Manager - Prepared Foods

Are you a culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in delivering high-quality, ready-to-enjoy meals?

At Joseph’s Classic Market, our Prepared Foods Department Manager leads one of the most dynamic and high-impact areas of the store. From hot bar and grab-and-go to soups, salads, and family meals, this role ensures every item reflects our standards for quality, freshness, and presentation while delivering a seamless experience for our guests.

Growth & Learning at Joseph’s

We believe in developing strong leaders from within. As Prepared Foods Department Manager, you’ll strengthen your expertise in food production, merchandising, inventory strategy, and labor management while leading a high-volume, multi-faceted department. You’ll gain experience balancing culinary execution with business performance—managing costs, driving sales, and developing a high-performing team. We value leaders who take ownership, mentor their teams, and grow alongside the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Department Operations
  
  
  
  • Oversee all aspects of food production, packaging, and merchandising
  
  
  • Ensure timely preparation and replenishment of hot bar, soup bar, and cold case items
  
  
  • Monitor portion control, recipe adherence, and prep accuracy
  
  
  • Manage daily operations, including cleaning schedules and closing procedures
  
  
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked department throughout the day
  
  


• Product Quality & Merchandising
  
  
  
  • Ensure all products meet Joseph's taste and visual presentation standards
  
  
  • Rotate products using FIFO to maintain freshness
  
  
  • Coordinate with Marketing on seasonal displays and promotions
  
  
  • Create appealing grab-and-go packaging and merchandising
  
  
  • Conduct daily case inspections and tastings to ensure consistency
  
  


• Food Safety & Compliance
  
  
  
  • Enforce food safety standards (ServSafe, temperature logs, allergen labeling)
  
  
  • Maintain sanitation procedures and cleaning logs
  
  
  • Monitor hot/cold holding temperatures and proper cooling procedures
  
  
  • Ensure compliance with health codes, audits, and internal standards
  
  


• Inventory & Cost Control
  
  
  
  • Order ingredients and packaging from approved vendors
  
  
  • Monitor usage, waste, and shrink; implement waste-reduction strategies
  
  
  • Track inventory levels and adjust production based on sales trends
  
  
  • Manage food and labor cost targets
  
  
  • Oversee backstock rotation and cooler organization
  
  


• Customer Service
  
  
  
  • Lead by example in providing knowledgeable, friendly service
  
  
  • Train staff on product offerings, ingredients, and allergen awareness
  
  
  • Handle guest requests, special orders, and concerns professionally
  
  
  • Support catering prep and coordinate with kitchen and deli teams
  
  


• Team Leadership
  
  
  
  • Hire, train, schedule, and supervise prep cooks and associates
  
  
  • Provide coaching, support, and performance feedback
  
  
  • Monitor department attendance and ensure associates adhere to scheduled shifts and company timekeeping policies, addressing any attendance or punctuality concerns promptly and consistently
  
  
  • Follow up on performance or attendance issues with proper documentation and corrective action when necessary, including disciplinary action forms, notes to file, and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) to support accountability and improvement within the department
  
  
  • Conduct daily pre-shift meetings to align team on production goals and quality standards
  
  
  • Promote a culture of cleanliness, urgency, hospitality, and pride
  
  
  • Foster strong collaboration with kitchen, deli, and bakery departments
  
  


• Reporting & Communication
  
  
  
  • Submit weekly department metrics (sales, labor, shrink) to Store Manager
  
  
  • Communicate vendor issues, customer feedback, and department needs
  
  
  • Participate in leadership meetings and seasonal planning
  
  
  • Maintain training materials, prep guides, and production logs
  
  
  • Assist with additional responsibilities as assigned by store leadership
  
  

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in culinary or food service environments


• Strong knowledge of food prep, batch cooking, and food safety regulations


• Leadership and team development experience


• ServSafe or food safety certification or willingness to obtain


• Strong communication, organization, and customer service skills


• Proficient in ordering, inventory, and shrink tracking


• Must be able to lift 50 lbs and stand for extended periods


• Flexible availability including early mornings, weekends, and holidays

Physical & Work Environment

This role is performed in a fast-paced food production and retail environment with exposure to heat, cold, wet floors, food allergens, and sharp tools. The Prepared Foods Department Manager must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and move between kitchen and sales floor areas throughout the day. The position requires flexibility, strong time management, and availability for early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs. The position requires regular interaction with customers and team members, strong communication skills, and the ability to foster a positive, performance-driven work culture.

Why Join Joseph's Classic Market?

The Prepared Foods department is the heart of Joseph's Classic Market, offering scratch-made, high-quality meals that bring comfort and flavor to our guests. As the Prepared Foods Manager, you will lead a dedicated team, drive culinary excellence, and play a key role in delivering one of the most important offerings in our store.

Benefits Include:

• Positive Work Environment


• Competitive Pay


• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance


• 401(k) Plan


• Paid Time Off & Personal Days


• 20% Employee Discount

We’d Love to Tell You More.

If you have questions about the Prepared Foods Manager role, leadership growth opportunities, or what it’s like to lead a high-volume culinary department at Joseph’s Classic Market, we encourage you to reach out. We’re always happy to share more about how you can grow your career and make an impact with us.

As part of our hiring process, we ask all candidates to complete a brief Predictive Index (PI) assessment. This helps us understand your strengths and how you may thrive within our team.

You can complete the assessment here:

https://assessment.predictiveindex.com/bo/76ZK/DepartmentManager

Interview Process


At Joseph’s Classic Market, we utilize VidCruiter as part of our interview process. This platform allows candidates to complete video interviews at their convenience, giving our hiring team the opportunity to better understand your experience and qualifications early in the process.

Employment Eligibility


Joseph’s Classic Market participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization for all new employees. As part of the hiring process, employment eligibility will be verified through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.