What are the responsibilities and job description for the Kitchen Team Lead position at Apple Crate Natural Market?
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has experience leading a kitchen team in a high-volume or production environment
- Is comfortable in a scratch-made, batch cooking kitchen (not made-to-order service)
- Can plan and execute daily production based on inventory, par levels, and sales needs
- Demonstrates strong leadership on the floor—coaching, adjusting workflow, and holding standards
- Understands food safety in practice and actively enforces it throughout the shift
- Is highly organized, detail-oriented, and thrives in a systems-driven environment
About Us
Apple Crate Naturals is a community-focused health food store with over 25 years in business. Our newly expanded 8,500 sq. ft. market includes a full production kitchen supporting our grab-and-go, hot bar, and prepared foods programs.
About the Role
As Kitchen Team Lead, you’ll support the department manager in overseeing a production kitchen focused on batch cooking and prepared foods.
This role is hands-on and operational. You’ll be responsible for planning the day’s production, leading the team through execution, and ensuring all food is prepared safely, efficiently, and to a high standard of quality and consistency.
Success in this role requires someone who can balance big-picture planning with real-time decision-making on the kitchen floor.
Key ResponsibilitiesProduction & Kitchen Operations
- Plan and manage daily production across hot bar, grab-and-go, cafe, and bakery items
- Adjust production based on inventory, existing prep, and sales trends
- Ensure food is prepared efficiently, consistently, and on time
- Maintain organized systems for prep, workflow, and kitchen execution
Leadership & Shift Execution
- Lead the kitchen team throughout the shift, adjusting priorities and assignments as needed
- Provide real-time coaching, support, and accountability
- Ensure team readiness, proper setup, and adherence to kitchen standards
- Help ensure all shifts run smoothly, even in your absence
Food Safety, Quality & Organization
- Actively enforce food safety, sanitation, and labeling standards
- Ensure proper temperature control, storage, and handling at all stages
- Maintain a clean, organized kitchen during and after production
- Oversee opening and closing procedures to ensure full operational readiness
Inventory, Waste & Efficiency
- Monitor product levels and ensure proper rotation and freshness
- Minimize waste through accurate production planning and tracking
- Support inventory management, ordering, and cost control efforts
Qualifications
- Experience in a kitchen leadership or supervisory role required
- Experience in a scratch-made or production kitchen strongly preferred
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
- Experience with inventory, food costing, or ordering systems a plus
- Basic computer skills required
- Ability to lift 25 lbs regularly, 50 lbs occasionally
- Flexible availability. Hours for the position are 6:30 am- 2:00 pm daily (weekends required, holidays as needed)
Why This Role Matters
This role is key to delivering clean, high-quality food to our community. You’ll help build systems, lead a team, and ensure our kitchen runs smoothly day in and day out.
Please do not call the store. All communication will be handled through really.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Experience:
- Kitchen management: 2 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $17