Food Service Associate (Burnside)

Summary

A dedicated and customer-focused individual is sought for the role of Food Service Associate at the Burnside location. This position involves providing excellent customer service, including counter service and the preparation of specialty sandwiches. The associate will assist with kitchen operations, assist in creating food items for the hot case and deli, and uphold food quality & health safety standards. Key responsibilities include food preparation, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting overall department functions. Essential qualities include strong customer service skills, attention to detail, food safety knowledge, and the ability to perform well in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
(Other duties may be assigned as needed)

• Provide excellent customer service by giving customers immediate and full attention.
• Answer customer questions and follow up on requests.
• Offer product samples to customers.
• Assist the Department Manager and team with general kitchen tasks.
• Prepare food items following recipes and be confident creating your own dishes.
• Work with the Department Manager to develop new hot case and deli items.
• Ensure all food meets company standards for quality, freshness, and presentation.
• Follow food safety guidelines and use kitchen tools and equipment safely.
• Keep department supplies stocked and organized.
• Keep shelves and cases clean, stocked, and properly rotated.
• Make sure pricing and signage are accurate.
• Stay informed about new products and where they are located.
• Keep the work and shopping areas safe, clean, and well-organized.
• Record product transfers, waste, and spoilage correctly.
• Package and wrap items properly for sale.
• Understand product preparation and nutritional information.
• Keep back stock and cooler areas clean and organized.
• Be able to explain how our products differ from those in conventional stores.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.

Qualifications
To succeed in this role, an individual should be able to perform each essential duty with care and attention. The ability to multi-task, adjust to varying paces, meet deadlines, and maintain reliable attendance is important. The qualifications listed below reflect the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed. Reasonable accommodations can be made to support individuals with disabilities in performing the essential functions.

• Strong customer service skills and a positive, friendly attitude
• Passionate about food and helping others
• Valid Oregon Food Handlers card required
• Ability to handle multiple tasks at once
• Eagerness to learn about the department’s products
• Follow instructions and procedures with attention to detail
• Ability to operate department equipment safely and effectively
• Good time management, a strong work ethic, and integrity
• Capable of answering customer questions clearly and with a helpful attitude
• Flexible schedule availability, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on department needs

Experience 

Ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of restaurant cooking and/or 2 years of customer service experience.  

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business documents (instructions and vendor information). Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, managers and customers

Mathematical Skills

Strong basic math skills including the ability to add, multiply, divide, subtract and calculate percentages

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.  Ability to solve practical problems.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Stand for long periods of time
• Bend, lift, push and pull carts with heavy loads
• Proper use of a box cutter, knives, and other department devices
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds
• Frequent bending, stooping, and climbing
• Frequent use of stairs
• Repetitive stretching and lifting required

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Exposure to temperature variations and wet conditions
• May walk and work on uneven and slick surfaces
• Requires reaching above and below shoulder height
• May need to use a ladder or stool to reach product or supplies
• Exposure to continuous background noise

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

If you’re passionate about great food and wine and love sharing your knowledge, we’d love for you to join the Zupan’s Markets team. We offer a fun and dynamic work environment, opportunities for growth, competitive wages, and a comprehensive benefits package, including discounts on purchases at Zupan’s Markets. Additionally, you may be eligible for our generous employer-matched 401(k) program. If you’re committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience, we encourage you to apply!