Deli Merchandiser

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Deli Merchandiser
Reports to: Vice President of Marketing / CMO

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Deli Merchandiser is responsible for overseeing all deli departments across the Company, ensuring consistent execution of merchandising strategies, product quality, food safety, and customer service standards. This role develops and implements programs that drive deli sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction while maintaining brand standards across all locations. The Deli Merchandiser partners with store leadership and deli managers to monitor performance, provide training, and implement promotional and seasonal merchandising plans. The incumbent serves as the subject matter expert for deli operations, ensuring compliance, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the Company.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Oversee all deli department operations and merchandising across the Company’s retail locations.
2. Develop and implement deli merchandising strategies, seasonal promotions, and product assortments to drive sales and margin goals.
3. Ensure consistent product presentation, signage, and rotation standards in every store.
4. Work with suppliers, vendors, and brokers to source new products, negotiate pricing, and plan promotions.
5. Conduct regular store visits to evaluate deli department performance, cleanliness, merchandising execution, and customer service.
6. Coach and support deli managers and associates to ensure proper training in food safety, sanitation, and merchandising standards.
7. Develop and manage deli department budgets, including sales targets, shrink control, and labor costs.
8. Analyze sales, shrink, and margin reports to identify opportunities for improvement and implement corrective actions.
9. Collaborate with marketing to design and execute advertising and promotional programs for deli products.
10. Support store remodels, openings, and remerchandising projects with deli-specific planning and execution.
11. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, company policies, and brand standards across all deli operations.
12. Monitor industry trends and competitor offerings to identify new opportunities for growth and differentiation.
13. Standardize recipes, product offerings, and best practices across all deli departments for consistency.
14. Build strong relationships with store directors, deli managers, and cross-functional leaders to align goals and priorities.
15. Lead training sessions, workshops, and meetings to develop deli department leadership and associate skills.
16. Perform other duties as assigned to support total store and company success.

CORE LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

1.  Situational Leadership: Adjusts management style to support both individual deli managers and large-scale company needs.
2.  Motivating Others: Inspires deli teams across the Company to maintain high standards of food quality, service, and merchandising.
3.  Performance Management: Sets clear goals for deli departments, monitors progress, and enforces accountability.
4.  Talent Development: Provides coaching and training to deli managers, preparing them for advancement and leadership roles.
5.  Two-Way Communication: Serves as a liaison between corporate merchandising leadership and store-level deli departments.
6.  Change Leadership: Leads adoption of new products, merchandising strategies, and equipment innovations across all delis.
7.  Business Acumen: Demonstrates strong knowledge of deli operations, profitability drivers, and customer preferences.
8.  Problem Solving and Decision Making: Analyzes challenges across multiple stores and develops scalable, effective solutions.
9.  Drive for Results: Consistently delivers improvements in deli sales, profitability, shrink control, and customer satisfaction.
10.  Total Store Perspective: Collaborates with other departments to create cross-merchandising opportunities that drive total store sales.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Food Service Management, or related field preferred.

• 5+ years of deli, food service, or grocery retail management experience, with multi-store or supervisory experience strongly preferred.

• Strong knowledge of deli operations, merchandising, food safety, and sanitation standards.

• Proven success in managing budgets, sales performance, and shrink reduction.

• Strong leadership skills with ability to train, coach, and develop deli managers and associates.

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.

• Ability to travel regularly to store locations.

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

These key accountabilities and requirements outlined above are in no way to be construed as all-encompassing. Other duties, accountabilities, and qualifications may be required or assigned. This document does not create an employment contract, implied contract, or promise of ongoing employment, other than an “at will” relationship.

We are an equal employment opportunity Company.