HMR Department Manager - Franchise

Come make your difference in communities across Canada, where authenticity, trust and making connections is valued - as we shape the future of Canadian retail, together. Our commitment to positively impact the lives of all Canadians provides employees a range of opportunities and experiences to help Canadians Live Life Well®.

At Your Independent Grocer, we succeed through collaboration and commitment and set a high bar for ourselves and those around us. Whether you are just starting your career, re-entering the workforce, or looking for a new job, this is where you belong. We have opportunities for hard working, enthusiastic and reliable people just like you.

The Hot Meals Department Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Hot Food & Mealtime Marketplace department within the store. This includes managing a team, ensuring the preparation and presentation of high-quality meals, maintaining food safety standards, managing inventory, and driving sales and profitability. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, organizational, and customer service skills, as well as a passion for delivering delicious and nutritious meals to our customers.

• Department Leadership:

  • Lead, supervise, and train a team of associates to ensure excellent performance and customer service.
  • Schedule and assign duties to department staff, ensuring optimal coverage during peak times.
  • Set clear goals and expectations for team members and provide ongoing performance feedback.
  • Foster a positive, team-oriented work environment focused on efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Operations & Food Preparation:

  • Oversee the daily preparation of hot meals, ensuring they meet quality, safety, and presentation standards.
  • Monitor food quality, portion control, and adherence to recipes.
  • Ensure that the hot meals department operates within health and safety guidelines, including proper sanitation and food safety practices.
  • Manage production schedules to maintain fresh and appealing meal options throughout the day.

• Inventory & Ordering:

  • Manage department inventory, ensuring adequate stock of raw materials and supplies without overstocking.
  • Place orders for ingredients and supplies, monitoring costs to stay within budget.
  • Perform regular inventory checks and manage product rotation to minimize waste.

• Sales & Profitability:

  • Analyze sales trends and adjust offerings to meet customer demands and maximize profitability.
  • Ensure that pricing is competitive and that promotional signage is accurate.
  • Assist in implementing sales strategies, including meal promotions and cross-selling with other store departments.

• Customer Service:

  • Provide exceptional customer service and address customer inquiries or concerns related to hot meals.
  • Offer suggestions and product knowledge to customers seeking meal solutions.
  • Resolve customer complaints or issues in a timely and professional manner.

• Compliance & Record Keeping:

  • Maintain proper documentation for food safety, waste, and inventory.
  • Ensure compliance with local, provincial and federal food safety regulations.
  • Conduct regular audits of the department to ensure cleanliness, safety, and operational efficiency.

• Education & Experience:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required. Culinary degree or related certification is a plus.
  • Minimum 1-2 years of experience in food service or retail management, preferably in a hot meals or prepared foods department.
  • Experience in leading and managing a team is required.

• Skills & Abilities:

  • Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and manage a team.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations and proper handling techniques.
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
  • Proficient in inventory management and basic computer systems.

• Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a kitchen/food prep environment.
  • Ability to work in a variety of temperatures, including hot kitchens and cold storage areas.

• The Hot Meals Department Manager will work primarily in the store’s hot meals area and may occasionally need to assist with tasks in other parts of the store. The role requires frequent interaction with customers and staff in a high-energy environment.

Jonsson's Your Independent Grocer is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Our commitment to Sustainability and Social Impact is an essential part of the way we do business, and we focus our attention on areas where we can have the greatest impact. Our approach to sustainability and social impact is based on three pillars - Environment, Sourcing and Community - and we are constantly looking for ways to demonstrate leadership in these important areas. Our CORE Values - Care, Ownership, Respect and Excellence - guide all our decision-making and come to life through our Blue Culture. We offer our employees progressive careers, comprehensive training, flexibility, and other competitive benefits - these are some of the many reasons why we are one of Canada’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, Canada’s Greenest Employers & Canada’s Top Employers for Young People.

If you are unsure whether your experience matches every requirement above, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are looking for varied perspectives which include diverse experiences that we can add to our team.

We have a long-standing focus on diversity, equity and inclusion because we know it will make our company a better place to work and shop. We are committed to creating accessible environments for our employees, candidates and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Please Note:
Candidates who are 18 years or older are required to complete a criminal background check. Details will be provided through the application process.

NOTE: The Employer noted in this posting is an independently owned corporation (“Franchisee”) which is licensed to use the “Your Independent Grocer” trademark(s) by Loblaws Inc. Applicants hired by a franchisee will be employees of the franchisee. No employment or similar relationship will be created between the applicant and Loblaws Inc. or its affiliates.