Pay Rate:$12/hr. base rate, up to $23/hr. base rate for management positions
The front-end positions include the cashier stands, checkout lines, and grocery baggers. The cash office and customer service desk are also positions considered a part of the grocery store front end.
As it is known in the supermarket business, the front end is the market section positioned at the front of the store. Bays of candy bars usually surround the cash registers, magazines, sodas, and impulse buy items to capture those last-minute sales.
This department is focused more on customer service than the other parts of the store because it is often the first and last opportunity to make a good impression and complete the sales. Supermarkets are concerned about their shopper’s experience. They look for front-end clerks that are dependable, responsible, and able to provide exceptional customer service.
Positions in the Front End Department: The front end department associates can be hired for entry-level positions, like grocery bagger, with little or no experience. The bagger and cashier positions are where new hires start in the supermarket. After showing they have what it takes to fulfill the job duties and responsibilities, cashiers and baggers may be promoted to shift supervisors or managers.
Cashier Positions
Cashier Job Duties:
- Operate the cash registers
- Count money and make change
- Provide customer service
Job Pay Rate:$11.00/hr. base rate
The cashiers in the grocery store are the faces that the public sees. This position is what most people are familiar with and think of when they consider positions in a supermarket.
Cashiers have a unique role in the supermarket. They usually clock in and pick up a till from the cash office. A till is a drawer that holds bills and coins. After the shift, the till is recounted to make sure that there is no missing money.
To be a cashier, supermarket employers look for honest, dependable workers and can count money and operate cash registers. Cashiers should also be friendly and cheerful.
Cashiers cannot sit during their shift. They spend their time on their feet standing at the registers. The cashier position does not typically require lifting heavy objects but may require standing for long periods.
The cashier position does not require any formal training. Many supermarkets may hire students who have not yet completed school.
Grocery Store Bagger Positions
Grocery Store Bagger Job Duties:
- Assist cashiers with bagging groceries
- Help customers carry groceries or pushcarts to their cars
- Restock bags for the registers
Job Pay Rate:$9/hr. base rate
Grocery store baggers are another important position on the front end of the grocery store. Baggers are the ones that help shoppers complete their purchases and get their items to their vehicle in the parking lot.
Grocery store bagging positions are entry-level. The position does not require any training or certification. In many cases, someone may be hired for the position and start immediately with little training. Baggers provide an important role in providing customer service. A helpful and cheerful bagger can leave a positive final impression.
Summary
As you can see, there are many different positions in the supermarket. There are different pay rates, experience requirements, and job duties in each department. Yet while different, each position has an important role to play in the supermarket’s operations. Each position also provides individuals the opportunity to move to other departments within the store, thereby broadening their skill set and knowledge.