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

About the Role

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

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 time
• Regular 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