Deli Manager

Position Summary

The Service Deli Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of the Service Deli Department, ensuring outstanding customer service, exceptional food quality, operational efficiency, sales growth, and profitability. This position oversees department associates, production planning, inventory management, merchandising, food safety compliance, and financial performance while fostering a positive and engaging work environment.

Key Responsibilities Customer Service & Sales

• Provide exceptional customer service and promote a customer-focused culture throughout the department.
• Address customer questions, concerns, and special requests in a professional and timely manner.
• Drive sales through effective merchandising, sampling programs, seasonal promotions, and suggestive selling.
• Ensure service cases, displays, and grab-and-go offerings remain attractive, fully stocked, and visually appealing.
• Support catering and special-order programs to meet customer needs and increase sales opportunities.

Department Operations

• Manage daily deli operations, including food preparation, production scheduling, merchandising, and inventory control.
• Ensure products are prepared, packaged, displayed, and stored according to company standards.
• Monitor inventory levels, ordering, receiving, and product rotation to maintain freshness and minimize shrink.
• Maintain accurate pricing, signage, and promotional execution.
• Coordinate production planning to meet customer demand while minimizing product waste.
• Ensure department cleanliness and readiness throughout operating hours.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop Service Deli associates.
• Create work schedules that support business needs while managing labor expenses.
• Provide regular performance feedback, coaching, and recognition to team members.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive workplace culture.
• Ensure associates receive ongoing training in customer service, food safety, and operational procedures.

Financial Management

• Monitor department sales, gross profit, labor, and shrink performance.
• Analyze department reports and key performance indicators to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Implement action plans to achieve sales and profitability goals.
• Control expenses related to labor, supplies, inventory, and product waste.
• Support inventory counts and ensure accurate recordkeeping.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Monitor proper food handling, labeling, storage, temperature controls, and product dating.
• Maintain sanitation standards in all preparation, storage, and service areas.
• Conduct routine inspections and immediately address food safety concerns.
• Ensure all associates follow established food safety and sanitation procedures.

Safety & Asset Protection

• Promote and maintain a safe working environment for associates and customers.
• Ensure proper operation, maintenance, and cleaning of department equipment.
• Follow accident prevention and incident reporting procedures.
• Support loss prevention, inventory control, and shrink reduction initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous deli, food service, restaurant, or retail management experience required.
• Strong leadership, customer service, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of food preparation, food safety, and sanitation practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, reach, kneel, and perform repetitive motions throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and heavier loads with assistance.
• Ability to work in refrigerated environments and around food preparation equipment.
• Ability to safely operate slicers, ovens, fryers, mixers, and other deli equipment.

Desired Competencies

• Leadership and team development
• Customer focus
• Food safety expertise
• Sales and merchandising
• Financial and operational management
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Organization and attention to detail
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Accountability and adaptability

The Service Deli Manager plays a critical role in delivering exceptional food quality, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence while developing a high-performing team and achieving department sales and profitability goals.

      ·    Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream