What are the responsibilities and job description for the Meal Packing Manager position at The Strong Kitchen?
OVERVIEW
The Strong Kitchen is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Meal Packing Manager to oversee our meal assembly and packing operations. In this leadership role, you will coordinate with our Head Chef and General Manager to ensure efficient weekly meal production, maintain quality standards, and lead our packing team in delivering exceptional prepared meals to our customers.
This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, leadership abilities, and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, fully refrigerated production environment.
SCHEDULE
- Monday: Meal pickup counter operations, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Thursday: Light prep and meal assembly supervision, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Friday: Light prep and meal assembly supervision, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Saturday: Light prep and meal assembly supervision, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Production Planning & Coordination
- Communicate with Head Chef and General Manager to plan weekly meal production schedules
- Review weekly menu and coordinate ingredient requirements with kitchen team
- Develop daily assembly workflows to maximize efficiency and meet production goals
- Adjust production plans as needed to accommodate order volume changes
Team Leadership & Task Assignment
- Assign assembly tasks to team members based on skills and production needs
- Train new packers on proper assembly techniques, quality standards, and safety protocols
- Monitor team performance and provide constructive feedback
- Foster a collaborative team environment focused on quality and efficiency
Quality Control & Food Safety
- Oversee meal assembly flow to ensure accuracy and consistency
- Conduct quality inspections of assembled meals before packaging
- Verify that all meals meet portion specifications and presentation standards
- Ensure all food safety protocols and temperature controls are maintained
- Address and resolve any quality issues or discrepancies immediately
Packaging & Labeling Operations
- Manage printing and labeling systems for all meal packages
- Ensure accurate labeling with correct meal names, ingredients, macros, and dates
- Verify that packages are correctly sealed and ready for delivery
- Maintain organization of packaging materials and supplies
Customer Service
- Oversee Monday pickup counter operations (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
- Ensure accurate order fulfillment for all customer pickups
- Address customer questions or concerns professionally
- Receive and stock vendor orders
Facility & Safety Management
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe workspace throughout production areas
- Ensure proper storage of ingredients and finished products
- Monitor and report equipment maintenance needs
- Enforce adherence to all safety protocols and health department regulations
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum 2 years food service experience
- Minimum 1 year supervisory or team lead experience
- Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work efficiently in refrigerated environment for extended periods
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds
- Excellent communication skills in English (written and verbal)
- Ability to work collaboratively with kitchen and management teams
- Reliable transportation to Hamden, CT location
Preferred:
- Previous experience in meal prep, food manufacturing, or catering operations
- ServSafe certification or willingness to obtain
- Experience with inventory management or production planning
- Familiarity with macro-balanced or fitness-focused meal preparation
- Experience with point-of-sale or order management systems
WHAT WE OFFER
- Competitive hourly wage: $23.50 to 25.00/hour
- Consistent 32-hour weekly schedule
- Employee meal discounts
- Opportunity to grow with an expanding CT-based business
- Hands-on leadership role with room for advancement
- Supportive team environment focused on quality and customer satisfaction
Pay: $23.52 - $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 32.0 – 34.0 per week
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Do you have supervisory or team leadership experience? Please describe.
- Are you comfortable working in a cold environment for long periods (with proper company-provided gear)?
- Describe your experience with quality control or food safety standards.
- What is your approach to managing and motivating a team?
- Do you have experience with production planning or coordinating with kitchen operations?
Work Location: In person
Salary : $24 - $25