Deli Associate - Excelsior

Job DetailsJob Location: Excelsior Market & Wine Shop - Excelsior, MN 55331Position Type: Part TimeSalary Range: $16.00 - $23.90 HourlyPlease note: pay range is based on experience

Note on this requisition:

Kowalski Companies is a civic business. We have been family-owned since 1983, when Jim and Mary Kowalski opened the first location on Grand Ave. in St. Paul. Part of being a civic business means we focus on ensuring sustainability and providing the best possible customer service.

If you enjoy great food and sharing it with others, the Deli is the place to be. In this role, you’ll connect with customers, help them select delicious options, and suggest items that elevate everyday meals or special gatherings. You’ll prepare and stock fresh deli items, receive deliveries, rotate product, and master the art of custom-slicing meats and cheeses. Attention to detail and sanitation are key as you maintain a space that reflects our commitment to exceptional quality. This is a hands-on role where you’ll build product knowledge and culinary confidence over time. You’ll work alongside a passionate team that loves what they do and takes pride in helping customers discover new favorites. No experience is necessary – we’ll guide you every step of the way. It’s all part of sharing the joy that comes from truly good food.

Requirements: 

Must be 18 years of age or older
Must have year-round availability to work the hours below
Must be Available between the hours of 6am and 9pm
Weekend and holiday availability
Ensure quality and safety of food
Comfortable speaking to customers in an energetic and helpful manner 
Ability to work independently
Interest in preparing, handling, and cooking food 
Interest in product knowledge
Understand that you have the power to impact customers and coworkers day in a positive way  

Benefits: 

20% discount 
Weekly pay 
Vacation and holiday pay
Annual company picnic 
Holiday parties 
Employee appreciation luncheons 
Scholarship opportunities 
401k plan 
 

This position is part of the UFCW local 663 Union, which provides: 

Guaranteed raises 
Ancillary benefits 
Employee assistance programs
Scholarship opportunities 
And more!  

Primary Objective: To fulfill my role as a governing member and active citizen.

Position functions and work direction are provided by Deli Manager, Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, Manager on Duty (MOD).

Active Citizenship
• Understand your role as an active citizen in helping build right relationships with customers, coworkers, managers and vendors by communicating effectively and maintaining a positive relationship.
• Take an active role in identifying opportunities and barriers by engaging with the proper stakeholder(s) to close gaps and create change.
• Create an abundant and just environment by attending and participating in governing meetings.
• Take on a civic identity to sustain the civic infrastructure by familiarizing yourself with Kowalski’s core curriculum (Kowalski’s Employee Handbook, ACT training, POD training, and technical training).
• Continue to educate yourself and others around Active Citizenship and Points of Difference.

Public Appearance and Behavior
• Exceed customers’ expectations by creating an exceptional shopping experience by greeting the customer, eye contact, always offering assistance, and thanking them.
• It is your responsibility to arrive on time and in full uniform for all scheduled shifts (refer to Attendance, Uniform, Hair Restraint, Jewelry, and Nail Policies).
• Follow proper radio and phone etiquette

Knowledge of Deli Standards, Procedures and Job Expectations
• Promote products through suggestive selling (samples, suggestions, product information).
• Understanding timeliness and prioritizing tasks in all aspects of the department.
• Deli Meat and Cheese Case, Hot Food Cases, Salad Case, Salad Bar, Self Service Cases and Displays:
• Assist with food preparation and slicing meats and cheese according to Kowalski’s Deli Standards.
• Ensure proper handling, sanitation, freshness, and quality of all products.
• Ensure all areas are fresh, full, rotated, clean, and appealing to the customer.
• Process orders with proper quality, quantity, labeling, and price.
• Properly record shrink.
• Catering and specialty orders:
• Be familiar with Kowalski’s Catering and Party Tray Brochure.
• Assist and take customers’ orders.
• Assist with preparation of trays for catering orders and special orders.
• Maintaining the Cleanliness of the Deli:
• Break down, wash, and sanitize all equipment (cases, prep-tables, ovens, fryers etc.).
• Assist and maintain organization of backroom, coolers and freezers (overstock and supplies).
• Sweep and mop the floor, as needed.
• Assist with dishwashing.
• Product Receiving:
• Ensure piece count matches invoice.
• Monitor product quality.
• Place product under refrigeration immediately.
• Miscellaneous tasks assigned by the deli manager or store manager:
• Assist with merchandising, pricing procedures.
• Assist in training new employees.
• Additional duties the manager assigns.

Functional Requirements

Physical
• Lift/carry 5 - 70 pounds following proper lifting techniques.
• Push/pull 200 - 1000 pounds.
• Equipment operation
• Pallet jack
• Box cutter
• Carts
• Meat slicer
• Scale
• Knives
• Reaching, standing, stooping, bending, turning, walking, ladder climbing, lifting etc.

Mental
• Good judgment and decision-making skills.
• Excellent social skills and verbal interaction.
• Reading and memorization.

Environmental
• Exposure to cold temperatures (0 – 40 degrees).

Safety and Security
• SDS Book awareness and location.
• AWAIR and Right to Know program.
• Global Harmonization program.
• Follow PCI Compliance standards.
• Notify Manager on Duty in the case of theft, shoplifting, accidents, injuries, or unusual behavior.
• Use of personal protective devices as instructed (i.e. oven mitts).
• Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures (handwashing, glove use, temperature logs, product handling etc.).
Qualifications