It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
To lead, develop, and optimise all Deli Hot and Cold operations within the store, driving commercial performance, operational excellence, and an exceptional fresh food experience for customers. The Deli Manager is accountable for sales growth, gross margin protection, effective stock and cost management, waste control, food safety compliance, and team performance, while elevating the Deli offering through quality execution, innovation, and customer-centric merchandising.
Minimum requirements
Grade 12 (essential).
Culinary qualification at level 2 or Hospitality and catering service qualification
3–5 years’ experience in a retail fresh food environment, preferably within Deli, Hot Kitchen, Cold Kitchen, or Ready-to-Eat departments.
At least 2 years in a supervisory or management role within food production or fresh retail operations.
Proven experience managing margin, waste control, and fresh food operations.
Strong knowledge of food safety legislation and merchandising principles.
Competencies
Business and financial acumen (margin management, cost control).
Solid understanding of high-volume fresh food production planning.
Ability to balance operational discipline with product innovation.
Leadership capability with strong coaching skills.
Analytical proficiency in interpreting sales and performance data.
Customer-centric mindset with a strong eye for quality and presentation
Good communication skills
Key responsibilities
Commercial and Financial Performance
Deliver sales, gross margin, and contribution targets through effective execution of pricing, promotions, and product mix strategies.
Monitor daily trading performance, analysing sales, waste, shrinkage, and stockholding to protect profitability.
Align production volumes to sales forecasts and promotional cycles to optimise yield and minimise waste.
Identify margin leakage and implement corrective action plans to safeguard profitability.
Production, Quality and Innovation
Manage strict recipe compliance, portion control, and structured production planning frameworks to ensure consistency and cost efficiency.
Maintain high standards of food quality, taste profiling, and presentation.
Introduce seasonal items, value-added offerings, and trend-relevant products within approved guidelines to enhance competitiveness.
Ensure freshness, availability, and optimal stock rotation at all times including the back-up area.
Customer Experience and Merchandising
Create an engaging, theatre-driven deli environment through strong visual merchandising and food presentation.
Execute planograms and promotional displays to maximise conversion.
Maintain service excellence standards, ensuring knowledgeable product engagement with customers.
Monitor customer feedback and adapt offerings to improve satisfaction and loyalty.
Operational Excellence and Compliance
Ensure full compliance with food safety legislation, hygiene standards, and internal audit requirements.
Monitor temperature logs, food handling practices, and quality control checks.
Manage staff scheduling in line with productivity levels and sales demand.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Leadership and Team Development
Lead, coach, and develop the Deli team to achieve operational and commercial targets.
Build capability in production planning, portion control, and customer engagement.
Foster a performance-driven culture focused on accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.
Reporting and Controls
Analyse sales, margin, waste, and stock reports to identify risks and growth opportunities.
Implement structured action plans supported by measurable KPIs.
Maintain accurate administrative and operational documentation in line with company standards.
Closing date: 01 June 2026
If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!
Discover who we are
Welcome to Pick n Pay, where family values and customer-centricity converge to create an unparalleled shopping experience. Since 1967, when the visionary Raymond Ackerman championed the cause of consumers by acquiring the first few stores, the Ackerman family's dedication has steered our journey of growth and expansion.
Today, Pick n Pay stands tall across South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Lesotho, embodying our commitment to serving communities far and wide. Additionally, we proudly hold a 49% share in TM Supermarkets, a Zimbabwean retail giant, further extending our reach and impact.
Our core offering spans groceries, clothing, and general merchandise, tailored to meet the diverse needs of our customers. But our dedication doesn't stop there. We go beyond the ordinary, offering value-added services that align with the evolving expectations of our patrons.
The Group strives to address socio-economic challenges through the supply of high-quality, affordable food for all customers, while providing significant employment and economic opportunities across its value chain.
To ensure utmost convenience and accessibility, Pick n Pay operates through various store formats, including both franchised and owned establishments. Whether you step into our stores for a quick grocery run or a leisurely shopping spree, expect nothing less than a seamless and enriching experience at Pick n Pay—the quintessential family store focused on you, our valued customer.
