Citarella is one of the most iconic premium food retailers in the United States, built on more than a century of culinary heritage and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Established in New York City in 1912 as a neighborhood seafood shop, the company has evolved into a family-run gourmet market destination known for its “fresh from the source” standards, deep product expertise, and hospitality-driven customer experience.

Today, Citarella operates specialty markets across New York City, the Hamptons, and Greenwich, Connecticut. The brand is recognized for exceptional seafood, prime dry-aged meats, chef-prepared foods, artisanal cheeses, scratch-made pastries, and curated gourmet offerings. Our reputation is built on craftsmanship, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to our guests.

The Department Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, financial performance, merchandising, inventory management, guest experience, and team leadership within an assigned department. This role plays a critical part in delivering Citarella’s Ultimate Gourmet Experience by ensuring exceptional product quality, outstanding service, operational excellence, and team development.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment, demonstrates strong business acumen, and is passionate about delivering best-in-class hospitality and product standards.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Department Management

Oversee day-to-day department operations to ensure efficiency, productivity, and exceptional execution.
Monitor department profitability, sales performance, labor costs, inventory levels, and waste.
Maintain department appearance, merchandising standards, signage, pricing accuracy, and product presentation.
Ensure proper receiving, storage, handling, rotation, and replenishment of products.
Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with buyers and store leadership to maintain appropriate product assortment.
Analyze department reports and implement action plans to improve performance.
Ensure opening, closing, and operational procedures are executed consistently.

Guest Experience

Deliver and model exceptional guest service at all times.
Respond to guest inquiries and concerns professionally and with urgency.
Build guest loyalty through product knowledge, hospitality, and personalized service.
Support guest engagement initiatives and service recovery efforts when necessary.

Team Leadership & Development

Lead, coach, motivate, and develop department team members.
Assist with recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training new associates.
Create and manage department schedules to ensure proper staffing coverage.
Approve PTO requests, maintain time and attendance records, and manage labor budgets.
Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
Foster a positive, professional, and inclusive work environment that promotes accountability and teamwork.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

Ensure all products meet Citarella’s quality, freshness, and food safety standards.
Maintain compliance with all company policies and applicable DOH, DOA, OSHA, and food safety regulations.
Ensure department cleanliness, sanitation, and organization standards are consistently maintained.
Monitor proper handling of equipment, tools, chemicals, and department-specific operational procedures.
Protect company assets and ensure compliance with cash handling and operational controls where applicable.

Additional Responsibilities

Support store leadership with company initiatives, operational projects, and cross-functional needs.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

Minimum 4 years of supervisory or management experience in grocery, specialty retail, food service, hospitality, or a related environment.
Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
Demonstrated ability to drive sales, manage expenses, and achieve business goals.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Ability to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, inventory management, and merchandising practices preferred.
Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand for extended periods during scheduled shifts.
Ability to bend, kneel, stoop, reach, climb stairs, and perform repetitive motions.
Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50–75 pounds, depending on department needs.
Ability to work in refrigerated, temperature-controlled, and food production environments as required.

Department Manager (Meat/Fish/Produce/Cashier/Prep/Foods & ToGo)

Job Description