Kitchen Lead

Job Summary

The Kitchen Lead is responsible for all kitchen functions, including but not limited to food purchasing, receiving, preparation and maintenance of quality standards, safety, sanitation, and cleanliness. Also, this employee is responsible to hire, and train kitchen department employees. The job requires approximately 60 hours per week with some nights and weekends.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operate, clean, and maintain equipment/machinery, tools, and workstations
• Order supplies, food, and ingredients based on rapidly shifting demand
• Ensures food ingredients are stored in their designated area and rotated in the proper manner
• Maintain inventory levels and conduct full inventory Hire and train kitchen staff in specific stations, and cross-train as necessary
• Exceed our customers’ evolving expectations by preparing the freshest quality product while
• Follow instructions for proper recipe creation
• Create schedules for kitchen staff to ensure there are always enough workers to meet the demand, particularly for the lunch rush
• Schedule and oversee necessary maintenance and repairs on kitchen appliances
• Assist the store with menu changes and adjustments based on seasonal availability
• Ensures department sanitation, cleanliness, and safety standards are met
• Receive, prepare, weigh, finish, slice, price, package, merchandise, provide customer service, season, cook and store quality ingredients and stock product as needed
• Respond personally to customer questions and complaints
• Monitor menu item volumes and sales mix with Store Director to ensure par-stocks are maintained
• Other kitchen duties as assigned by the Store Director and/or Operations Manager

Requirements Qualifications

• 5+ years’ culinary experience
• Ability to work well under pressure and in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Capable of conducting and assessing kitchen inventory
• Experience with delegating tasks and maintaining a fast speed of service
• Excellent communication, organizational and multitasking skills
• Able to deal with complaints and give accurate information
• A customer-oriented approach is essential
• Must be a team player with a positive attitude
• Previous perishable foods handling and/or preparation experience preferred
• Ability to work a flexible schedule in accordance with the needs of the store

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand, walk, squat, bend, sit, balance and rotate the body
• Ability to frequently lift and move up to 50 lbs. or more throughout the shift

Frequent Exposure

• Wet and/or humid conditions (e.g. Walk-in/reach-in coolers, scullery area)
• Warm and/or humid condition (e.g. servicing hot bar, stove, oven, steamer)
• Cold or extreme cold conditions (e.g. walk-in/reach-in freezers)
• Moving loaded carts/pallets of product in and out of storage/retail areas and in and out of the freight elevator

Preferred Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Bilingual Spanish/English