How To Become A Produce Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is a produce manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

The produce manager is in charge of overseeing operations and staffing for the produce department within a grocery store. He/She monitors the quality and freshness of all products, including goods and services. Also, he/she suggests changes to inventory and pricing and purchases supplies when needed. As the produce manager, you'll be accountable for department staff training, assignments, and scheduling. You'll manage inventory levels and restock produce when necessary. You'll work with the store manager to address performance and resolve issues within the department. Additionally, you'll ensure all products meet company standards.

This position requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Applicants must have at least a year of experience in a similar role. You must be familiar with food safety procedures and must possess organization, attention to detail, teamwork, and customer service skills. You must also be proficient in Microsoft Office. Produce managers make an average salary of $42,883 annually. It varies between $31,000 and $59,000.

ScoreProduce ManagerUS Average

Salary

2.9

Avg. Salary $37,310

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

9.4

Growth rate -21%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 6.40%

Black or African American 9.68%

Hispanic or Latino 16.21%

Unknown 4.73%

White 62.31%

Gender

female 25.88%

male 74.12%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

9.4

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.2

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a produce manager

Explore produce manager education requirements

Most common produce manager degrees

Bachelor's

37.9 %

High School Diploma

28.1 %

Associate

23.3 %

Start to develop specific produce manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Cleanliness	12.71%
Pallets	11.61%
Customer Service	8.75%
Food Safety	8.27%
Pallet Jack	6.42%

Complete relevant produce manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New produce managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a produce manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real produce manager resumes.

Gain additional produce manager certifications

Produce manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific produce manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for produce managers include Food Safety Manager Certification and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

More About Certifications

Research produce manager duties and responsibilities

Manage receipts, handling of perishables, co-packing and re-packing, maintenance and dispatch of goods.
Conduct quality control evaluations to ensure cleanliness and customer satisfaction.
Include all bread, ice cream, frozen foods, beer and wine, meat dept.
Balance monthly the FTD report, greet and serve the customers.

Prepare your produce manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your produce manager resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a produce manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable produce manager resume templates

Build a professional produce manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your produce manager resume.