Lead Food Service Worker

Lead Food Service Worker

The Lead Food Service Worker supports the daily operations of the varying types of food service operations. Assists in leading dining staff by ensuring high-quality food preparation, compliance with food safety, and overall customer service.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist in leading dining staff by providing direction during meal service and ensuring assigned tasks are completed efficiently. Train new and existing staff on proper food handling, safety procedures, customer service expectations, and station setup. Manage daily area work assignments ensuring smooth workflow. Communicate professionally and effectively with staff, supervisors, and/or customers throughout shift. Maintain current knowledge of all areas of responsibility. Provide support throughout the dining units as needed.
• Assist in preparing, cooking, and serving a variety of meals in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. Serve high-quality food products which may include performing short-order, made-to-order cooking, and customized drinks using commercial production and kitchen equipment. Read, follow, and execute recipes based on culinary standards. Maintain concise menu and product knowledge and ensure customer satisfaction with drink/food quality. Set up, stock, clean, and replenish the serving area before/during service. Break down and clean all serving areas, workstations, and equipment after service. Restock shelves, beverage stations, and convenience store merchandise as needed. Ensure detailed cleaning tasks are completed throughout the shift. Track inventory levels, assist with ordering supplies, and minimize food waste.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers by greeting and assisting customers, ensuring a professional and enthusiastic demeanor. Operate the point-of-sale (POS) system, process meal plan, cash, and credit card transactions accurately.
• Monitor food presentation and quality, maintaining portion control and attractive display standards. Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation guidelines. Store food in designated areas following wrapping, dating, and rotation procedures. Maintain temperature logs throughout shift and ensures food is cooked and maintains appropriate temperature throughout service. Avoid cross-contamination and actively monitor food levels and quality. Follow work safety guidelines and utilize proper PPE as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen, service areas, and dining spaces. Maintain and replenish service supplies, including condiments and napkins. Assist in maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in all areas, including dining rooms, kitchens, dish areas, and bathrooms. Tasks include but not limited to sweeping, mopping, cleaning surfaces, walls, and windows. Report emergencies and equipment issues.
• Adhere to University policies regarding time and attendance, training, and compliance. Complete and maintain required food safety training, including Texas Food Handler Safety. Adhere to UHD cash handling guidelines. Complete paperwork related to cashier operation, including transfer of funds reports, closing reports, cash reconciliation sheets, and deposit envelopes. Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Two years of experience working and preparing food in a restaurant, commercial, or institutional facility.
• Experience training or leading staff in a restaurant, commercial, or institutional food facility.
• Experience with operating standard kitchen equipment.
• Ability to complete and maintain Food Safety Training required by University Housing and Dining.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience working and preparing food in a restaurant, commercial, or institutional facility using commercial kitchen equipment.
• Two years or more of experience as a cashier in a food service operation utilizing point-of-sale (POS) systems
• One or more years of experience training or leading staff in a restaurant, commercial, or institutional food facility.
• Customer service experience in a high-volume food service operation.
• Experience following recipes.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to multi-task and work with little supervision.

Salary Range

$45,760 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished).
• May work in extreme temperatures.
• May work around biohazards.
• May work around chemicals.
• Use of manual dexterity.
• Climbing of stairs.
• Climbing of ladders.
• Pushing, pulling, and moving up to 50 pounds.
• Lifting and moving up to 62 pounds.
• The successful candidate will be required to successfully complete testing for strength and agility prior to employment.

Work Shift

• Workdays, area, and work hours may vary based on the needs of the unit and University Housing and Dining (UHD).

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest