_{16th October, 2026}

Fresh Food Manager Co. Wicklow
 
Blue Forge Recruitment is proud to partner with some of Ireland's leading and most progressive retail and FMCG companies. The store is a modern, well-maintained convenience outlet, equipped to support efficient day-to-day operations and deliver a consistently high-quality shopping experience for customers.This opportunity is ideal for an experienced Senior Deli Professional with 5-6 years of proven experience working in a busy, professional and well-organised deli or fresh food department. The successful candidate will take ownership of daily departmental performance, ensuring outstanding food quality, presentation, hygiene and customer service while maximising sales and profitability. Strong commercial acumen, including the ability to analyse sales figures, manage P&L, control stock, minimise waste and optimise operating costs, is essential. The store is located on a 15 minutes' drive from Rathnew and the surrounding areas. Due to the early morning start times required for this role, candidates with their own transport are strongly preferred. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced deli professional to take greater responsibility for departmental performance, develop their commercial and leadership skills, and contribute to the continued success of a high-performing retail food operation.
 

 
 

• Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of a busy, high-volume deli and fresh food department.
• Lead, supervise and motivate the deli team, ensuring efficient workflow, clear communication, high productivity and consistent adherence to company standards.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, cleanliness and HACCP compliance.
• Ensure all deli products, freshly prepared foods and counter displays are presented to an excellent professional standard.
• Ensure accurate product labelling, including ingredients, allergens, pricing, use-by dates and all legally required food information.
• Monitor and record food temperatures, manage stock rotation and ensure all HACCP documentation.
• Take full responsibility for stock control, ordering, stock rotation, portion control and waste management to minimise losses and maximise departmental profitability.
• Monitor daily sales, gross profit margins, labour costs and departmental performance, implementing effective measures to achieve and exceed business targets.
• Deliver outstanding customer service by maintaining a customer-focused environment and resolving customer queries or complaints professionally and efficiently.
• Plan and organise staff duties, break schedules and daily production requirements to ensure the department operates smoothly during busy trading periods.
• Work closely with the Store Manager and other department managers to support overall store performance, commercial objectives and operational excellence.
• Manage all opening and closing procedures, ensuring the department is fully stocked, properly prepared and ready for trading.

• A minimum of 5-6 years of proven experience working in a busy, professional deli, fresh food department, food service or catering environment.
• Demonstrated experience in a supervisory or management role, with the ability to lead, motivate and develop a team effectively.
• Strong practical knowledge of food preparation, cooking, hot and cold food displays, deli counter management and fresh food merchandising.
• Excellent understanding of HACCP principles, food safety legislation, hygiene standards, allergen management and safe food handling procedures.
• Proven ability to maintain consistently high standards of food quality, freshness, presentation and customer service in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong commercial awareness, including experience managing stock levels, supplier orders, gross profit margins, portion control, labour costs and food waste.
• Excellent organisational, planning and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and maintain high standards during peak trading periods.
• Confident leadership, communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage staff performance and resolve operational challenges.
• A proactive and hands-on management approach, demonstrating initiative, accountability and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with senior management and colleagues across the store.
• A relevant food safety qualification, HACCP certification or equivalent professional training is highly desirable

Contact Blue Forge Recruitment at 01 4853725 or visit our website Blue Forge Recruitment | Recruitment Agency to learn more on how we can assist you in advancing your career or team. Blue Forge Recruitment is a specialist Recruitment Company, assisting Retail and FMCG companies source Retail, HR, Accountancy and Sales professionals

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