Last Updated: April 25, 2026
To apply at Harris Teeter, visit harristeeter.com/careers to access Kroger’s Talent Gateway, search for store positions, and submit your application online. The process takes 10–15 minutes. Candidates must be at least 16 years old. Harris Teeter is a Kroger subsidiary with UFCW union membership available.
How to Apply at Harris Teeter
Step 1: Visit the Harris Teeter Careers Website
Go to harristeeter.com/careers. This will direct you to Kroger’s Talent Gateway, which manages applications for Harris Teeter and other Kroger banner stores. The site is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate.
Step 2: Create or Sign Into Your Account
You’ll be prompted to create a new account or sign in if you already have one. Provide your email address and create a secure password. If you’ve applied to other Kroger-owned stores (Food 4 Less, Ralph’s, etc.), you may use the same account.
Step 3: Search for Harris Teeter Positions by Location
Enter your city or store name to see all available Harris Teeter positions at that location. You can filter by position type (Cashier, Deli, Seafood, Department Manager, etc.) and employment type (full-time, part-time, temporary).
Step 4: Review the Job Description
Click on a position to read the full job posting, responsibilities, hourly rate, and required qualifications. Pay attention to shift expectations, including early morning openings, evening closing shifts, and weekend availability requirements.
Step 5: Complete the Online Application
Fill out all required fields, including your personal information, work history, education, and availability. Answer any supplementary questions about your experience with customer service, food handling, or specialty departments (deli, seafood, pharmacy).
Step 6: Upload Your Resume (Optional)
While optional, uploading a resume strengthens your application. Attach a PDF or Word document highlighting relevant retail, food service, or customer service experience. Keep it to one page.
Step 7: Review and Submit
Carefully review all information for accuracy before submitting. Double-check your phone number and email address to ensure Harris Teeter can contact you. Click “Submit Application.”
Step 8: Await Interview Invitation
Harris Teeter typically contacts candidates within 1–3 weeks by phone or email. Keep your phone available and check your email regularly. If you don’t hear back within three weeks, you can reapply to another Harris Teeter location or call the store directly.
Harris Teeter Job Positions & Pay Rates
| Position | Hourly Rate | Experience Level | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashier / Clerk | $14–$18/hr | Entry-Level | Processing transactions, customer service, bagging groceries, price verification, register maintenance |
| Deli / Seafood Specialist | $16–$22/hr | Intermediate | Slicing meats/cheese, preparing seafood, customer service at specialty counter, food safety compliance |
| Produce Stocker / Clerk | $14–$18/hr | Entry-Level | Stocking produce, quality checks, customer service, maintaining department appearance |
| Department Manager (Deli, Produce, Meat, Bakery) | $20–$28/hr | Intermediate | Department operations, staff scheduling, inventory management, food safety, P&L responsibility, sales |
| Assistant Store Manager | $20–$28/hr | Advanced | Store operations support, staff supervision, opening/closing duties, customer escalations, loss prevention |
| Store Manager | Salary | Advanced | Overall store P&L, hiring/training, strategic planning, community engagement, regional coordination |
Harris Teeter Application Requirements
Harris Teeter welcomes diverse applicants and offers opportunities for growth. Here are the key hiring requirements:
- Age: Must be at least 16 years old for most entry-level positions. Some specialty positions (deli manager, pharmacy) may require 18+.
- Background Check: Yes. Harris Teeter conducts background checks on all new hires following conditional job offers. This is more thorough for management and specialty positions.
- Drug Test: No. Harris Teeter does not require pre-employment drug testing as standard practice.
- Education: High school diploma or GED preferred but not required for entry-level positions. Management positions typically require relevant retail experience or education.
- Work Authorization: You must be a U.S. citizen or have valid work authorization (green card, visa, etc.).
- Food Handler Certification: Required for deli, seafood, bakery, and produce positions. Harris Teeter can help you obtain this certification if needed.
- Physical Demands: Ability to stand for long shifts, lift up to 50 pounds, and work in a fast-paced grocery environment.
- Availability and Flexibility: Flexibility for early morning, evening, and weekend shifts is critical in grocery retail.
- Union Membership: UFCW (United Food & Commercial Workers) union membership is available for eligible positions. Harris Teeter partners with the UFCW to provide union representation and benefits.
Harris Teeter Interview Process
Harris Teeter conducts interviews in-store, typically with department managers or store HR representatives. The process varies by position level and location, but is generally conversational and focused on assessing your customer service skills and reliability.
Single-Stage Interview (Entry-Level Positions)
For cashier, stock, and clerk positions, you’ll typically have one 20–30 minute interview with a store manager or department lead. The interview covers:
- Customer Service Experience: “Tell us about your experience in customer service or retail” and “How do you handle impatient or frustrated customers?”
- Availability and Reliability: Specific questions about your scheduling flexibility, ability to work mornings/evenings/weekends, and attendance reliability.
- Food Safety Knowledge: For deli and produce positions: “What do you know about food safety in a grocery environment?”
- Why Harris Teeter: “Why do you want to work at Harris Teeter?” and questions about what you know about the company.
Two-Stage Process (Full-Time and Management)
For full-time positions and management roles, expect two interviews:
- First Interview: Department manager or assistant store manager assesses technical skills and fit for the specific department.
- Second Interview: Store manager meets with finalists to evaluate leadership potential (for management roles) or overall store fit (for full-time positions).
Dress in business casual attire (no jeans), arrive 10 minutes early, and bring two copies of your resume. Show enthusiasm for the opportunity and willingness to learn. For specialty positions (deli, seafood), highlighting any relevant experience or interest is helpful.
Harris Teeter Employee Benefits
Harris Teeter offers competitive benefits to attract and retain quality employees. Benefits vary based on employment status (full-time vs. part-time) and tenure:
- UFCW Union Partnership: Eligible employees can join the UFCW union, which negotiates wages, benefits, and working conditions. Union membership provides job security protections and structured wage growth.
- Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage available for full-time employees. The company contributes significantly to premiums, making coverage affordable.
- 401(k) Retirement Plan: Available for eligible employees with company matching contributions. Start saving for retirement early with Harris Teeter’s support.
- Employee Discount: 10% discount on most Harris Teeter purchases. Some items (fuel, sale items) may have exclusions.
- Paid Time Off: Paid vacation, sick leave, and personal days for full-time employees. Accrual rates vary by tenure and position.
- Scholarship Program: Harris Teeter offers scholarships for employees and their families pursuing higher education. This is a strong differentiator among grocery retailers.
- Career Development: Clear pathways for advancement from entry-level to management. Training programs support skill development and leadership growth.
- Flexible Scheduling: Harris Teeter works with employees to accommodate school, family, and personal commitments when operationally feasible.
Harris Teeter Career Development
Harris Teeter actively promotes from within and values long-term employee development. The company is known for strong internal advancement pathways.
Entry-Level to Lead Position: Cashiers, stockers, and clerks who demonstrate reliability and customer service skills can advance to lead positions or transition to specialty departments (deli, seafood, produce) within 6–12 months. Leads supervise small teams and oversee department operations.
Department Manager Advancement: Exceptional leads and specialists can advance to department manager roles, overseeing their entire department’s operations, staff, inventory, and P&L. This position typically involves 30–40 hours per week and more responsibility.
Assistant Store Manager and Store Manager: Strong department managers can transition to assistant store manager and then store manager positions. Store managers have company-wide responsibility, P&L ownership, hiring authority, and strategic planning duties.
District and Regional Leadership: Outstanding store managers can advance to district manager, area manager, and regional positions overseeing multiple stores and larger strategic initiatives.
Corporate Opportunities: High-performing employees with strong track records may transition to corporate roles in merchandising, supply chain, human resources, marketing, or operations.
Mentorship and Training: Harris Teeter managers actively mentor high-potential employees. The company invests in leadership development, offering training programs and coaching to prepare employees for advancement.
Kroger Parent Company Opportunities: As a Kroger subsidiary, employees may have opportunities to work with other Kroger banners (Food 4 Less, Ralph’s, King Soopers) or at corporate headquarters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Harris Teeter and other grocery stores?
Harris Teeter is a Kroger subsidiary known for quality, customer service, and strong employee benefits. The company maintains a strong presence in the Southeast and emphasizes locally-sourced products, specialty departments (fresh deli, seafood, bakery), and community engagement.
What is UFCW union membership and should I join?
The UFCW (United Food & Commercial Workers) is a union representing grocery and retail workers. Union membership at Harris Teeter provides wage protection, structured benefits, grievance procedures, and job security. Union dues are deducted from paychecks. Joining is optional but recommended for long-term employees seeking job protection and advocacy.
Can I work at Harris Teeter while in high school or college?
Yes, Harris Teeter employs many high school and college students in part-time positions. The company offers flexible scheduling to accommodate school commitments, though retail positions require evening and weekend availability. Discuss your availability during your interview.
How long is the interview process from application to start date?
Typically 2–4 weeks. Harris Teeter contacts candidates within 1–3 weeks of application. After the interview, the background check process takes 5–10 business days. You could be on the schedule within 3–4 weeks of submitting your application.
Does Harris Teeter offer opportunities for internal transfer to other locations?
Yes, Harris Teeter employees can request transfers to other store locations after establishing a track record at their current store. Internal transfers are encouraged, especially for employees seeking relocation or career development. Discuss transfer opportunities with your manager or HR contact.
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