Fresh Food Area Manager

Job description

The Noel Group is proud to partner with a prestigious client in the retail and food service industry to search for a Fresh Food Area Manager to oversee multiple stores across Ireland.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced fresh food professional to take ownership of a multi-site operation, driving commercial performance, food quality, compliance, and team development. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership and store management teams to deliver an outstanding fresh food offering while maximizing sales and profitability.

The Duties

• Manage and oversee the overall performance of fresh food departments across multiple stores.
• Build strong relationships with store managers, fresh food teams, and suppliers.
• Drive sales, margins, participation, and profitability across all fresh food categories.
• Implement and monitor best practices through regular store visits and hands-on coaching.
• Support stores with operational improvements, merchandising, and customer experience initiatives.
• Train, motivate, and develop store managers and fresh food teams to achieve high performance.
• Ensure all stores comply with HACCP, food safety legislation, and company policies.
• Prepare stores for external audits and maintain the highest compliance standards.
• Manage product range, quality standards, and supplier performance.
• Develop innovative fresh food concepts, menus, and promotional activities.
• Analyse departmental sales, margins, waste, and weekly performance targets.
• Oversee waste control systems and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Support the implementation and management of Kelsius and Digitally systems across stores.
• Coordinate marketing materials, point-of-sale promotions, menus, and seasonal offers.
• Deliver HACCP and food safety training while ensuring documentation remains up to date.
• Organise training workshops to promote a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Provide hands-on operational support to store managers when required.
• Report operational improvements, cost-saving initiatives, or any concerns regarding compliance or potential fraud to senior management.
• Attend management meetings and contribute to the strategic development of the business.
• Carry out additional duties as required by the Managing Director or Head of Retail.

The Must Requirements to be Considered

• Must have experience in Hospitality or Fresh Food Retail Management.
• Must have experience in a similar senior management role or be ready to take the next step in their career.
• Previous multi-site fresh food or regional management experience is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of budgets, sales performance, margins, and profitability.
• Passionate about driving commercial performance and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• Food preparation and food service experience would be a distinct advantage.
• Excellent knowledge of HACCP and food safety legislation.
• Strong leadership, communication, coaching, and people management skills.
• Experience with Kelsius and Digitally systems would be advantageous.
• Strong IT skills, including practical experience with Microsoft Office.
• Full clean driving licence is essential.
• Living in Ireland and have the right to work in ROI.
• Visa and relocation packages are not provided.

The Salary & Benefits

• Attractive salary of €75,000-€80,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Performance-related bonus (package up to approximately €80,000 DOE).
• Company car.
• Fuel card.
• Private pension.
• Laptop and mobile phone provided.
• Excellent work-life balance.
• Opportunities for career progression within the company.
• Access to professional development and training programs.
• A dynamic and supportive working environment.