KITCHEN LEAD

Job Description

Job Description

Position Description

Wally’s Food Service Leads are key members of the Food Service Team, responsible for delivering outstanding guest service while supervising and assisting team members in the preparation of Wally’s menu items. They ensure high standards of food quality, station cleanliness, and equipment care.

Guiding their team in a fast-paced production environment, they oversee food preparation, support team performance, and maintain compliance with all sanitation and safety requirements. They are expected to consistently meet or exceed production goals while creating a guest-focused atmosphere.

In addition to their operational duties, Food Service Leads play a critical role in training and developing team members within their department and provide support across all departments as needed to ensure smooth store operations.

• Set the example in professionalism, punctuality, and service.
• Supervise and support small teams of kitchen team members to ensure daily tasks are completed efficiently.
• Direct, coach, and mentor team members, providing guidance and feedback to build strong performance.
• Conduct and ensure effective training of team members on recipes, food safety, and Wally’s standards.
• Utilize Wally’s Training Program and scheduled team member touchpoints to support skill development and relationship building.
• Assist in the evaluation and corrective action process of team members.
• Be a knowledgeable resource and point of contact for team members in the department.

• Provide an upbeat, polite, and pleasant guest experience while performing duties in a timely fashion.
• Model professionalism, teamwork, and Wally’s standards of guest service.
• Step in to resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally.
• Comply with uniform standards and maintain a well-groomed appearance.

• Oversee daily food preparation and cooking operations to ensure menu items meet Wally’s quality standards.
• Prepare food menu items using food production equipment, kitchen utensils, and materials according to SOPs and policies.
• Monitor food quality, portion sizes, and presentation to meet or exceed expectations.

• Follow and comply with Standard Operating Procedures, Company Policies, the Team Member Handbook, and management directives.
• Ensure that all kitchen team members comply with SOPs, policies, and directives from leads and managers.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards in compliance with state and company requirements.
• Ensure clean and sanitized workstations, utensils, pans, dishes, and equipment, meeting or exceeding state hygiene requirements.
• Conduct regular temperature checks for food and equipment, documenting results as required.
• Report equipment malfunctions, hazards, or safety concerns promptly.

• Monitor, track, and maintain adequate stock levels for ingredients, supplies, and equipment.
• Assist with receiving, stocking, rotating, and properly storing food and kitchen supplies.
• Stress the importance of following FIFO (First In, First Out) rotation practices to maintain freshness and reduce waste.

• Help enforce Wally’s policies and communicate effectively with Kitchen Managers and other department leads to coordinate workflows.
• Support other departments and special promotions/events when needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Kitchen Manager or Store Leadership.
• Maintain flexibility in scheduling, including availability for nights, weekends, and holidays.

High school diploma or GED preferred. 1 to 2 years food service experience in a fast- paced environment is highly desired.

1 year of experience supervising small teams is preferred.

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.

Ability to communicate and/or write simple correspondence.

Ability to operate kitchen equipment, use kitchen utensils, follow ingredient lists, and basic instructions.

Intermediate knowledge of food sanitation.

Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Food Service Leads are regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Wally's Team Members receive the following benefits:

• 401(k) with 5% match
• Company-paid medical option
• Dental / Vision
• Company-paid life insurance
• PTO
• Short-Term Disability (STD)
• Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)