Food Service Plater and Packer Team Lead

About Us

Salsa Caterers & Special Events is a leading MWBE-certified catering and hospitality group serving the NYC metropolitan area. We are an off-premises catering, food service, and special events company specializing in Traditional Criollo cuisines. While Latino food is our specialty, Salsa offers diverse menus for most cultural affairs. With multiple divisions across Manhattan, The Bronx, and Mount Vernon, Salsa provides exceptional food, event production, and customer experiences for corporate, social, institutional, and community clients.

Salsa is seeking a reliable and hardworking Food Service Plater and Packer Team Lead to join and supervise our food service production team. This supervisory position plays a key role in coordinating the preparation, packaging, and organized distribution of meals daily to community programs, including older adult centers, residential facilities, and other food service locations.

The ideal candidate is organized, works well in a fast-paced environment, is committed to maintaining food safety and quality standards, and demonstrates strong leadership ability.

Responsibilities

The Team Lead is responsible for all core plater and packer duties, as well as team supervision and administrative coordination:

• Direct and supervise the daily workflow and activities of the plating and packing team, ensuring efficient production and adherence to schedule.
• Monitor and enforce quality control standards for portioning, accuracy, and meal presentation.
• Create and maintain the drivers delivery sheets and invoices for the Hotels.
• Create and update all the nutritional labels for all menu items.
• Plate and portion meals according to menu guidelines and portion standards.
• Pack meals into containers for delivery and distribution.
• Label meals accurately, including special diet meals when required.
• Assist with assembling box lunches and sandwich packages.
• Maintain a clean and organized packing line, overseeing sanitation procedures.
• Follow and ensure the team adheres to all food safety, sanitation, and health department guidelines.
• Conduct on-the-job training for new team members.
• Report production status, staffing issues, and equipment maintenance needs to management.
• Work as part of a team to meet daily meal production goals.
• Assist with light kitchen prep and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous food service or kitchen experience is required, with prior team lead or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and portion control.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to follow instructions and work well in a team.
• Must be punctual, dependable, and ready to work.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.

Physical Requirements

• Standing for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 30–40 lbs when necessary.
• Ability to work in a commercial kitchen environment.

Schedule

Typical shifts may include:

• Morning shifts start between 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM.
• Monday – Sunday (some nights may be required depending on production needs).

Why Work With Us

• Support programs that serve the community and older adults.
• Team-oriented work environment.
• Opportunity to grow within the company.
• Consistent work schedule.

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you flexible and available to work on weekends?

Ability to Commute:

• Mount Vernon, NY 10550 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20