Assistant Department Manager - Front End & Bakery

Pete's Frootique; Halifax; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Pete's Frootique invites applications for an Assistant Department Manager to support the Store Operations Manager and lead a high-performing department in a fast-paced retail setting.

You will drive customer service excellence, supervise staff development, and ensure quality and food safety across the department, fostering a positive team environment and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of supervisory or leadership experience in a customer service or retail environment.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Strong attention to detail and sense of accountability.
• Confidence, drive, and a positive, enthusiastic attitude.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to delegate effectively and support team development.
• Strong interpersonal and team-building skills.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic retail environment.
• Product knowledge in food retail is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Support the Store Operations Manager in leading and coordinating department operations.
• Ensure high standards of customer service, product quality, food safety, and operational efficiency are consistently met.
• Assist in achieving departmental sales, profitability, and performance goals.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and support to team members to encourage high performance.
• Help train and develop staff, promoting teamwork, accountability, and engagement.
• Lead by example on the retail floor, ensuring a strong customer-focused presence.
• Assist with decision-making, problem-solving, and day-to-day operational challenges.
• Maintain strong product knowledge, particularly within food retail environments.
• Support scheduling, delegation of tasks, and workflow coordination.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, and safety standards.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Customer service

Communication

Leadership

Problem-solving

Team development

Training

Scheduling

Product knowledge

Job description

Assistant Department Manager

At Pete's Frootique & Fine Foods, we know our success is driven by the dedication, passion, and talent of our team. We are committed to delivering exceptional products and an outstanding shopping experience across our stores in Bedford and Halifax.

We are currently seeking a motivated and energetic Assistant Department Manager to join our leadership team. This fast-paced, hands‑on role supports the Store Operations Manager in leading a high‑performing department and ensuring excellence in customer service, product quality, food safety, and operational efficiency.

Role Overview

The Assistant Department Manager plays a key leadership role in supporting day‑to‑day department operations and helping drive overall performance and profitability. You will work closely with team members on the retail floor to maintain high standards, support training and development, and ensure an exceptional customer experience.

You will help foster a positive, accountable, and team‑oriented environment while leading by example and upholding the values of Pete's Frootique & Fine Foods.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Store Operations Manager in leading and coordinating department operations
• Ensure high standards of customer service, product quality, food safety, and operational efficiency are consistently met
• Assist in achieving departmental sales, profitability, and performance goals
• Provide coaching, guidance, and support to team members to encourage high performance
• Help train and develop staff, promoting teamwork, accountability, and engagement
• Lead by example on the retail floor, ensuring a strong customer‑focused presence
• Assist with decision‑making, problem‑solving, and day‑to‑day operational challenges
• Maintain strong product knowledge, particularly within food retail environments
• Support scheduling, delegation of tasks, and workflow coordination
• Ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, and safety standards

Qualifications

• 1+ year of supervisory or leadership experience in a customer service or retail environment
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment
• Strong attention to detail and sense of accountability
• Confidence, drive, and a positive, enthusiastic attitude
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills
• Ability to delegate effectively and support team development
• Strong interpersonal and team‑building skills
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic retail environment
• Product knowledge in food retail is considered an asset

Physical Requirements

• Work involves continuous interaction with customers and team members on the retail floor
• Majority of time spent standing, walking, and performing active duties
• Frequent repetitive hand, arm, bending, and reaching movements
• Ability to lift and carry approximately 10–40 lbs regularly, and up to 75 lbs occasionally
• May be exposed to varying temperatures and common food allergens

Join Our Team

If you are a hands‑on leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences, we'd love to hear from you. Join Pete's Frootique & Fine Foods and help lead a team committed to quality, service, and excellence every day.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Additional duties may be assigned as required.