Deli Assistant Department Manager

About Festival Foods

We are a Wisconsin grocer committed to giving back to the communities we serve and providing guests with exceptional service and value. We operate over 40 full-service supermarkets across the state of Wisconsin. At Festival, people are at the top of our list—evident in our daily interactions, guest treatment, and extensive associate benefits and programs.

About the Role

Join our team as a Deli Assistant Department Manager! Whether you’ve excelled in fast food, worked in a restaurant, managed a line cook station, or are eager to learn leadership in a grocery deli environment, this role offers an exciting opportunity. At Festival Foods, we focus on making mealtime easier and more enjoyable for our guests. You’ll play a key role in developing associates and delivering excellent guest service, from friendly greetings to addressing concerns with professionalism and care.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Scheduling: Assist the Deli Department Manager in achieving labor goals by creating effective associate schedules. Collaborate with store leadership on daily, weekly, and annual labor objectives.
• Profit & Performance: Contribute to achieving gross profit goals through planning and controlling shrink. Use your understanding of food service and deli operations to reduce waste.
• Team Development: Reinforce team culture and performance expectations. Ensure adequate staffing by partnering with Human Resources to interview and hire new associates. Provide thorough training and ongoing support to new team members as a mentor.
• Guidance & Delegation: Lead Deli department associates by delegating tasks, offering guidance, and supporting their professional growth. Collaborate with the Department Manager on performance reviews and handle policy violations effectively.
• Inventory Management: Manage inventory levels and ensure accurate pricing on products. Place orders with vendors for special events and holidays to ensure smooth operations.
• Guest Service: Deliver exceptional guest service by addressing concerns, resolving issues, and embodying the boomerang principle. Your experience in fast food, deli, or restaurant settings will enhance the overall shopping experience.
• Department Maintenance: Maintain cleanliness and organization in the deli, including work areas, shelving, and the sales floor. Your attention to detail will ensure a welcoming environment for all guests.
• Support: Assist with preparing coaching sessions, performance reviews, event notes, training checklists, and store sales. Your organizational skills will keep the department running efficiently.
• Honor Commitments: Maintain regular, timely attendance in compliance with the work schedule, and provide adequate notice to find a replacement for occasional absences.
• Support the Team: Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Experience & Education: High school education or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in fast food, deli, or restaurant environments preferred.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to motivate and lead a diverse team in a fast-paced setting, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Technical Knowledge: Thorough understanding of the retail food business, including deli and perishable department operations. Familiarity with equipment such as slicers, fryers, and ovens is important.
• Safety Awareness: Knowledge of safety requirements and company policies. Ability to apply on-the-job training to identify and address potential hazards. ServeSafe Certification is required (Festival will cover the cost if not certified).
• Decision-Making Skills: Ability to make timely and effective decisions to ensure smooth operations and high guest satisfaction.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Stand in place for long periods, bend, stoop, and kneel regularly.
• Full range of upper body motion.
• Lifting up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis.
• May be exposed to varying temperatures such as refrigerators, freezers, kitchens, and sales floor.

Schedule

This is a full-time position with shifts that will vary, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.

Benefits

• Associate Discount: Enjoy an industry-leading 15% off your grocery purchases for you and your immediate household.
• Weekly Pay & Premium Pay: Hourly associates are paid weekly. Part-time store associates receive a $1 premium per hour on Sundays and select holidays. Hourly full-time store associates receive time and a half on Sundays and select holidays.
• Two-Week Advanced Scheduling: Schedules are provided two weeks in advance for better planning and balance.
• Vision & Dental Insurance: Part-time and full-time associates are eligible for vision insurance and two dental coverage options.
• Support Programs: Access to 3 weeks of paid parental leave, a fitness reimbursement program, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), and LEAPCare Care Coaches for confidential support related to personal or professional challenges.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with an annual discretionary match to help associates reach their savings goals.