What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deli Manager position at J Recruiting Services?
Deli Manager
Confidential Grocery Retail Concept | Madison, WI
About the Opportunity
We are partnering with a privately owned, independent grocery concept preparing for a new store opening in Madison, WI. This is a ground-up build focused on delivering a high-quality, full-service retail experience in an urban environment.
This is not a traditional corporate setting — the team is building something from scratch and seeking leaders who value ownership, creativity, and accountability.
The Role
The Deli Manager will lead one of the most complex and visible departments in the store, overseeing a full-service deli operation including prepared foods, cheese program, and sliced-to-order offerings.
This role requires a highly organized, hands-on operator who can manage complexity, lead a team, and deliver a strong customer experience.
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Opening
- Partner with leadership to define product assortment and vendor strategy
- Establish ordering processes across multiple vendors and categories
- Prepare department workflows, staffing plans, and training approach
Post-Opening
- Manage all aspects of deli operations, including staffing, ordering, production, and service execution
- Oversee a high-volume ordering environment (~35 orders/week across ~20 vendors)
- Ensure product quality, merchandising, and customer experience standards
- Train and develop team members in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment
- Maintain organization and efficiency across a complex department structure
What Success Looks Like
- A well-run, organized deli with strong product availability and presentation
- Efficient ordering and inventory management despite high complexity
- A trained, engaged team delivering strong customer service
- Consistent execution of both retail and prepared food offerings
Experience
- Prior deli management or food service leadership experience
- Experience managing complex ordering and vendor relationships
- Background in grocery, specialty retail, or food service environments
What Matters Most
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Strong trainer and team leader
- Comfort managing complexity and volume
- Hands-on, floor-focused leadership style
Compensation
- Competitive Base salary with performance-based bonus
- Additional incentives tied to store and department performance
- 401k with company match
- Paid vacation and time off
- Health insurance coverage options
Why This Role
- Opportunity to run a high-impact, high-visibility department
- Significant ownership over product and operations
- Work in an environment that values initiative and decision-making
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Our client is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Qualified applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please inform us if accommodation is needed during the application or interview process.