Deli Associate
Position Summary
Agata & Valentina, one of New York City's premier Italian specialty food stores, is seeking a friendly, motivated, and detail-oriented Deli Associate to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for high-quality food, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced deli or specialty food environment. This position is responsible for preparing, slicing, packaging, and serving a variety of premium deli meats, cheeses, prepared foods, and Italian specialty products while maintaining the highest standards of freshness, presentation, and food safety. If you enjoy working with customers and take pride in delivering exceptional service and quality products, we have an exciting opportunity for you.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Provide friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive customer service, assisting customers with product selections, recommendations, and special requests.
Slice, weigh, portion, package, and label a variety of deli products, including premium meats, cheeses, cold cuts, and Italian specialty foods according to customer specifications.
Operate and maintain deli slicers, scales, knives, and other food preparation equipment safely and efficiently.
Prepare sandwiches, salads, antipasto platters, and other ready-to-eat deli items according to company recipes, portion guidelines, and presentation standards.
Maintain attractive, clean, and fully stocked refrigerated display cases, ensuring proper product presentation, freshness, and availability.
Monitor product quality, expiration dates, and storage temperatures to ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.
Follow proper food handling procedures, including labeling, dating, stock rotation (FIFO), and prevention of cross-contamination.
Assist with receiving deliveries, inspecting merchandise, organizing storage areas, and replenishing department inventory.
Minimize product waste by following portion control guidelines, proper storage procedures, and inventory management practices.
Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment, including counters, display cases, slicers, utensils, and food preparation areas.
Assist customers with special orders, catering requests, and customized deli selections as needed.
Collaborate with department managers and team members to ensure efficient operations and timely customer service during peak business hours.
Assist with opening and closing procedures, including department setup, equipment cleaning, product storage, and workstation sanitation.
Adapt to changing department needs and perform additional duties as assigned by management.
Maintain professionalism, punctuality, and a positive attitude in a fast-paced, customer-focused retail environment.
Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
1–2 years of experience in a deli, specialty food market, grocery store, or similar food retail environment preferred.
Knowledge of premium deli meats, Italian cured meats, cheeses, prepared foods, and other specialty products is a plus.
Ability to safely operate commercial deli slicers, knives, scales, and other food preparation equipment.
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with customers and coworkers.
Familiarity with food safety, sanitation, temperature control, and proper food storage procedures.
Strong attention to detail when slicing, weighing, packaging, preparing, and presenting products.
Ability to work efficiently and accurately in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
Basic math skills for weighing products, calculating quantities, and understanding pricing.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain clean, well-stocked displays.
Ability to follow recipes, portion guidelines, and product presentation standards consistently.
Team-oriented attitude with a willingness to assist coworkers and support department operations.
Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Qualifications and Experience
Previous experience as a deli associate, deli clerk, food service associate, or in a similar customer-facing food retail role preferred.
Experience in a high-volume supermarket, specialty food market, gourmet grocery store, or deli environment is a plus.
Familiarity with slicing and handling deli meats, cheeses, cold cuts, and ready-to-eat foods is highly desirable.
Experience operating commercial deli slicers, digital scales, and food preparation equipment preferred.
Experience preparing sandwiches, salads, and other deli specialties is a plus.
Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation procedures, and proper storage practices.
Food Handler's Certificate or Food Protection Certificate is a plus.
Strong customer service skills with a friendly, professional, and team-oriented attitude.
Willingness to learn new skills, follow instructions, and adapt to department needs.
Ability to follow established recipes, portion guidelines, food safety procedures, and presentation standards.
Must be able to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in refrigerated environments as needed, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks, including slicing, packaging, stocking, preparing food, and cleaning, while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
Job Description
Company:J.A.V. Food Corp d/b/a Agata & Valentina
Location:New York, NY 10075
Job Type:Full-Time, In-Person
Compensation:$17.00/hr – $20.00/hr
Reports To:Department Manager
Benefits
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with employer match
Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Employee discounts
Equal Opportunity Statement
Agata & Valentina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.