Cafe Kitchen Lead

Overview

The Cafe Kitchen Lead is responsible for assisting in all aspects of food preparation and kitchen operations in our Hollywood Cafe. They will assist in overseeing portion and inventory control, food quality, kitchen organization, and cleanliness. They provide hands-on assistance to the kitchen staff, and help to ensure a focused and efficient execution of production. In addition to maintaining our vision by adhering to our values and management principles, this position must lead others by example and communicate any observations, issues, and ideas to the Kitchen Manager. 

Responsibilities

• Ensures quality control of prep, line, and deli stations, maintaining high standards of quality and appearance for all food prepared and served.
• Takes daily inventory, writes the daily production list, and maintains inventory records using company systems and spreadsheets.
• Conducts monthly inventory as assigned.
• Places vendor orders through online ordering portals and monitors food costing platforms to support cost control and budget goals.
• Verifies that portion sizes, quality standards, and department rules, policies, and procedures are maintained by kitchen employees.
• Works with a sense of urgency and attention to detail; teaches and promotes the same work ethic in other cooks.
• Assists with training kitchen personnel.
• Assists with regular kitchen duties as needed, including prep work, line cook support, and cleaning and organizing the kitchen.
• Assists the Kitchen Manager with recipe development and operational efficiency on the hot and cold lines.
• Helps the Kitchen Manager and FOH leadership roll out new menu items.
• Provides feedback on kitchen operations, menu items, and policies.
• Partners with BOH and FOH leadership to resolve problems and support restaurant, cafe, and kitchen needs.
• Adheres to and ensures accountability around company policies, including but not limited to cash handling, product standards, safety standards, cleanliness standards, facility maintenance, and hospitality best practices.
• Provides both reinforcing and constructive feedback to the team in a respectful manner; demonstrates strong leadership and is empathetic and supportive when engaging with the team.
• Upholds and follows all health and food safety guidelines.
• Sets the tone for the team by practicing and modeling a positive, solution-oriented attitude.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Able to obtain and/or maintain a valid ServSafe certification
• Proficient with basic computer applications, including food costing platforms, vendor ordering portals, inventory tracking, and Google Sheets.
• 1+ years of a lead position in production
• Able to obtain and/or maintain any government required licenses, certificates or permits
• Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate teams to consistently produce great food
• Possesses ability to teach, learn and utilizes a problem-solving approach
• Ability to multitask and adept at working effectively in high energy and busy environments and works well under pressure
• Passion for good food and quality customer experiences
• Excellent knife skills
• Must love and enjoy working with food and able to distinguish product, taste, texture, temperature, and presentation and preparation
• Must be able to legally work in the United States

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Able to work 8+ hour shifts while standing or walking for extended periods of time.
• Able to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Able to grasp, lift and carry up to 50 pounds as needed
• Able to maneuver effectively around the kitchen, restaurant office, and up/downstairs

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for all full-time employees - 80% contribution to base plan monthly premium 
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off
• Free coffee at any Sightglass cafe and a weekly bag of beans
• Discounts on food, merchandise, extra bags of beans, and more

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Sightglass is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We deliver an ever-evolving and consistently excellent coffee experience. We approach coffee holistically, establishing relationships at every step. We stay true to our welcoming and resourceful culture.