Balls Foods

Are you passionate about food and ready to grow into a leadership role in a fast-paced, high-energy environment? We're looking for a Deli & Kitchen Manager Trainee to join our team and develop the skills needed to lead operations, teams, and the guest experience at the next level.

At Balls Food Stores, we bring food and community together through our family of stores-including Hen House, Price Chopper, Payless Discount Foods, and Sun Fresh. From chef-inspired hot bar favorites to ready-to-enjoy meals, we're known for quality, freshness, and an experience that keeps guests coming back.

This is a hands-on leadership development role where no two days are the same. You'll gain real experience in both deli service and kitchen operations while building the foundation to lead a team and manage a department. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading by example in preparing and serving fresh, high-quality, ready-to-eat foods
• Supporting daily operations, including production planning, execution, and service flow
• Learning and enforcing food safety, sanitation, and proper handling standards (FIFO)
• Driving product quality, merchandising, and in-stock conditions to maximize sales
• Assisting with inventory management, ordering, and minimizing shrink/waste
• Coaching and supporting team members to deliver exceptional guest service
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment
• Supporting scheduling, labor awareness, and overall department efficiency

You'll build the leadership, operational, and business skills that position you for potential future advancement into a Department Manager role, based on business needs and individual performance.

Training That Sets You Up for Leadership:

• You'll train at the store with the greatest need closest to your home base
• Training will include both hands-on production and leadership development
• After training, placement into a leadership role is not guaranteed and is based on business needs, your performance, and available opportunities
• Strong performance-including but not limited to leadership, accountability, food safety, quality, and guest service-will help position you for future opportunities and advancement potential

What We're Looking For:

• A passion for food and a desire to grow into a leadership role
• Strong work ethic with a proactive, ownership mindset
• Natural leadership ability or desire to lead and develop others
• Excellent communication and guest service skills
• Ability to thrive and lead in a fast-paced environment
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Previous food service, retail, or leadership experience