Countdown is expected to open a new supermarket in Clyde St in May, which will be staffed by a team of about 80.
In February, Clutha District Council employment programme Jobbortunities held a job fair to help the store find staff.
At the time, Mayor Bryan Cadogan said he was aware, due to low unemployment in the district, that the supermarket might disrupt staffing at other local employers.
Yesterday, Mr Cadogan said Jobbortunities would continue to promote all employers in the district, and work to "rebalance" the employment market following Countdown’s opening.
"We’d always calculated on a two-phase approach, where we’d support Countdown to find staff, then rebalance after the inevitable shake-up a sizeable new employer brings to the market.
"Countdown is a welcome addition to the employment landscape locally and the net effect, once things rebalance, will be extremely positive for the market as a whole."
More than 130 had attended Jobbortunities’ Countdown evening.
A further job fair - for all employers - would take place in late May or early June, he said.
Countdown Balclutha store manager Carmella Mably said her team had received more than 250 applications for about 80 positions.
"We’re now working through the final stages of the recruitment process. While we have a few key roles left to find the right person for, we’re expecting to get those positions filled in the next couple of weeks. In total, it’s looking like we’ll have created close to 80 new jobs," she said.
The 2530sq m store would open late May, following delays to construction caused by Covid-19.
It will contain an in-store bakery, delicatessen, food-to-go options and a dedicated area for online shopping pick-up, and be served by 67 car parks.
Work to transform footpaths, and create a new entrance driveway location for safer access from State Highway 1, will take place during the next fortnight.
