Kitchen Lead

New Store Opening Summer 2022

Position Summary: The Kitchen Lead is responsible for modeling Earth Fares Vision, Mission, Declaration and Customer Service Creed, while training and developing team members within their department. They work closely with the Prepared Foods Manager and Assistant Prepared Foods Manager to ensure profitability and positive results of the department. This person ensures team members adhere to the departments Standard Operating Procedures, excellent customer service, proper production, display of food, and a clean and safe work environment. This person provides supervision for department and food quality control.

Essential Functions

1. Staff Development: Communicates the Earth Fare vision, standard operating procedures, merchandising guidelines, and financial goals to Team Members, with strong emphasis on customer service, safety and sanitation. Participates in the interview process and coaches, trains and develops Team Members in the Prepared Foods Department. Maintains a positive and professional work environment. Clearly defines and communicates expectations with punch lists and communication log to team members. (20%)
2. Production: Supervises and participates in the production of in-house prepared foods and proper presentation and display of quality pre-made items. Maintains high standards of quality control. (40%)
3. Operational Tasks: Ordering and receiving deliveries; scheduling; checking daily and weekly sales/movement reports, shrink reports, emails and responding accordingly; conducting monthly department inventory. (10%)
4. Merchandising: Develops and maintains an attractive sales floor by implementing Earth Fare merchandising guidelines. (20%)
5. Department Conditions: Maintains cleanliness, sanitation, and overall organization of the department including all fixtures, storage, work stations, freezers, and coolers. (10%)

Total Percentage Equals 100%

Knowledge and Critical Skills/Expertise

1. Strong communication skills with the ability to train, coach in the moment, and lead people in a positive and professional manner.
2. Strong organization, time management, and multi-tasking skills.
3. Knowledge of food service industry trends, as well as common allergies and specialized dietary terms such as gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, etc.
4. Understanding of food safety and sanitation as well as proper use of kitchen utensils and other equipment used in food preparation.
5. Willingness to work a flexible schedule to include nights, weekends, and holidays.
6. Proficient in Microsoft Office programs including Excel and Outlook. Ability to learn and use a Falcon hand-held computer scanner.
7. Leadership experience preferred.
8. Desire to develop and grow your career with Earth Fare.
9. Strong emphasis on food production and efficiency

Experience

1. 1-2 years minimum experience working in a food service environment.
2. 1-2 years minimum experience working in a retail/customer service environment preferred.
3. Perishable experience and OSHA ServSafe Certification preferred.
4. Leadership experience preferred.
5. Earth Fare experience preferred.

The knowledge, skills and abilities listed above may be acquired through levels of education and experience. However, any equivalent combination of education and/or experience, which provide an applicant with the listed knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job, is acceptable.

Environmental Conditions

1. Works in a fast-paced environment with a focus on customer service.
2. May work in environments of extreme cold and extreme heat for short periods of time.
3. May travel periodically.

Physical Demands

1. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. (In the event an item weighs over 50 pounds the Team Member should have another member of the team help lift the item).
2. Must be able to bend, reach, stoop, kneel and squat.
3. Must be able to push, pull, and maneuver heavy loads.
4. Must be able to stand and be on ones feet the majority of the work day.