Deli Chef

Deli Chef

Sendik's Food Markets is far more than a grocery storewe are a family-owned company built on a century-long tradition of providing "only the best." With our 2026 Centennial Anniversary marking a century of excellence, we seek passionate individuals eager to join a team defined by exceptional quality, genuine service, and community pride. We currently operate 17 store locations across Southeastern Wisconsin. At Sendik's we blend the warmth of a local grocer with the energy and nimbleness of a fast-paced, innovative retail environment. We empower our associates to become experts, fostering a culture where every single person contributes to our signature, award-winning customer experience. If you are looking for a career where your passion for service and hard work lead to genuine growth and make a tangible impact right in your community, you belong at Sendik's.

Job Summary

The Deli Chef will be responsible for modeling and promoting Sendik's culture by consistently providing "best in class" service to our guests. The main responsibility of the Deli Chef is to carry out custom catering orders for special events, prepare all Deli cold case and hot case items, as well as, soups, entrees, based on the daily production schedule. The Deli Chef will also create and cook items from scratch and lead department special events.

Our Values:

Service: We will treat every customer like a beloved family member or friend and find a way to say "yes" to our customers. It's important that we engage with every customer that enters our store, and follow the 10/4 rule. At the end of any interaction with a customer, we will offer a sincere "Thank you for your business!"

Passion: We have a passion for excellence and to be the best at what we do. We will seek product knowledge and commit to quality by believing in the Sendik's brand.

Nimbleness: Provide great solutions for our customers by exploring all possibilities and welcoming change. We will be quick to respond to our customers and use "Red Truck Service" when additional assistance is needed.

Work Experience

Duties/Responsibilities

• Serve customers in the Deli Department while modeling Sendik's culture and providing "best in class" customer service, which includes, greeting, engaging, delighting and thanking every guest for their business
• Provide consistent, timely and friendly customer service when answering questions, making suggestions and resolving complaints
• Carry out custom catering orders for special events such as weddings, birthdays and holidays, per customer request
• Cook items from scratch according to company recipes, employing creativity and coming up with innovative ideas when appropriate.
• Cook all items for the deli cold case and hot bar, including, but not limited to, packaged foods, entrees, salads and soups while adhering to and following company recipes.
• Observe and evaluate trends to determine the type and quantity of food to produce
• Provide and support daily production lists for the Deli Department as needed
• Lead special event stations (ex. Fish Fry), including Sendik's and customer events
• Maintain department conditions, ensuring shelves are stocked, product is rotated and the department is clean and well organized
• Maintain and update weekly reports (purchasing, sanitation and inventory)
• Ability to assist the Deli Manager with ordering inventory based on reports (shrink, overage, expired, etc.)
• Ability to coach and train associates new to the Deli Department
• Create attractive Deli Department displays and end caps based on specific sales for the week
• Communicate with Deli Manager in regards to department conditions and other concerns as needed
• Ensure the kitchen is clean, organized and ready each day
• Operate, maintain and clean deli equipment including knives, ovens, fryers, dishwashers, coolers and slicers
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment by adhering to safety/sanitation regulations and procedures
• Assist with all other Deli Department duties as needed

Qualifications:

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age due to required operation of Deli equipment
• Prior experience with food handling and cooking, preferably in a grocery setting, as well as, leadership experience is required
• Ability to successfully coach, train, develop and motivate a team
• Ability to provide clear direction and delegate responsibilities to a team after determining department needs
• Strong knowledge of local and state health, sanitation and safety regulations
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions, priorities and circumstances
• Excellent communication, organizational and planning skills
• Ability to problem solve and make independent decisions regarding department needs and priorities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong sense of urgency, time management, prioritization and multitasking skills
• Strong computer skills, working knowledge in Microsoft Office product suite and Google Products
• Ability to accommodate a fluctuating schedule, including evening, weekend and holiday shifts
• Ability to stand, walk, lift, bend, push/pull for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds