Prepared Foods & Specialty Manager

Purpose of the Role

The Prepared Foods Manager with Specialty oversees the daily operations of the Prepared Foods, Coffee Bar/Bakery, and Specialty departments to ensure consistently high product quality, excellent customer service, and strong financial performance. This role manages staffing, production, purchasing, merchandising, safety, compliance, and team development across multiple departments. The manager cultivates a culture of cooperation, community, and shared success in alignment with Weaver Street Market’s values and mission.

A. Primary Duties of the Role

• Lead all aspects of operations for the Prepared Foods, Coffee Bar/Bakery, and Specialty (Cheese, Beer, and Wine) departments, including staffing, scheduling, production, ordering, inventory, merchandising, and customer service.
• Supervise, train, and support staff across all three areas to ensure a high-performing, collaborative, and customer-focused team.
• Ensure appealing and well-stocked display. Maintain clear signage, accurate pricing, and quality merchandising.
• Maintain compliance with food safety, health regulations, alcohol laws, and internal policies. Train staff and ensure proper use of all equipment.
• Monitor and manage department financial performance, including labor, margin, sales per labor hour, and shrink. Use financial data to inform daily decisions and long-term planning.
• Respond to customer feedback and resolve concerns with professionalism. Solicit customer input and adjust offerings to meet evolving needs.
• Collaborate with Merchandising and the Food House Executive Chef on product development, seasonal planning, promotions, and storewide coordination.
• Use Microsoft Teams to check department messages, store/unit updates, and co-op-wide news. Post, respond and moderate as needed to support clear and respectful communication among all employees.
• Work production shifts to support operations and model expectations for staff.
• Serve as Manager on Duty, including store-wide leadership and customer issue resolution.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support store operations and the broader Weaver Street Market community.

B. Core Skills of the Role

• Leadership and Strategic Thinking: Set clear goals, align department priorities with co-op strategy, and lead by example. Plan for future needs and create a positive, accountable work environment.
• Customer Service: Model friendly, professional, and knowledgeable service. Engage customers across prepared foods, cheese, beer, wine, and bakery. Address feedback with empathy and co-op values in mind.
• Team Development: Build engaged, capable teams across all managed departments. Provide ongoing coaching, training, and performance feedback to help employees grow.
• Judgment and Decision Making: Balance priorities across multiple departments in a dynamic setting. Make thoughtful, mission-aligned decisions that consider financial, operational, and customer needs.
• Reliability and Accountability: Follow through on commitments. Lead by example and hold self and others accountable for results.
• Attention to Detail: Maintain accuracy in production, ordering, merchandising, and compliance. Uphold high standards for presentation, cleanliness, and quality.
• Safety and Sanitation: Ensure proper food handling and sanitation procedures across departments. Maintain regulatory compliance and train staff on best practices.
• Communication: Communicate clearly and professionally across a variety of platforms. Foster open dialogue, active listening, and consistent information sharing across teams.
• Financial Knowledge: Understand and manage department budgets, labor, margins, and inventory. Use financial reports and sales trends to drive improvement.
• Collaboration: Partner effectively with store leadership, other department managers, and support teams. Contribute to shared goals and smooth storewide operations.

Required Qualifications and Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent experience
• At least 1 year of management experience in food service, retail, or specialty foods
• 3+ years of experience in a deli, kitchen, or cheese/beer/wine retail environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and POS or inventory systems
• A working knowledge of English is required for this customer-facing role
• Must be 18 years or older

Preferred Experience and Knowledge

• Some college coursework with a business, culinary, or hospitality focus or equivalent experience
• Experience in a food co-op or community-focused grocery store
• Strong knowledge of food safety, alcohol handling, labor management, and merchandising
• Familiarity with financial reporting, inventory systems, and scheduling tools
• Certifications in culinary arts, wine/beer/cheese education, or food safety
• Familiarity with Microsoft Teams and/or Paycom applications

Physical Requirements

• Standing and walking for long periods
• Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds (e.g., cheese wheels, dish bins, beer/wine cases)
• Pushing and pulling carts or kitchen equipment
• Bending and twisting to access ovens, coolers, and shelves
• Fine motor skills for food prep, cutting, packaging, and labeling
• Use of commercial kitchen equipment (e.g., ovens, slicers, griddles, mixers)
• Use of knives and meat/cheese slicers
• Working in refrigerated and frozen environments
• Occasional outdoor work (e.g., deliveries, recycling)
• Use of stairs (Southern Village and Raleigh Stores)
• Use of computers and office equipment for reporting and communication
• Occasional use of forklift or motor vehicle (if certified)