Job Summary

The Assistant Manager for Fresh Produce and Groceries at Loblaw Companies Limited is a high-energy “Merchandising & Service” role within Canada’s largest food retailer. This position requires the “wit” to manage the delicate inventory of highly perishable items and the “grit” to execute physical stocking and heavy lifting in a fast-paced, community-oriented supermarket. You will be the face of the “Fresh” department, ensuring that the first thing customers see when they walk in is a vibrant, high-quality, and perfectly stocked produce section.

Job Details

Employer: Loblaw Companies Limited (Provigo/Loblaws/Maxi banner).
Location: Québec City, Quebec.
Status: Full-time (Varying shifts).
Salary: $30,000 – $45,000 a year.
Physicality: Must be capable of safely lifting up to 50 lbs.

Key Responsibilities: The “Freshness & Sales” Cycle

You are responsible for the aesthetic appeal and the operational efficiency of the produce and grocery aisles.

Exceptional Service: Act as a product expert for customers, providing consistent, friendly assistance and “elevating” the shopping experience.
Quality Control: Ensure proper product scanning (PLU accuracy) and conduct frequent quality checks to remove bruised or expired items from the floor.
Merchandising Excellence: Maintain attractive, full, and organized product displays. Execute promotional programs and seasonal initiatives to drive department sales.
Inventory Management: Oversee stocking levels to prevent “out-of-stocks” while balancing the high turnover required for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Sustainability & Ethics: Implement company-wide sustainability goals, such as reducing food waste through proper rotation and “flash-sale” programs for ripe produce.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

The “Produce Specialist”: Someone with a genuine passion for fresh food and a “customer-first” mindset.
Operational Wit: Strong attention to detail regarding pricing, promotions, and the specific storage needs of different types of produce.
Physical Grit: High stamina for long shifts on your feet and the strength to move heavy crates and pallets safely.
Team Player: An enthusiastic collaborator who values diverse perspectives and works well within a large retail team.
Flexibility: Responsiveness to varying shifts, including early mornings (for receiving) and late evenings (for closing/stocking).

Technical Insights: The Produce Lifecycle

Managing a fresh department requires a technical understanding of “The Cold Chain” and ethylene sensitivity.

The Cold Chain: Maintaining the “Critical Temperature” ( $1$ °C – $4$ °C) from the loading dock to the display case is vital to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.
Ethylene Management: You will learn which fruits (like apples and bananas) produce ethylene gas and must be stored away from “sensitive” items (like leafy greens) to prevent premature ripening.
FIFO (First-In, First-Out): You will master the rotation of stock, ensuring the oldest items are moved to the front to minimize “shrink” (inventory loss).

Why Join Loblaw?

Loblaw is a Canadian retail pillar offering stability and a clear path for professional growth.

Community Impact: Work for a retailer that is deeply integrated into the local Quebec community.
Career Development: Loblaw is known for promoting from within; an Assistant Manager role is often a stepping stone to Department Manager or Store Manager positions.
Sustainability Focus: Be part of a company committed to ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.
Inclusive Environment: A workplace that values teamwork and respects diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.

Job Description

Do you believe that the quality of a grocery store is judged by the crispness of its lettuce? Loblaw Companies Limited is seeking an Assistant Manager for Fresh Produce and Groceries. We aren’t looking for a “shelf stocker”; we are looking for a retail professional who has the “grit” to manage heavy inventory in a cold environment and the “wit” to turn a simple fruit display into a high-converting promotional centerpiece. If you are passionate about fresh food and service excellence, you belong in our Quebec team.

In this role, you are a “Quality Ambassador.” You understand that your department defines the “fresh” image of the entire store. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Merchandising,” ensuring every customer finds exactly what they need and every product meets our rigorous standards. We look for “Service-first” individuals who are enthusiastic, flexible, and ready to make a meaningful impact on our community’s shopping experience.

Joining Loblaw means joining a national leader in retail. We offer the stability you seek and the career path you deserve. If you are a grocery professional with a commitment to “Sustainability and Teamwork,” we invite you to apply and join our team today.

Loblaw Companies Limited: Retail Dominance in Québec City

Loblaw Companies Limited is Canada’s largest food and pharmacy retailer, defined by a 2026 culture of “Live Life Well,” digital acceleration, and unbeatable value. In the Québec City market, Loblaw operates primarily through its Maxi and Provigo banners. Following a major strategic shift in 2024–2025, the company has aggressively expanded its discount footprint (Maxi) to combat food inflation, positioning itself as a leader in affordability through its signature “Imbattable. Point final.” (Unbeatable. Period.) promise.

In 2026, Loblaw is a central force in the Capitale-Nationale retail landscape:

1. The Québec City Banner Architecture

Loblaw serves the region through a tiered system designed to capture both the discount and premium market segments:

Maxi & Maxi & Cie: The dominant discount banner in Québec City. In 2026, Maxi has officially dethroned major competitors as the province’s cheapest grocery destination. Key locations include:
- Maxi Bouvier (Lebourgneuf): A high-volume hub serving the northern business and residential sectors.
- Maxi Wilfrid-Hamel: Located at 550 Rue Fleur-de-Lys, catering to the central urban core.
- Maxi 1re Avenue: A staple in the Limoilou area.
Provigo Le Marché: The upscale, “foodie” banner focusing on fresh local products, in-store specialists (butchers, cheesemongers), and premium ready-to-eat meals.
Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmaprix): Providing essential pharmacy and beauty services across the city, often co-located with or near major grocery hubs.

2. Strategic Pillars: “Value & AI Innovation”

The 2026 Loblaw model focuses on leveraging technology to drive down costs for the consumer:

The Discount Pivot: A multi-billion dollar national investment in 2026 has seen dozens of Provigo locations converted into Maxi stores to meet the demand for lower-priced essentials.
AI-Driven Commerce: Through a major 2026 collaboration with Google, Loblaw has integrated AI-driven personal shopping assistants within its app, helping Québec City shoppers find the best deals and optimize their PC Optimum points.
President’s Choice & No Name: These private labels are the backbone of their value proposition, often priced significantly lower than national brands in every category from dairy to Joe Fresh apparel.

3. Company Culture: “Bring Your Difference”

Internally, Loblaw is consistently recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, fostering a culture where diversity is seen as a driver of innovation:

Inclusion Resource Groups: The company supports several colleague-led groups like ABLE (disability inclusion), PROUD (2SLGBTQIA+), and Embrace Your Roots (multiculturalism).
The “Ownership” Mindset: Employees are encouraged to take personal accountability for the customer experience, with a 2026 focus on “front-line empowerment.”
Bilingual Professionalism: The Québec City operations are deeply rooted in the local francophone culture while benefiting from the resources of a national corporate structure.

4. 2026 Career & Compensation Benchmarks

Working for Loblaw in Québec City offers the stability of a retail giant with a comprehensive benefits suite:

Compensation Highlights (2026 Estimates):
- Cashier / Clerk (Maxi): ~$18.50 – $21.00 per hour.
- Department Manager: ~$52,000 – $68,000 per year.
- Store Manager (Directeur de magasin): ~$85,000 – $110,000+ per year.
- Pharmacist (Pharmaprix): ~$105,000 – $130,000+ per year.
Colleague Perks:
- The 10% Discount: All employees receive a 10% discount on purchases at corporate stores (often increasing to 20% during holiday seasons).
- PC Optimum Incentives: Enhanced point-earning opportunities and early access to “Flashfood” deals to reduce grocery waste.
- Education Support: Employer-paid tuition subsidies (up to $2,500/year) for job-related courses and access to “The Academy,” an internal learning management system.
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive plans that include mental health support (up to $3,500/year) and a shared-cost pension plan.

Partnering with or working for Loblaw in Québec City means being part of an “Essential Canadian Institution.” Whether you are a local family looking for the cheapest grocery basket at Maxi or a professional building a career in retail management, the experience is defined by the opportunity to “help Canadians live life well.”

To apply for this job please visit careers.loblaw.ca.