What is an assistant produce manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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You've probably seen someone deftly handle an irritated customer or quickly find the exact produce product you'd been searching for ten minutes to locate before. In that case, the chances are likely that they're the Assistant Produce Manager.

While the Head Produce Manager is busy keeping the behind processes running smoothly and efficiently, an Assistant Produce Manager is upfront and present. They're typically the liaison between employees and the Head Produce Manager while also taking care of customer requests and maintaining the front-end order. This can be a stressful job at times, especially during customer rush hours. With good communication and leadership skills, a quality Assistant Produce Manager can keep the team motivated and deescalated.

Companies are typically looking for at least a high school diploma/GED for incoming Assistant Produce Managers. Their biggest concern will be in the number of years of experience in various retail jobs and more specifically in the produce department. This is generally a full-time, hourly position that makes about $15 per hour.

ScoreAssistant Produce ManagerUS Average
Salary
2.7

Avg. Salary $34,570

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
8.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 6.23%

Black or African American 10.53%

Hispanic or Latino 15.21%

Unknown 4.79%

White 62.58%

Gender

female 20.18%

male 79.82%

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

Assistant Produce Manager career paths

Key steps to become an assistant produce manager

  1. Explore assistant produce manager education requirements

    Most common assistant produce manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    36.4 %

    High School Diploma

    28.6 %

    Associate

    24.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific assistant produce manager skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Pallets18.08%
    Cleanliness17.78%
    Math10.23%
    Pallet Jack9.71%
    Quality Products5.42%
  3. Complete relevant assistant produce manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New assistant 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 an assistant produce manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real assistant produce manager resumes.
  4. Gain additional assistant produce manager certifications

    Assistant 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 assistant produce manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for assistant produce managers include Food Safety Manager Certification and Medical Assistant.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research assistant produce manager duties and responsibilities

    • Attain NYC fire safety program.
    • Execute and monitor strategic merchandising plans to achieve revenue objectives and reduce expenditures while ensuring payroll remains within budget.
    • Work with USDA and FDA state inspectors.
    • Inspect all VIP room for quality.
  6. Apply for assistant produce manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an assistant produce manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Assistant Produce Manager Job

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Average assistant produce manager salary

The average Assistant Produce Manager salary in the United States is $34,570 per year or $17 per hour. Assistant produce manager salaries range between $25,000 and $46,000 per year.

Average Assistant Produce Manager Salary
$34,570 Yearly
$16.62 hourly

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How do assistant produce managers rate their job?

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Assistant Produce Manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

Ability to resolve issues, timely delivery on goals and mantainance of inter personal relationship and organizing.

Cons

Insurbordination, failure to deliver on tasks and targets.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Cons

Sometimes it gets overwhelming. Everyone turns to you and you have to be able to help them

Pros

Its very rewarding, not only in money but also being able to pass on knowledge and being responsible for so much.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Cons

i don't want to have all responsibility


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.