Experienced produce manager Experienced forklift operator inexperienced class2 driver
Open To Work
Callan Lethbridge
Woolworths
Whanganui,MWT
Work Preference
Job Search Status:
Open to work
Work Type
Full Time
Location Preference
On-Site
Location:
Kaitoke, Wanganui , MWT
Open to relocation:
No
Minimum Desired Compensation
$45000/yr
1
Certification
33
years of professional experience
Dependable, reliable, focused, adaptable and self motivated individual with a desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, time management, organizational skills and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively and efficiently as part of a team or unsupervised quick to master new skills.
Work History
Produce Manager
22 Years 11 Months
Woolworths | College estate , Wanganui | 12.2002 - 11.2025
Oversaw daily operations of the produce department, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Managed inventory levels for fresh produce to minimize waste and ensure quality.
Collaborated with suppliers to source high-quality fruits and vegetables.
Trained staff on proper handling and storage of perishable goods.
Trained and coached new team members.
Supervised staff members in the produce department, delegating tasks and training new employees.
Resolved customer complaints promptly while maintaining a positive attitude towards customers.
Coordinated with other departments to ensure proper merchandising of produce items throughout store locations.
Created promotional displays for seasonal or special occasions, increasing sales volume through marketing efforts.
Coordinated efficient restocking of grocery merchandise to meet customer needs and promote consistent sales.
Maintained comprehensive compliance with workplace and food safety standards to protect staff and customers.
Led by example and took responsibility for all actions driving culture of performance excellence.
Received produce deliveries and efficiently unloaded items to maintain inventory flow.
Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
Fresh Produce Assistant
5 Months
Woolworths | College estate , Wanganui | 07.2002 - 12.2002
Provided excellent customer service at all times.
Answered customer inquiries regarding availability of specific items or product
Demonstrated familiarity with department products to help customers in selecting items.
Provided guidance to coworkers on proper handling of fresh produce items.
Adhered to proper pricing procedures on merchandise according to established guidelines.
Maintained cleanliness of the store including floors, counters, shelving, and coolers.
Rotated stock regularly to ensure freshness of products. to maintain freshness.
Utilized product knowledge to minimize waste, repurposing or discounting near-expiry produce.
Identified spills and responded quickly to ensure a safe shopping environment..
Ensured freshness and quality of all fruits and vegetables by checking for signs of spoilage or damage.
Loaded, unloaded and moved heavy products using material loading equipment.
Received and processed shipments from vendors in a timely manner.
Maintained accurate inventory records using computer software programs.
Processed returns quickly and efficiently while following company policy guidelines.
Organized display cases to ensure maximum visibility of products.
Monitored work environment to maintain safety, cleanliness and organization.
Relief Produce Manager
4 Months
Woolworths | Palmerston North, Palmerston North | 03.2002 - 07.2002
Managed daily operations of produce department for leading supermarket chain.
Oversaw inventory control and ensured product quality standards were met.
Monitored and maintained quality standards for all produce items, ensuring freshness and safety compliance.
Trained new team members to enhance their skills and improve team performance.
Trained and mentored staff on customer service and product knowledge.
Trained and coached new team members.
Assisted customers with produce questions and special orders.
Resolved customer complaints promptly while maintaining a positive attitude towards customers.
Led by example and took responsibility for all actions drive culture of performance excellence.
Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
Replenished, rotated and culled displays several times daily.
Received produce deliveries and unloaded produce.
Maintained records of purchases, storage temperatures, deliveries, and invoices for accuracy in financial reporting.
Monitored compliance with health and safety regulations in produce handling.
Assistant Produce Manager
1 Year 11 Months
Woolworths | College estate , Wanganui | 04.2000 - 03.2002
Coordinated with suppliers to ensure quality and freshness of produce
Assisted in managing daily produce operations and inventory controls.
Organized and supervised the receiving, stocking, rotating, pricing and merchandising of all produce items.
Maintained comprehensive compliance with workplace and food safety standards to protect staff and customers.
Received and unloaded produce deliveries in a timely manner.
Ensured that departmental standards were met in regards to product freshness, presentation, safety and sanitation guidelines.
Maintained a clean work area by cleaning counters, shelves and displays regularly.
Trained and coached new team members.
Received produce deliveries and unloaded produce.
Collaborated with team members to optimize workflow efficiency in department.
Resolved customer inquiries regarding produce selection and quality issues.
Assisted customers with produce questions and special orders.
Trimmed, washed, and bundled produce.
Replenished, rotated and culled displays several times daily.
Provided training and coaching to new team members on produce handling and customer service.
Ordered stock from suppliers according to established purchasing procedures.
Reviewed invoices to verify accuracy of order quantities and prices.
Implemented strategies to reduce shrinkage in the department due to theft or spoilage.
Fresh Produce Assistant
7 Years
Woolworths | College estate , Wanganui | 04.1993 - 04.2000
Assisted customers with selecting fresh produce
Provided excellent customer service at all times.
Greeted customers and offered to help locate produce items.
Maintained cleanliness and organization of the produce section.
Maintained produce department cleanliness, ensuring a hygienic and appealing shopping environment.
Followed company guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing work surfaces and equipment.
Followed company policies regarding food safety, sanitation, and customer service standards.
Stocked, rotated and faced products with attention to product quality and expiration dates to maintain freshness.
Monitored stock levels and reported shortages to management.
Conducted daily inventory of stock, restocking shelves as needed.
Wrapped and labeled products for display and sale.
Operated equipment such as scales, knives, baggers, blenders, as needed.
Loaded, unloaded and moved heavy products using material loading equipment.
Checked prices and located products for customers.
Identified and quickly handled spill clean-up.
Supported team members in daily tasks and customer service efforts.
Adhered to health and safety regulations, maintaining a safe shopping environment.
Performed quality checks on produce, removing damaged or spoiled items promptly.
Cleaned shelves, counters and tables to maintain organized store.
Education
Wanganui High School | Springvale, Whanganui
Skills
Inventory management
Quality control
Operations management
Inventory replenishment
Task prioritization
Change management
Budget management
Marketing management
Marketing promotions
Team management
Department leadership
Staff training
Cross-functional collaboration
Customer service
Problem resolution
Problem-solving aptitude
Attention to detail
Verbal and written communication
Communication skills
Adaptability
Certification
Full Class1 Licence
Full Class2 Licence
F Endorsement Forklift Current Forklift Operator Cert Expires 21-02-2027
Leading & Developing Teams programme For Woolworths 2001
Ecolab Chemical Awareness & Safety Programme Relating To Ecolab Products
Introductory Food Safety Unit Standard 167
Advanced Food Safety Unit Standard 168
New Zealand firearms licence expires 17-11-2026
Accomplishments
3 Produce Manager of the year awards for the group of 15-20 stores
6-12 awards for team member or safety team member of the month
Affiliations
I have owned a 4.5 hectare lifestyle block for 20 years & was always learning different aspects of running various stock on the property
Using a chainsaw/log splitter doing firewood
Riding a quad bike & fixing it where possible to save $ on costly repairs
Helping friends or family where I can with an extra pair of hands or whatever they may need school pick ups drop offs etc