Please Note: This is a permanent, full-time opportunity. We are not hiring for seasonal, temporary, summer, or part-time positions. Applicants must have full-time availability and be seeking long-term employment.
Company Overview
Market Fresh is Guelph’s premier independent gourmet grocer focused on local producers and products. For over 20 years, we’ve built our reputation on exceptional customer service and high-quality food. Located in downtown Guelph, our full-service store features a scratch bakery, butcher shop, deli, commercial kitchen, Gourmet to Go Café, garden centre, and giftware area. Market Fresh is a celebration of fine food—making us a destination for both community members and visitors. Our MF in the Community program supports local not-for-profit organizations aligned with our commitment to buy local, be local, and support local
Position Summary
The Deli Manager is responsible for leading the daily operations of our deli department. This role is centered on delivering an exceptional customer experience while driving sales through strong merchandising, product selection, and team leadership. This is a hands-on leadership position that blends operational excellence with a passion for premium meats, cheeses, and specialty food retail. The Deli Manager plays a key role in developing team members, building vendor relationships, and growing the department through thoughtful product curation and execution.
Job Structure
This is a full-time salary position. Work schedule includes weekends and holidays as required. Paid vacation accrual at 4%. Health benefits are available after 6 months of employment.
Responsibilities
Lead the Team & Daily Operations
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the meat and cheese deli, ensuring smooth workflow and consistent execution
- Train, schedule, and coach team members on customer service, product knowledge, and food safety
- Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented environment
Inventory, Ordering & Quality Control
- Manage ordering and inventory of meats, cheeses, and specialty deli items to meet demand while minimizing shrink and waste
- Monitor product quality, freshness, and proper rotation at all times
- Track sales trends and adjust assortment accordingly
Financial & Operational Performance
- Achieve department sales and margin targets
- Manage labour scheduling to align with productivity goals
- Control costs through effective purchasing, pricing, and waste reduction
- Monitor performance metrics (sales, shrink, labour) and take action to improve results
Customer Experience
- Set and maintain a high standard of friendly, knowledgeable, and personalized service
- Support staff in pairing, recommendations, upselling, and special orders
- Create a welcoming, premium deli experience that reflects our “gourmet, fresh, local” focus
Merchandising & Product Curation
- Maintain abundant, visually appealing displays of artisan meats and cheeses
- Execute seasonal features and promotions that drive engagement and sales
- Introduce new and local products that enhance the department’s offering
Vendor & Community Relationships
- Build strong relationships with suppliers to ensure quality, consistency, and innovation
- Source local and specialty meat and cheese products aligned with our brand
Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with all food safety and sanitation standards
- Maintain clean, organized, and well-managed prep and display areas
Collaboration
- Partner with store leadership and other departments on promotions and store initiatives
- Contribute ideas to support overall store growth and customer engagement
Qualifications
- Experience in deli, grocery, or specialty food retail
- 1–3 years of management or supervisory experience
- Strong leadership and team development skills
- Solid knowledge of meats, cheeses, and specialty food products
- Thorough understanding of safe food handling practices
- Ability to manage ordering, inventory, costs, and department performance
- Passion for food and delivering an exceptional customer experience
What We Offer
- Full-time salaried position
- Health benefits (after 6 months)
- Employee store discount
- A collaborative, team-oriented environment
- Opportunity to grow within a well-established independent business
Accessibility Accommodation Statement
Market Fresh is committed to providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Accommodations are available upon request.
Pay: $50,000.00-$55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Store discount
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- In a few sentences or less, please describe what makes you an excellent candidate for this position.
Work Location: In person
