Deli Manager, Grocery Retail

Executive Leadership Solutions; Highland (IN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Executive Leadership Solutions is seeking a Deli Manager to oversee all deli department operations, including product preparation, merchandising, and food safety compliance. You will lead and develop deli associates, ensure fresh displays, manage inventory, and partner with store leadership to deliver an exceptional shopping experience.

Requirements include 3+ years in deli or grocery, strong customer service and communication, ability to lift up to 50 lbs, and flexible hours; a high school

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; culinary training preferred.
• 3+ years deli or grocery experience; supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and deli equipment operation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily deli operations including prep, service counters, and grab-and-go.
• Ensure food safety, sanitation, labeling, and health compliance.
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise deli associates; deliver excellent service.
• Develop production plans to maintain freshness and availability.
• Create attractive displays aligning with merchandising standards.
• Manage inventory, ordering, rotation, and shrink control.
• Monitor sales, gross profit, labor, and waste; take corrective actions.
• Resolve customer inquiries and special orders promptly.
• Ensure safe operation of slicers, ovens, fryers, steam tables, scales.
• Coordinate with departments for promotions and events.
• Maintain clean, organized, and efficient work environment.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Communication

Organizational skills

Food safety knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary or food service training

Tools

Deli equipment operation

Job description

Position Title: Deli Manager

Reports to: Store Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit: Union (If Applicable)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Deli Manager is responsible for overseeing all deli department operations, including product preparation, merchandising, food safety compliance, customer service, and financial performance. This role leads and develops deli associates, ensures fresh and appealing product displays, manages inventory and production planning, and maintains high standards of cleanliness and organization. The Deli Manager works closely with store leadership to deliver an exceptional shopping experience while achieving sales, labor, and shrink objectives.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Manage all daily deli operations including food preparation, service counters, hot/cold cases, and grab-and-go offerings.
• Maintain strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, labeling, and health regulations.
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise deli associates, ensuring excellent customer service and teamwork.
• Develop and implement production plans to ensure product availability and freshness throughout the day.
• Create attractive, well-stocked, and properly signed displays that align with company merchandising standards.
• Manage ordering, inventory levels, and rotation to minimize shrink and maintain appropriate stock.
• Monitor department financials, including sales, gross profit, labor, and waste; take corrective actions as needed.
• Resolve customer inquiries, complaints, and special order requests with professionalism and urgency.
• Oversee operation of deli equipment including slicers, ovens, fryers, steam tables, and scales, ensuring safe usage.
• Coordinate with store leadership and other departments to support promotions, seasonal programs, and events.
• Ensure associates follow all company policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support deli and overall store operations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Deli and kitchen environment with exposure to heat, cold, wet surfaces, and sharp equipment.
• Fast-paced, customer-focused atmosphere requiring frequent lifting, bending, and standing.
• Frequent interaction with customers, associates, and store leadership.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary or food service training preferred.
• 3+ years of deli, food service, or grocery experience; prior supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation requirements, and deli equipment operation.
• Ability to lead, train, and develop a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for long periods, and work in hot/cold environments.
• Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.