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Deli Department Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DELI/DEPT LEADER

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

Ability to lead other associates * Flexibility in work schedule * Successful completion of basic ... Managing the scheduling of Deli associates to provide adequate department coverage to meet customer ...

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Deli Department Associate information

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How much do deli department associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for deli department associate in the United States is $15.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Deli Department Associates face, and how can they be managed effectively?

Deli Department Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining food safety standards during busy periods, managing multiple customer orders simultaneously, and keeping displays well-stocked and appealing. Effective time management and clear communication with team members help ensure smooth operations. Ongoing training on food safety procedures and regular collaboration with colleagues can also make it easier to handle peak hours while delivering excellent customer service.

What are Deli Department Associates?

Deli Department Associates are retail employees who work in the deli section of grocery stores or supermarkets. Their main responsibilities include preparing, slicing, and serving deli meats and cheeses, as well as assisting customers with their orders. They also maintain cleanliness and organization in the deli area, ensure food safety standards are met, and help with inventory management. Deli Department Associates provide friendly customer service and may also prepare specialty food items such as sandwiches or salads. This role often requires standing for long periods and working with sharp equipment.

What is the difference between Deli Department Associate vs Deli Clerk?

AspectDeli Department AssociateDeli Clerk
ResponsibilitiesPreparing, slicing, and packaging deli meats and cheeses; maintaining cleanliness; assisting customersServing customers, slicing meats, restocking deli items, handling transactions
Required SkillsCustomer service, food handling, basic knife skillsCustomer service, food handling, cash register operation
Work EnvironmentGrocery store deli section, fast-paced, team-orientedGrocery store deli counter, customer-facing, fast-paced
CertificationsFood safety certification often preferredFood safety certification often required

Both roles involve working in a grocery store deli environment with similar responsibilities like food handling and customer service. The Deli Department Associate may focus more on food prep and maintaining the deli area, while the Deli Clerk often handles customer transactions and serving. Both positions typically require food safety knowledge and are essential for deli operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Deli Department Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Deli Department Associate, you need knowledge of food safety, basic food preparation, and customer service, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with slicers, scales, labeling equipment, and point-of-sale systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a team make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure safe food handling, excellent customer experiences, and smooth daily operations in a fast-paced retail environment.
What cities are hiring for Deli Department Associate jobs? Cities with the most Deli Department Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Deli Department jobs? The most popular types of Deli Department jobs are:
What states have the most Deli Department Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Deli Department Associate jobs include:
Deli Assistant Department Manager

Deli Assistant Department Manager

Festival Foods

West Allis, WI

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 hours ago


Festival Foods rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 271 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 114 rated grocery stores


Job description

West Allis
Full-Time


ABOUT FESTIVAL FOODS:
We are a Wisconsin grocer that is committed to giving back to the communities it serves and providing guests with exceptional service and value. We operate +40 full-service supermarkets across the state of Wisconsin.

At Festival, people are at the top of our list. Youll see it in everything from our daily interactions to how we treat our guests even in our extensive associate benefits and programs.

Join Our Festival Foods Team as a Deli Assistant Department Manager!

Job Title: Deli Assistant Department Manager

Supervisor: Deli Department Manager

Are you a leader with a passion for food service and deli operations? Whether you’ve excelled in fast food, worked in a restaurant, managed a line cook station, or are eager to learn leadership in a grocery deli environment, this could be the start of an amazing opportunity!

At Festival Foods, we’re all about making mealtime easier and more enjoyable for our guests. Whether they're grabbing a quick lunch, a side dish, or feeding a crowd, our deli has them covered.

Developing associates and providing excellent guest service is at the heart of what we do.  Whether it’s a friendly greeting, answering questions or addressing guest concerns, you’ll handle each interaction with professionalism and care. Your willingness to help guests with what they need, and develop your team of associates, will make a positive impact every day.


What You’ll Do:

As a Festival Foods Deli Assistant Manager, you will support the Deli Department Manager in:

  • Leadership & Scheduling: Assist the Deli Department Manager in achieving labor goals by creating effective associate schedules. Collaborate with store leadership on daily, weekly, and annual labor objectives.
  • Profit & Performance: Contribute to achieving gross profit goals through planning and controlling shrink. Your understanding of food service and deli operations will help reduce waste. 
  • Team Development: Reinforce team culture and performance expectations. Ensure adequate staffing levels by partnering with Human Resources to interview and hire new associates. Provide thorough training and ongoing support to new team members, serving as a mentor and guide to their development.
  • Guidance & Delegation: Lead Deli department associates by delegating tasks, offering guidance, and supporting their professional growth. Collaborate with the Department Manager on performance reviews and handle policy violations effectively.
  • Inventory Management: Manage inventory levels and ensure accurate pricing on products. Place orders with vendors for special events and holidays, ensuring smooth operations.
  • Guest Service: Deliver exceptional guest service by addressing concerns, resolving issues, and embodying the boomerang principle. Your experience in fast food, deli, or restaurant settings will enhance the overall shopping experience.
  • Department Maintenance: Maintain cleanliness and organization in the deli, including work areas, shelving, and the sales floor. Your attention to detail will ensure a welcoming environment for all guests.
  • Support: Assist with preparing coaching sessions, performance reviews, event notes, training checklists, and store sales. Your organizational skills will keep the department running efficiently.
  • Honor Commitments: Regular, timely attendance in compliance with the work schedule, and adequate notice to find a replacement for occasional absences
  • Support the Team: Other duties as assigned

What We’re Looking For:

To succeed as a Deli Assistant Department Manager, you should bring:

  • Experience & Education: High School education or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in fast food, deli, or restaurant environments preferred.
  • Leadership Skills: Ability to motivate and lead a diverse team in a fast-paced setting, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Technical Knowledge: Thorough understanding of the retail food business, including deli and perishable department operations. Familiarity with equipment such as slicers, fryers, and ovens is important.
  • Safety Awareness: Knowledge of safety requirements and company policies, with the ability to apply on-the-job training to identify and address potential hazards. ServeSafe Certification is required (Festival will cover the cost if not certified).
  • Decision-Making Skills: Ability to make timely and effective decisions, ensuring smooth operations and high guest satisfaction.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability to perform the essential functions:

  • Stand in place for a long period of time, bend, stoop, and kneel regularly
  • Full range of upper body motion
  • Lifting up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis
  • May be exposed to varying temperatures such as refrigerators, freezers, kitchens and sales floor

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position with shifts that will vary, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.


Ready to lead our deli team and make a significant impact? Apply now and bring your leadership skills and food service expertise to Festival Foods!



WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE:
  • Associate Discount: Enjoy an industry-leading 15% off your grocery purchases for you and your immediate household!.


  • Weekly Pay & Premium Pay: Hourly associates are paid weekly, providing more frequent access to their funds. Part-time store associates are paid a $1 premium per hour on Sundays and select holidays. Hourly full-time store associates receive time and a half on Sundays and select holidays.


  • Two-Week Advanced Scheduling: Better Planning. Better Balance. We provide our associates with their schedules two weeks in advance, offering greater predictability & flexibility.


  • Vision & Dental Insurance: Part-time and full-time associates are eligible for vision insurance and two dental coverage options that are designed to fit your needs.


  • Support: Our associates receive support for their total well-being; including 3 weeks of paid parental leave, a fitness reimbursement program offering savings off of fitness membership fees; our EAP (Employee Assistance Program) and LEAPCare Care Coaches, which provide associates confidential care related to hospital visitation, conflict resolution, stress management, marriage or divorce, family issues and depression or anxiety.


  • Save for Your Future: Offering a 401(k), were proud to support our associates in planning for retirement. The 401(k) plan empowers associates to save a portion of their paychecks for retirement. Festival Foods has an annual discretionary match to help our associates reach their savings goals.
    At Festival Foods we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We are dedicated to building a top-notch team of skilled, experienced and service-oriented associates. Festival Foods believes that an inclusive environment for teammates of all backgrounds and perspectives strengthens our ability to serve our guests and communities, as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people.
    11111 W Greenfield Ave
    West Allis
    WI
    53214

  • What Festival Foods employees say

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    About Festival Foods

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    Festival Foods serves guests in 40 full-service, state-of-the-art supermarkets throughout Wisconsin. At Festival Foods, we're not simply selling groceries, we're on a mission! Every business decision we make is based on our "Boomerang Principle"--empowering our associates to make decisions and take actions that will "Bring the Customer Back". We are proud to be a family and employee-owned company.

    Industry

    Retail

    Company size

    5,001 - 10,000 Employees

    Headquarters location

    De Pere, WI, US

    Year founded

    1946