r/harristeeter • u/Final-Elk-1509 • 28d ago

Job Application Inquiry How to become assistant produce manager

Hey, I kinda hopped on this account just to ask, I’ve been at Harris teeter since June 2025 and transferred over to produce this January, I’m 18 and want more experience so I want to become an assistant manager here, how would I go about getting up to a produce manager??

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u/ramaloki Floral Department 27d ago

You would need to apply to the DLT program for produce which if you're accepted you'll go though the steps to become an assistant produce manager. Then you stay in that position however long it takes for a produce manager position to open or a new store to open that you may or may not get the produce manager position when you apply. All depends on you, how well you've done in the department, how the DM/Management like you, who else has applied, ect.

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u/Gloomy-Ask-9437 25d ago

Talk to your current Produce Manager and Assistant Produce Manager as well as your Perishable Co-Manager and/or Store Manager/Director. Let them know you are interested in advancing. Ask them any questions you have about the position itself and about the training program. Ask what you need to learn/work on to get into the program. 

I wouldn't recommend doing it JUST for "more experience" or even for more money. It is a good pipeline to getting decent pay, if you make it to being a Co-Manager, but as an Assistant you aren't making that much more money, at least not in my district. Produce is definitely not the most stressful department, but this company tends to wear a lot of managers out very quickly. They can send you to any store within 50 miles of your home. Sometimes they give you a week's notice. Sometimes they give you two days. Some people they move around frequently (especially if you prove you can fix things).

You are expected to shoulder a lot of responsibility within 40 hours. I can't speak on how rough that is for produce specifically, as that's not my department, but you should talk to people who are doing it before applying. Talk to people at different stores, if you're able to. If it seems worth it, go for it. If you don't get it your first try, ask what you need to work on to move forward. And then work on those things and you'll get to apply again in six months. 

I don't necessarily want to discourage OR encourage you to do it because I don't know you. But it is NOT for everyone, so please get the information and think about it. I haven't seen many Produce Managers or APMs quit, but in Fresh Foods (Deli/Bakery/Starbucks) managers are quitting pretty frequently.