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Counter Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

To support the Deli Counter Manager to achieve the financial targets outlined by the Store Manager, to grow the department's sales through the production of quality food items, outstanding customer ...

To support the Deli Counter Manager to achieve the financial targets outlined by the Store Manager, to grow the department's sales through the production of quality food items, outstanding customer ...

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Counter Manager information

See California salary details

$12

$21

$47

How much do counter manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for counter manager in California is $21.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a counter manager?

A Counter Manager is a retail professional responsible for overseeing the sales operations and staff at a specific retail counter, typically within a department store or specialty shop. Their duties include supervising team members, ensuring excellent customer service, managing inventory, and meeting sales targets. Counter Managers often work in cosmetics, fragrance, or jewelry departments, where they play a key role in promoting products and training their team. They also handle scheduling, reporting, and may resolve customer issues. Strong leadership and sales skills are essential for this role.

What does a counter manager do?

A counter manager leads the sales team of a retail department, often the cosmetics counter at a department store. Your job duties as a counter manager are to negotiate with vendors, order product lines, hire, train, evaluate, and fire staff, schedule and supervise employees, provide customer service, and handle administrative responsibilities, like analyzing sales metrics and business goals, marketing products, and organizing displays. To pursue a career as a counter manager, the qualifications include extensive product knowledge, excellent customer service skills, and retail experience. An associate or bachelor’s degree may help you get promotions more quickly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a counter manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Counter Manager, you need strong sales skills, product knowledge, and experience in retail management, often supported by a background in cosmetics or luxury goods. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management tools, and brand-specific training or certifications is typically required. Exceptional customer service, leadership, and communication skills help you motivate staff and build lasting client relationships. These abilities ensure sales targets are met, team performance is optimized, and customers receive a premium experience, all of which drive store success.

How does a counter manager balance sales goals with team development in a retail environment?

A Counter Manager is responsible for meeting sales targets while also ensuring their team is motivated, knowledgeable, and providing excellent customer service. This often involves setting daily or weekly sales objectives, coaching team members through regular feedback, and organizing training sessions to improve product expertise. Balancing these priorities requires strong leadership, time management, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. Successful Counter Managers foster a positive team culture, which directly impacts both sales performance and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Counter Manager vs Sales Associate?

AspectCounter ManagerSales Associate
ResponsibilitiesOversees counter operations, manages staff, ensures customer satisfactionAssists customers, processes sales, stocks products
Required SkillsLeadership, customer service, inventory managementCustomer service, communication, product knowledge
Work EnvironmentRetail counters, often in cosmetics, electronics, or food sectorsRetail stores, malls, specialty shops
CertificationsTypically no formal certifications required, but management experience helpsNo formal certifications required

While both roles work in retail environments, a Counter Manager oversees daily operations and staff, focusing on management and customer satisfaction. A Sales Associate primarily assists customers and handles sales transactions. The Counter Manager role involves more leadership and responsibility, whereas the Sales Associate role is more customer-facing and transactional.

What skills do you need to be a counter manager?

A counter manager needs strong customer service skills, effective communication, and the ability to manage inventory and staff. Organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with point-of-sale systems are also important for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counter jobs in California?

The most popular types of Counter jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Counter Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Counter Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Counter Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,326 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

COUNTER ASSISTANT MANAGER (46387)

Jimbo's

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support the Deli Counter Manager in achieving financial targets and managing the department's sales, margins, and inventory.

  • Manage, support, and develop Deli Counter staff through training, communication, scheduling, and performance management.

  • Ensure the delivery of outstanding customer service, maintain merchandising standards, manage purchasing, and oversee product quality and stock levels.


Job description

General Purpose: To support the Deli Counter Manager to achieve the financial targets outlined by the Store Manager, to grow the department's sales through the production of quality food items, outstanding customer service and creative merchandising, and by managing, supporting, and developing the Deli Counter staff members through clear direction and strong leadership.
Essential Duties:

  • Assume ownership of the Deli Counter in the absence of the Deli Counter Manager.
  • Gain skills, knowledge, and ability needed to assist the Deli Counter Manager in the following areas:
  • Achieve financial goals set forth by the Store Manager and DOO: sales, margins, and inventory.
  • Perform key human resource functions: hire and train new employees, document performance evaluations, issue disciplinary counselings, and terminations, monitor staff breaks, provide succession training, and complete supporting documentation in a timely manner.
  • Effectively manage the staff of the Deli Counter through quality training, regular open communication and meetings, clearly stated expectations, and an emphasis on each employee's growth and development.
  • Write the Deli Counter schedules to effectively handle the department's workflow, provide outstanding customer service and remain within labor budget. Also to monitor staff breaks and minimize overtime.
  • Insure the delivery of consistent, outstanding customer service in the Deli that conforms to the Customer Service Standards, including proper response to customer requests, suggestions, and feedback in a timely manner.
  • Develop and maintain an outstanding merchandising plan that addresses displays, promotions, cleanliness, new products, resets, and contributes to overall appearance of the store.
  • Execute sales/promotions in a timely manner and work with the Demo Department to sample product.
  • Ensure proper department signage.
  • Manage purchasing function with respect to proper mix, order cycles, and order books.
  • Ensure all products meet quality standards through proper rotation and by only selling fresh product.
  • Maintain an abundant stock appearance while minimizing inventory; provide organic items whenever possible and seek new sources for organics.
  • Manage shrink and monitor credits through effective organization and follow through.
  • Maximize time spent on sales floor (spend a minimum of 75% of scheduled hours on the sales floor).
  • Promote and maintain a positive, clean and safe atmosphere for shopping and working.

Other Responsibilities:

  • Assist with quarterly inventories of the Deli Counter.
  • Assist other team members in achieving the goals of the Deli Department and the store.
  • Attend all scheduled all-store meetings, and assist Deli Counter Mgr in facilitating regular Department meetings (minimum of 1/Qtr).
  • Know store layout/product location to walk the customer to the appropriate aisle when asked.
  • Adhere to and enforce all Deli and Store policies as outlined by the Deli Counter Manager, Staff Member Handbook and Injury and Illness Prevention Plan.

Work Environment:

  • Ability to work under a variety of conditions and temperatures, wet and dry, for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to work safely around kitchen machinery and sharp knives.

Qualifications:

  • General knowledge of Deli Counter operations (quality food production, hygiene/sanitation, margins, ordering, inventory control, merchandising, personnel management).
  • Must have intermediate math skills, and be (or be willing to complete training to become) computer literate with experience in Windows, Outlook Express, Word and Excel.
  • Strong skills in communication, listening, organization, time management and the ability to provide and coach legendary customer service.
  • Leadership and team-building skills with the ability to coach, motivate, supervise, delegate, and constructively address performance issues.
  • Willing to work early mornings, evenings and weekends as needed.
  • Ability to understand, follow, and enforce Department of Health regulations, and obtain a Food Handler's Certificate within 10 days of employment.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs throughout any assigned shift unassisted.
  • Ability to work safely around kitchen machinery and sharp knives.
  • Ability to travel and/or transfer to other store locations.

Physical Demands:

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs throughout any assigned shift unassisted.
  • Ability to push/pull a loaded Deli cart/rolling rack throughout any assigned shift unassisted.
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time and climb and balance on a step stool/ladder.
  • Ability to stoop, kneel and crouch and sustain repetitive arm and hand motion.
  • Ability to reach above shoulders and horizontally to stock and retrieve inventory.