FOOD SERVICE ASSISTANT MANAGER

Assistant Store Manager

CrossAmerica Partners is an operator of convenience stores and a retail distributor of motor fuels. With a geographic footprint across 34 states, we strive to be an industry leader, providing fuel and convenience products essential to keep people moving across America!

At the core of our mission, we are a responsible, people-focused organization, committed to the well-being of our employees, customers, and the environment.

Position Description:

The Food Service Assistant Manager will assist in overseeing food preparation, team management, inventory control, and customer service to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the food service area. This role is ideal for someone with a passion for food service management, excellent leadership skills, and a commitment to providing positive customer experience.

Responsibilities:

Operational Support:

• Support the Food Service Manager in managing the day-to-day operations of the food service area, ensuring that food preparation, cooking, and service are executed efficiently and in compliance with safety standards.
• Assist in supervising food service employees during shifts. Ensure staff adheres to company policies and procedures.
• Help manage employee schedules to ensure appropriate staffing levels during peak and off-peak hours, balancing operational needs and labor costs.
• Monitor kitchen workflows to ensure timely preparation of orders and maintain a smooth, organized environment throughout shifts.

Food Quality & Safety:

• Oversee the preparation and presentation of food, ensuring all items meet the store's quality standards for taste, appearance, and consistency.
• Ensure that all food handling, storage, and preparation processes comply with health and safety regulations. Monitor kitchen cleanliness and sanitation procedures, ensuring a safe environment for both staff and customers.
• Assist in preparing for health inspections and ensure that the kitchen, food service areas, and equipment meet local and state health codes.

Customer Service Management:

• Act as a point of contact for customers with food-related inquiries or complaints. Ensure customer satisfaction by resolving issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Ensure that food orders are accurate, prepared, and served promptly, especially during high-volume periods. Manage order flow to maintain high customer satisfaction levels.
• Train staff to provide exceptional customer service, encouraging a positive atmosphere within the food service area.

Inventory & Stock Management:

• Assist in managing inventory levels, ensuring that food supplies, ingredients, and packaging materials are well stocked. Conduct regular checks to ensure proper stock rotation (FIFO) and minimal waste.
• Help with ordering food supplies and receiving deliveries, ensuring that all products are stored correctly to maintain freshness and comply with food safety standards.
• Monitor and reduce food waste by ensuring accurate portion control, proper ingredient storage, and efficient kitchen operations.

Training & Development:

• Assist in training new hires in food preparation techniques, safety protocols, and customer service standards. Provide ongoing coaching and support to team members.
• Monitor employee performance, provide feedback, and address any issues related to food quality, service, or behavior. Assist in conducting performance evaluations and addressing disciplinary concerns.

Administrative Support:

• Help maintain accurate records related to food safety, inventory usage, and employee performance. Assist in generating daily, weekly, and monthly reports on food sales, labor costs, and inventory levels.
• Assist in overseeing cash handling procedures, ensuring proper cash register operation and transaction accuracy.

Compliance & Safety:

• Assist in training staff in proper safety procedures for kitchen equipment and handling hazardous materials (e.g., cleaning supplies, hot surfaces).
• Support compliance with local and state regulations regarding food safety, sanitation, and employee safety. Assist in preparing for health inspections and audits.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; a degree or coursework in hospitality, culinary arts, or business management is a plus.
• At least 2-3 years of experience in a food service environment, with at least 1 year in a leadership or supervisory role. Experience in managing a kitchen or food service department in a high-volume setting is preferred.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations, kitchen equipment, and inventory management practices.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong leadership abilities with experience in managing and motivating a team. Ability to train, mentor, and develop staff while fostering a positive work environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Able to provide clear instructions, feedback, and training to team members, and communicate effectively with customers and management.
• Ability to prioritize customer satisfaction, resolve complaints effectively, and ensure a positive dining experience for all customers.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and handle a variety of responsibilities.
• Quick decision-making skills to address operational or customer-related issues.
• High attention to detail when it comes to food preparation, cleanliness, inventory management, and customer service.
• Ability to maintain high standards of food quality, safety, and cleanliness while balancing multiple priorities.
• Basic knowledge of point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory software, and scheduling tools.
• Familiarity with basic office software (e.g., Word, Excel) is a plus.
• Food Handler Certification or willingness to obtain certification during training is preferred.
• ServSafe Certification or equivalent food safety certification is preferred but not required at the time of hire.

Reports To:

• Food Service Manager / Store Manager

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Be able to stand extended periods (up to 8 hours) during shifts.
• Capable of lifting boxes and products, maximum 50 lbs., frequently 10-25 lbs., and carrying items across the store.
• Ability to bend, squat, and reach for products on shelves, both high and low. Ability to climb a ladder as needed.
• Must be able to walk throughout the store and between departments regularly.
• Ability to handle cash, operate registers, and bag items efficiently.
• Must be comfortable with repetitive tasks such as scanning items, restocking, and organizing products.
• Able to work in cold environments, including freezers and refrigerators, when restocking products.
• The role requires mental focus and stamina to perform physical tasks consistently and efficiently throughout the shift.
• Exposure to varying kitchen temperatures (hot cooking surfaces and cold storage areas).
• Seasonal snow removal, as needed.
• Ability to handle emergency situations.
• Ability to work alone.

The physical requirements and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met or encountered by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Benefits

We offer a competitive benefit package for full-time team members that includes health insurance, vacation, holiday pay, 401K with employer match and more. Our part-time team members are eligible for 401k with employer match and paid holidays and may also be eligible for health insurance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CrossAmerica Partners (or its subsidiaries and related entities) contract with employment service organizations to provide staffing for its retail operations. The employment service organizations are equal opportunity employers. For this position, the equal opportunity employer is Wildcat LLC. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Accommodations

The employment service organizations with which CrossAmerica Partners contacts, including Wildcat LLC, make all employment decisions in accordance with applicable laws and provide reasonable accommodations to qualifying individuals on the basis of any protected characteristic consistent with applicable law. Wildcat LLC is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Wildcat LLC also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions,