Publix has lots of career opportunities in our stores, and each year, hundreds of associates move into retail management. If you want to expand your reach outside the four walls of your store, our technical teams may be your calling.

Technical associates are responsible for almost everything you see in their departments. Did you see a new cake featured in the weekly ad? A bakery technical specialist studied the flavor profile, created the recipe, wrote the reference and procedures guide, and decorated it to perfection so it could be photographed. Notice how every aisle was perfectly blocked in our latest commercial? A grocery technical specialist was on the set of the video shoot to make sure no detail was overlooked.

Each retail business unit (RBU) supports our retail department operations, and each RBU has a technical coordinator and two to five specialists. Many of our current technical specialists previously worked as department managers and transferred to the support side of Publix to share their knowledge and experience on a broader scale.

If this sounds like the job for you, don’t take our word for it. A few technical specialists share some thoughts about why they enjoy their current positions.

Produce-ing the future

As a produce manager, Dustin Farshid partnered with technical teams on a few projects. When a position in the produce RBU became available three years ago, he seized the opportunity and applied for the job.

“I saw the opportunity to grow my knowledge in produce,” he said. “My favorite part of the job is working with multiple business areas to help turn an idea into reality.”

For those interested in becoming a technical specialist, Dustin offers the following.

“Being a part of the technical team allows you to have a role in the future of the department, not only for Publix but for the industry. You’re part of something that goes beyond the store, and you can help set the tone for innovation.”

Planning better service

When she first saw the customer service technical specialist job posting, Toyka Batts was intrigued by the level of influence the position has within Publix.

“As a department manager, you work with your team within one store,” she said. “But as a technical specialist, you can have an impact on every store. It’s a huge responsibility and a great challenge that I look forward to every day.”

During the 13 years in her role, Toyka has played a part in a lot of advancements in how our stores operate.

“I’m a planner — I love putting together a plan for change, following the steps to make it successful and seeing it come to fruition,” she said.

Influencing change

For Lindsie McDonald, becoming a grocery technical specialist was the natural next step in growing her career.

“Before this position, I was a grocery retail improvement specialist for about eight years,” she said. “I was ready for a new challenge. I admired the knowledge and involvement of previous technical specialists and knew it was something I wanted to pursue.”

Now Lindsie uses her extensive retail experience to influence upcoming changes to systems, processes and equipment. She also makes sure any modifications meet retail associates’ and managers’ needs.

“I really enjoy being on the forefront of innovation,” she said. “This position allows me to be a part of the huge collaborative effort it takes to accomplish Publix’s goals.”