There is a supermarket I visit periodically to say hello to the produce manager. We often spend a few minutes discussing product and other produce topics. This particular produce manager operates a superior department and has many unique skills accompanied by a very aggressive enthusiasm in building sales.

One early afternoon I dropped into the store to pay a visit and was very disappointed to see that a few problems existed. It was obvious that the produce department was in trouble that day, as it was not in its best condition.

After touring the department, it became clear to me why the conditions had occurred. I’ve seen this picture many times in my career and the cause could be dangerous and damaging.

I approached a full-time clerk and asked to see the produce manager. He replied, “He’s on vacation this week.”

My next question was, “Who is taking over for him?” The clerk smiled proudly and said, “I am. I’m the assistant produce manager.”

Then that big silent thought-bubble over my head whispered, “What a surprise.” I then turned and left the store.

Without a doubt, this particular assistant produce manager revealed several weaknesses in the ability to hold down the fort. Could it be inadequate training or simply a lack of skilled workmanship?

I visited two other stores and talked with the produce managers about their assistants. I asked them, “What do you expect out of your assistant produce manager?”

Both similarly replied, “I expect my assistant to do everything I can do,” which was an appropriate response.

Very few produce managers operate a large department completely by themselves. The one person they rely on is their assistant. When the produce manager has a day off, is at a meeting or is out sick, the assistant should then be able to move in and take over the responsibilities immediately.

There is much more to being an assistant produce manager other than just stocking displays and maintaining the department. A greatly skilled assistant works harder than the rest of the team and supports the produce manager by keeping the staff running on a full engine at all times.

I can remember being an assistant produce manager in the past. The produce manager told me that my biggest responsibility was to fix all problems that developed before reaching him. That alone kept me on my toes at all times.

Produce is a fast-paced business. Today, the value of a knowledgeable and skilled assistant produce manager is priceless. The role demands a lot more than just doing the work of a clerk.

Here are a few of the significant attributes needed to become a strong assistant produce manager.

Advancement: Every assistant should have the desire to move up to a produce manager level. Those who are eager and want to get ahead should show it with passion for the business.

Sales-oriented: An enthusiastic assistant should always be thinking about selling and ways to increase sales for the department.

Confidence: Assistants who take charge of challenges by making decisions and not passing them along to produce managers show leadership strength.

Delegate: Assistants must have the capability to assign specific tasks to other workers. He or she acts as an intermediary between the produce manager and all other employees on the staff.

Merchandising: One of the most important skills of assistants is in the sophistication of merchandising. This aspect of the business encompasses creativity, planning and strategies of displaying produce that encourage sales increases.

Creativity: Thinking outside of the box is one of the better qualities in being an assistant. Inventing new ways to sell and capitalizing on current trends are values that help move the department forward on a consistent basis.

Pleasant personality: Amiable assistants are those who are always happy, refreshing, energized, enthusiastic and cheerful with customers and fellow workers.

Problem solving: Dilemmas occur at any moment in the produce operation. It takes a calm and self-controlled person to fix those problems and prevent them from ending up in the produce manager’s lap.

These qualities are necessary to be a talented assistant to the produce manager. On-the-job experience adds huge value in becoming a bona fide produce manager. Mastering all the knowledge and skills as an assistant, and possessing a proven track record, is highly necessary and essential for advancement.

The supermarket industry has lost some of its training-program punch. Can companies afford to allow high standards to fail when produce managers are on days off? Every produce department needs a strong qualified assistant to back up the produce manager.

When it comes to selling produce, superior department standards are the key components for success. Nonetheless, they must be maintained on a consistent basis.