Assistant Deli Manager

Position Summary

The Assistant Deli Manager supports the Deli Manager in overseeing daily department operations, ensuring high-quality food production, exceptional customer service, strong merchandising execution, and effective team leadership. This role assists with driving sales, maintaining food safety compliance, controlling inventory and shrink, and developing associates to achieve department and store goals.

Key Responsibilities Department Leadership

• Assist in supervising and directing daily deli department operations.
• Lead the department in the absence of the Deli Manager.
• Support hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and development of deli associates.
• Promote a positive, customer-focused, and team-oriented work environment.
• Assist with labor planning and scheduling to meet operational needs.

Customer Service

• Deliver exceptional service by engaging customers and addressing concerns promptly.
• Assist customers with product selections, catering orders, meal solutions, and special requests.
• Ensure associates provide courteous, knowledgeable, and efficient service.
• Build customer loyalty through consistent service excellence and product quality.

Food Production & Quality

• Assist in overseeing deli food preparation, packaging, and merchandising.
• Ensure prepared foods, hot case items, sandwiches, salads, and other deli offerings meet company standards.
• Monitor product freshness, quality, appearance, and proper rotation.
• Maintain production levels that support customer demand while minimizing waste.
• Support catering and special-order programs as needed.

Sales & Merchandising

• Execute merchandising plans to maximize sales and profitability.
• Ensure service cases, displays, and promotional areas are attractive, properly stocked, and visually appealing.
• Assist with seasonal promotions, sampling events, and sales initiatives.
• Monitor sales trends and identify opportunities for growth.

Inventory & Financial Performance

• Assist with ordering, receiving, and inventory management.
• Monitor product levels to ensure adequate stock while controlling shrink.
• Help manage department expenses and profitability goals.
• Maintain accurate records related to inventory, food production, and waste.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
• Monitor proper food handling, storage, temperature controls, and date coding.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Ensure compliance with company operational standards and safety programs.

Team Development

• Train associates on food preparation, customer service, food safety, and merchandising standards.
• Provide coaching and constructive performance feedback.
• Support associate engagement, accountability, and professional development.
• Encourage teamwork and operational excellence throughout the department.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous deli, food service, restaurant, grocery, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of food preparation, food safety, merchandising, and inventory practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer, ordering, and inventory management skills.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, push, and pull throughout the workday.
• Comfortable working around ovens, slicers, fryers, and refrigerated environments.
• Ability to safely operate deli production equipment.

Success Factors

• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Commitment to food quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to drive sales while managing costs and reducing shrink.
• Strong attention to detail and execution.
• Dependability, accountability, and adaptability.

The Assistant Deli Manager plays a vital role in supporting department success by helping lead deli operations, developing associates, maintaining food safety and quality standards, and delivering an outstanding customer experience through fresh, high-quality food offerings.

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