Deli Manager – Lead Fresh Food Operations

About the role

We are looking for a Deli Manager to lead the hot and cold deli operations within our store. The role focuses on driving sales growth, protecting gross margin, ensuring food safety, and delivering an exceptional fresh‑food experience for customers.

Key responsibilities

• Achieve sales, margin and contribution targets through pricing, promotions and product mix optimisation.
• Monitor daily performance, analyse waste, shrinkage and stock levels, and adjust production to sales forecasts.
• Maintain strict recipe compliance, portion control and production planning to ensure consistency and cost efficiency.
• Introduce seasonal and value‑added items while maintaining high standards of quality, taste and presentation.
• Create an engaging deli environment through visual merchandising, planograms and promotional displays.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety legislation, hygiene standards and internal audits, including temperature log monitoring.

Required profile

• Grade 12 (essential) with a level‑2 culinary qualification or hospitality/catering service qualification.
• 3‑5 years experience in a retail fresh‑food environment, preferably in deli, hot or cold kitchen operations.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory or management role within food production or fresh‑retail.
• Proven ability to manage margin, waste control and fresh‑food operations.
• Strong knowledge of food safety legislation and merchandising principles.

Required skills

• Food safety compliance
• Margin management
• Cost control
• High‑volume fresh‑food production planning
• Recipe compliance and portion control