Deli Shift Lead- Full Time Mid Afternoon to Close- Including one Weekend Shift

Valley Natural Foods; Burnsville (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and benefits

Store discount

Growth opportunities

Inclusive workplace

Sustainability focus

Job summary

Valley Natural Foods in Burnsville, MN is seeking a Deli Shift Lead to guide daily operations and deliver quality food with outstanding service. You will lead the deli team, oversee service counters, grab-and-go, hot bar, and prep areas, and ensure compliance with food safety standards while maintaining a welcoming, efficient workplace.

Join a mission-driven co-op that values sustainability, offers growth opportunities, and provides competitive pay plus benefits and a store discount.

Qualifications

• English proficiency.
• Excellent time management, organizational and communication skills.
• Detail oriented and able to multi-task and remain flexible to the changing needs of the business.
• Regular, predictable attendance.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example, providing exceptional customer service and creating a welcoming experience for every customer.
• Support the daily operations of the Deli, including service counter, grab-and-go, hot bar, salad bar, and food preparation areas.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming workspace.
• Manage inventory, assist with ordering, and ensure all recipes meet our co-op’s sustainability and quality standards.
• Train and support team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, temperature monitoring, and health department regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Time management

Attendance

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Are you passionate about great food, exceptional customer service, and leading a team in a fast-paced environment? Valley Natural Foods is looking for a Deli Shift Lead to help deliver fresh, high-quality food while supporting the daily success of our Deli team.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Competitive pay and benefits
• A supportive, inclusive workplace that values diverse abilities and strengths
• Opportunities for professional growth
• A store discount to fuel your passion for natural, organic, and local foods
• The chance to be part of a mission-driven business that values sustainability and local food systems

What You’ll Do

• Lead by example, providing exceptional customer service and creating a welcoming experience for every customer
• Support the daily operations of the Deli, including service counter, grab-and-go, hot bar, salad bar, and food preparation areas
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming workspace
• Manage inventory, assist with ordering, and ensure all recipes meet our co-op’s sustainability and quality standards
• Train and support team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, temperature monitoring, and health department regulations

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience in a leadership role within deli, grocery, restaurant, café, catering, or other food service environment
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and safe food handling practices
• A passion for preparing and serving fresh, high-quality food
• Strong communication skills and the ability to energize a team
• Excellent multitasking abilities and a knack for staying cool under pressure
• Availability to work Afternoon to Evening shifts, including one weekend shift
• Commitment to cooperative values and community-driven business

Valley Natural Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We believe strong communities are built by people with diverse experiences and perspectives working together. We are an equal opportunity employer and make employment decisions based on qualifications, skills, and business needs, without discrimination as protected by applicable law. We're committed to fostering a respectful, welcoming workplace where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and grow.

Requirements

Mandatory Qualifications

• English proficiency
• Excellent time management, organizational and communication skills
• Detail oriented and able to multi-task and remain flexible to the changing needs of the business
• Regular, predictable attendance

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous customer service, cash handling and supervisory experience (1-3+ years)
• Familiarity with POS systems
• Familiarity with natural foods, grocery industry or cooperatives

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift/push/pull/carry up to 30 pounds frequently; 30-50+ pounds occasionally
• Manual dexterity with ability to reach, grasp and perform repetitive motions with hands, wrists, and fingers for extended periods of time
• Mid-to-general range visual acuity to evaluate and interact in working environment and operate deli equipment for extended periods of time
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of timeRegular exposure to refrigerated/frozen and hot/humid environments
• Ability to climb ladders, kneel, crouch, and bend occasionally required
• Ability to be exposed to, work with, and directly handle dietary allergies including, but not limited to: gluten, wheat and flours; dairy and soy; meats and shellfish; peanuts and tree nuts
• Ability to work safely with sanitation supplies

Reports To: Deli Manager

Supervises: Employees scheduled on shift, no exclusive authority

Department, Status and Salary: Deli Full Time, Hourly (At Will)

Valley Natural Foods Core Competencies

• Adaptability/Flexibility/Dependability
• Communication/Listening Skills
• Customer Service/Customer Focus
• Integrity/Ethics
• Sense of Urgency/Productivity
• Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills
• Work Environment/Safety/Job Knowledge

Position Specific Competencies

• Decision Making/Judgment
• Initiative
• Product Knowledge

The information above is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performance by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. VNF management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary. This is not an employment contract and does not interfere with MN’s Employment At Will Law.