Deli Department Lead in Carlisle

Deli Department Lead

Location: Carlisle
Salary: From £15.27 per hour
Job Type: Full-time, 40 hours per week, alternate weekends
Contract Type: Permanent

Overview
Are you a natural leader who enjoys working with people, delivering excellent customer service and taking pride in running a successful department?

We are looking for a confident, hands-on Deli Department Lead to take ownership of a busy deli operation, support an established team and help create an excellent experience for every customer.

This is a permanent opportunity for someone who enjoys being involved in the day-to-day running of a department, leading by example and making a real difference to how the team performs.

You will play a key role in organising the team, maintaining high standards and ensuring the department runs smoothly throughout the trading day. From creating an inviting counter and keeping products well presented to supporting colleagues during busy periods, you will have the opportunity to bring your own personality, ideas and approach to the role.

This position would suit someone who is ready to take the next step in their career, enjoys responsibility and wants the opportunity to make their mark on a department. You will work closely with the wider management team while being trusted to take initiative, solve problems and drive standards forward.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the daily operation of the deli department, ensuring everything runs efficiently and customers receive excellent service.
• Lead, organise and motivate the existing team, ensuring colleagues understand their responsibilities and work together effectively.
• Maintain a hands-on approach, working alongside the team and leading by example, particularly during busy trading periods.
• Create a friendly and welcoming customer experience, providing helpful advice, product recommendations and attentive service.
• Handle customer queries and complaints confidently, taking responsibility for resolving issues professionally.
• Ensure counters and displays are attractive, well stocked and presented to a consistently high standard.
• Monitor stock levels, support ordering and replenishment, and help control waste through effective stock management.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, cleanliness and product handling throughout the department.
• Ensure relevant records, including temperature checks and cleaning schedules, are completed accurately.
• Check that equipment is clean, safe and fit for use, raising any maintenance issues when required.
• Organise workloads and prepare the department for busy trading periods, ensuring service remains efficient when demand is high.
• Monitor team performance, provide guidance where needed and address issues affecting service or standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, product presentation, customer satisfaction and the overall performance of the department.
• Work closely with the wider management and support teams, communicating effectively and following through on agreed actions.

Requirements

• Previous experience in a supervisory, team-leading or similar position, ideally within food retail, hospitality or another customer-facing environment.
• The ability to lead from the front, organise a team effectively and bring out the best in others.
• A friendly, approachable personality and a genuine passion for delivering excellent customer service.
• A hands-on attitude and the willingness to get involved in all aspects of the department's operation.
• Excellent attention to detail and pride in maintaining high standards.
• The confidence to take ownership, use initiative and make decisions when challenges arise.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• The ability to remain calm, positive and focused in a fast-paced environment.
• A practical and proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• An understanding of food hygiene, food safety and safe working practices.
• A flexible and reliable approach to work, including weekend commitments.

Desirable Skills

• Experience within a deli, fresh food counter, supermarket or food retail environment.
• Knowledge of stock control, product rotation, ordering and waste reduction.
• Experience maintaining food safety records and operational checks.
• Experience supporting colleagues, improving team performance and maintaining consistent standards.
• An understanding of product presentation, sales opportunities and customer buying habits.

Benefits

• 30 days' annual leave, including bank holidays.
• Workplace pension.
• Employee benefits and recognition programmes.
• Staff discounts.
• Health and wellbeing support.
• Additional employee schemes and workplace benefits.
• Work-related equipment provided.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants more than just a supervisory position. If you enjoy working with people, take pride in high standards and are ready to take responsibility for a department, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact the team at NXT Recruitment on 01228 812585 or info@NXTRecruitment.co.uk for more information.

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