Which of the following is a key responsibility of a deli manager?

Managing inventory is a key responsibility of a deli manager because it directly impacts the operation's efficiency, profitability, and product availability. An effective deli manager must ensure that items are stocked appropriately, monitor expiration dates, and adjust orders based on sales trends and demand forecasts. This ensures that the deli can meet customer needs without overstocking, which ties up capital and leads to waste.

In the context of a deli, managing inventory also includes overseeing the freshness and quality of products, which is vital in the food service industry. Keeping a well-managed inventory allows the deli to maintain high standards for food safety and quality, satisfy customer expectations, and reduce losses related to spoilage or inventory shrinkage.

While counting cash drawers, delivering products, and cleaning the store are important tasks in a grocery environment, these responsibilities are typically not the primary focus associated with the managerial role in the deli department. For instance, cash handling is often a duty designated for cashiers, delivery tasks may be assigned to drivers or stock personnel, and cleanliness may be managed by various staff members to ensure overall store hygiene standards, rather than being a sole responsibility of the deli manager.