What are the Different Supermarket Jobs?

A typical supermarket requires the skills of many employees to ensure that the store runs efficiently at all times. Good workers keep customers happy and provide them with a wide variety of fresh groceries and other goods. There are many different types of supermarket jobs available to individuals with varying levels of education and experience, including grocery stock persons and merchandisers, cashiers, custodians, and management personnel.

Many jobs in a supermarket are held by merchandisers and stock persons. Employees typically split their time between storerooms and the supermarket floor, receiving shipments, pricing items, stocking shelves, and checking inventory. In large supermarkets, stock persons usually work in certain departments, such as produce, vitamins, or household goods. The specific responsibilities for employees in different departments vary, though most perform similar customer service duties, such as giving recommendations and helping people find certain items.

These employees may be required to set up displays for featured products. They make sure that display items are presented neatly and creatively to attract the attention of potential customers. A stock person frequently checks the condition of items on the supermarket floor, making sure that they have not expired and are accurately priced. Most jobs in stocking and merchandising can be attained with a high school diploma and some experience in customer service.

Cashiers may perform a range of duties to ensure customer satisfaction. They scan and bag grocery items, accept payment from customers, operate cash registers, and answer questions about prices and purchases. Cashiers must be familiar with all of the different types of groceries and merchandise offered at the supermarket and stay up to date on special deals. Most cashiers have high school educations and experience in retail and customer service.

Custodians typically work after a supermarket is closed or during off-peak hours to clean the store. A custodian may be responsible for mopping and buffing the floors, straightening up displays and shelved items, washing windows and doors, and maintaining equipment. These employees can come from many backgrounds, though most employers seek people with high school degrees and proven cleaning skills.

Managers usually head different departments within a supermarket, making sure that employees are performing their jobs efficiently. Supervisors and managers are frequently placed in charge of assessing inventory and ordering new products. They may also assume supermarket jobs in human resources, such as hiring, training, and payroll. Most jobs in management require applicants to have extensive customer service experience and an educational background in business or accounting.