Erica Halstead

Produce Manager and Key Carrier with 17+ years of experience leading high-volume grocery operations averaging over $800,000 in weekly sales. Proven record of exceeding sales and shrink targets, developing teams, and driving operational excellence in merchandising, food safety, and category management. Skilled in business strategy, analytics, and data-driven decision making.

Produce Manager / Key Carrier - The GIANT Company

(2008-12 - 2026-03)

• Directed daily operations in high-volume stores averaging over $800,000 in weekly sales, including opening and closing procedures that ensured seamless transitions and full operational readiness.
• Led teams by delegating tasks according to individual strengths, coaching for performance improvement, and developing associates into Assistant Produce Managers and Produce Managers.
• Maintained rigorous food safety standards store-wide and managed critical situations, including power outages, to protect customers, associates, and company assets.
• Drove department profitability through optimized merchandising, well-maintained prep and back rooms, effective cross-merchandising of mass produce displays, and consistent gross profit improvement.
• Consistently exceeded produce sales and shrink budgets, achieving numerous record-breaking sales weeks through inventory control, shrink reduction, and labor optimization.
• Analyzed P&L statements and operational reports to make data-driven decisions supporting sales growth and operational efficiency.
• Managed the full HR cycle for the department, including recruiting support, new-hire training, scheduling, performance recognition, and corrective coaching.
• Traveled company-wide to support new store openings, grand re-openings, construction merchandising, and underperforming produce departments.

Associate in applied science - Marketing - Northampton Community College (2015-08)