Career Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline

Zachary Barrett-Desforges

Vision Produce
Kelmscott,WA
1
Certification
11
years of professional experience

Experienced and reliable fresh produce and warehouse professional with over 8 years of experience in retail, including 8.5 years with Coles progressing from being a fresh produce team member into management roles. Experienced in establishing and managing fresh produce operations within a newly opened store, with a strong focus on product quality, stock management, team leadership, customer service, and maintaining efficient day-to-day operations.

Currently working in a produce warehouse environment, with hands-on experience picking and packing orders accurately and efficiently to meet delivery timeframes for retail stores. Holds a current forklift license and is experienced in safely loading trucks and coordinating stock to support efficient and timely deliveries. A hardworking, adaptable and safety-conscious team member with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to perform effectively in fast-paced retail and warehouse environments.

Work History

Warehouse Assistant

2 Years 4 Months
Vision Produce | 05.2024 - Current
  • Track 10-25 produce orders per shift while preparing stock for dispatch and maintaining accurate warehouse flow.
  • Rotate produce stock daily to support freshness standards and minimize spoilage across storage areas.
  • Pick, pack, and prepare produce orders for timely loading and delivery throughout the workday.
  • Inspect incoming produce for quality, quantity, and condition before placing items into storage.
  • Maintain clean and organized work areas to support safe handling and efficient product movement.
  • Assist with stock counts and record updates to keep inventory information current and usable.
  • Communicate product issues, shortages, and damaged stock promptly to help keep daily operations on track.
  • Follow warehouse procedures for handling, sorting, and storing produce in line with daily workload needs.
  • Load and unload product carefully to protect quality and support accurate order movement.
  • Use forklift equipment safely to move pallets and stage produce for dispatch and storage.
  • Move produce safely with forklift equipment to keep storage and dispatch areas organized.
  • Assist loading trucks using forklift equipment to ensure efficient delivery times.

Fresh Produce Manager

3 Months
Coles Supermarket | 02.2024 - 05.2024
  • Conducted regular staff training sessions on proper handling and storage techniques for various types of produce, increasing product longevity and freshness.
  • Championed sustainability efforts within the department by introducing reusable packaging options and promoting responsible sourcing practices among suppliers.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing knowledgeable and friendly service in the fresh produce department.
  • Improved employee productivity through effective scheduling and task delegation, ensuring all team members had clear responsibilities within the department.
  • Implemented safety protocols within the department, minimizing risks associated with handling perishable goods or heavy equipment use during stocking.
  • Reduced waste levels by regularly monitoring inventory and adjusting orders accordingly.
  • Boosted sales of fresh produce by implementing creative and eye-catching displays.
  • Implemented efficient inventory management processes, reducing stock discrepancies and improving overall stock control.
  • Organized promotional events to increase awareness of seasonal items, driving sales growth in targeted categories.
  • Maintained strict quality control standards, ensuring only the freshest products were available for customers.
  • Coached and mentored new team members.
  • Maintained produce display, and prep and storage areas in clean and orderly condition.
  • Maintained produce area and kept produce storage area clean and sanitary.
  • Assisted customers with produce questions.
  • Selected items for specials and marked down items to reduce losses.
  • Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.

Fresh Produce Manager

10 Months
Coles Supermarket | 04.2023 - 02.2024
  • Responsible for the opening of the 100th WA Coles store as a new Fresh Produce Manager.
  • Trained and managed a brand new team in the Fruit & Veg department consisting of 10+ workers with no previous work experience.
  • Managed daily produce displays to keep sections clean, stocked, and visually appealing.
  • Monitored stock levels and replenished produce throughout trading hours to support availability.
  • Coordinated fresh produce ordering and receipt processes to align supply with store demand.
  • Provided courteous customer assistance on product selection, quality, and availability.

Fresh Produce Assistant

7 Years 6 Months
Coles Supermarket | 10.2015 - 04.2023
  • Troubleshot issues related to equipment malfunctions or damaged packaging materials promptly, preventing delays in restocking shelves or serving customers efficiently.
  • Assisted in training new employees on proper handling techniques, storage procedures, and customer service expectations within the fresh produce department.
  • Adhered to food safety standards when handling, displaying, and storing fresh produce items, ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Monitored temperature control equipment within storage areas regularly, maintaining optimal conditions for preserving freshness of perishable goods.
  • Participated actively in weekly staff meetings where ideas were shared on ways to improve overall department performance as well as individual skill sets.
  • Conducted regular inventory checks to maintain optimal stock levels, reducing waste and improving product turnover.
  • Acted as a liaison between management and staff by addressing concerns or issues within the fresh produce department proactively, contributing to a positive work environment.
  • Handled delicate produce items with care during stocking and rotation processes, minimizing damage or loss of inventory.
  • Assisted shoppers in selecting quality fruits and vegetables, resulting in repeat business and increased sales.
  • Provided knowledgeable recommendations on fruit and vegetable selections, contributing to positive customer experiences.
  • Maintained a visually appealing and well-organized fresh produce display, ensuring easy access for customers.
  • Assisted customers with special requests or dietary restrictions, offering tailored advice on produce selections based on their specific needs.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing friendly and efficient service in the fresh produce department.
  • Kept tidy and organized area to comply with cleanliness standards.
  • Pleasantly greeted customers and provided prompt and courteous service.
  • Used dollies and pallet jacks to unload and organize merchandise from delivery trucks.

Education

High School Diploma

Rossmoyne Senior High School | Rossmoyne, WA | 01-2016

Skills

Forklift operation
Pallet jack operation
Warehouse safety
Receiving and putaway
Inventory control
Order picking
Stock rotation
Quality inspection
Waste reduction
Staff management
Staff training
Team leadership
Team supervision
Roster scheduling
Task delegation
Perishable goods management
Quality control
Fresh produce quality control
Produce merchandising
Sales floor presentation
Stock ordering
Customer service
Waste minimization
Order packing
Rostering

Certification

License to Perform High Risk Work

Timeline

Warehouse Assistant

Vision Produce
05.2024 - CurrentRead More

Fresh Produce Manager

Coles Supermarket
02.2024 - 05.2024Read More

Fresh Produce Manager

Coles Supermarket
04.2023 - 02.2024Read More

Fresh Produce Assistant

Coles Supermarket
10.2015 - 04.2023Read More

Rossmoyne Senior High School

High School Diploma
Read More
Zachary Barrett-Desforges