Food service manager

Reporting directly to the Store Manager, the Food Service Manager has ultimate operational and financial accountability for the unified Food Services Department, which encompasses the Deli, Cheese, and Bakery/Coffee counters. This role is responsible for driving sales and profit goals, setting the strategic direction of the department, managing the master schedule, and leading a cross-trained team of Food Service Team Members to deliver an exceptional, high-quality customer experience.

As a working manager, this role requires deep product knowledge and the ability to work hands-on across all food service zones as business needs dictate.

Key Responsibilities

• Department Strategy & Financials: Oversee daily operations, sales, and profitability for Deli, Cheese, and Bakery/Coffee. Drive weekly/monthly department promotions and implement major departmental changes or resets.
• Labor & Scheduling: Write and manage the master department schedule based on sales, customer demand, and labor targets. Ensure efficient deployment of a shared Food Service Team Member pool across all three counters to minimize service gaps.
• Team Leadership: Oversee hiring, performance evaluations, and team development. Build and refine cross-training programs to ensure staff can seamlessly transition between making sandwiches, pulling espresso, and cutting cheese.
• Inventory & Ordering: Manage high-level vendor relations, negotiate pricing, and oversee overarching inventory levels and ordering across all sub-departments to maximize sales and reduce waste.
• Quality Assurance & Merchandising: Maintain the highest standards for product quality, visual merchandising, and product rotation (FIFO). Ensure accurate tagging, promotional pricing, and PLU management.
• Hands-On Execution: Actively work the floor during peak hours. Cut and wrap cheese, prepare deli items, or serve bakery/coffee customers to support the team and maintain speed of service.
• Food Safety & Compliance: Ensure all sanitation, food handling, and regulatory standards are strictly followed. Oversee the maintenance of temperature logs, waste logs, and equipment functionality.

Required Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of specialty foods, including cheese production/handling, deli workflow, and coffee/bakery service.
• Strong personnel management, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Financial acumen, including basic understanding of P&L, margins, and labor percentages.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and remain calm and organized during peak volume.
• Comfort using POS systems, scales, and inventory software.

Experience

Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in specialty foods, deli, or culinary operations. Minimum of 2 years in a management or direct supervisory role leading a diverse team.

Who Are We?

Woodlands Market is a leader in gourmet retailing, service and innovation in the grocery industry. We are a flourishing Marin County-based employer who believes in supporting our community in many ways. One of these ways is to employ talented individuals from within our communities and surrounding areas. We currently operate grocery stores in Kentfield, Tiburon and San Francisco. We also operate a Pet Shop in San Francisco as well as an off-site kitchen in San Rafael. We engage approximately 330 individuals on staff, many of whom have come to us with an in-depth knowledge of the specialty food industry. These members of our extended Woodlands family and their commitment to community, food, service and to each other are what set us apart from other grocery stores.

Who Are We Looking For?

At Woodlands Market, we are delighted to be able to share our passion for food and fresh produce with our customers. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are looking to continue your career alongside an awesome team, then join the family!

Benefits of working at Woodlands Market include:

• Competitive wages
• Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision Insurance*
• Full-time employees receive a generous benefits package including Health/Dental/Vision Insurance, 401(k), paid vacation and paid holidays
• Holiday premium pay for time worked on recognized holidays
• 35% employee store discount
• $50 subsidy towards non-slip shoes every 6 months.
• Awesome, team-oriented environment
• Opportunities for growth and development

Pay range:

$28-36.06